Winter Storm Checklist: Stay Safe Before, During & After
Winter storms can strand you at home for days, knock out power, and make roads impassable. Preparing ahead of the season — not the day before a storm — is what separates a dangerous situation from a manageable one. This checklist covers home supplies, car preparedness, and how to stay safe in extreme cold.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-01 · Based on Ready.gov, CDC, FEMA guidance
Home Heating Backup
When your primary heating system fails.
- Warm blankets or sleeping bags (one per person)(1+ per person)critical
Wool and synthetic fleece retain warmth even when damp. Keep extras in bedroom closets.
- Layered warm clothing (thermal base, fleece mid-layer, outer shell)critical
Dress in layers. Moisture-wicking base layer keeps you warm even if you sweat.
- Winter hat, gloves, and wool socks(1 set per person)critical
60% of body heat is lost through the head, hands, and feet.
- Hand warmers (disposable)(10+ packs)
Each pack provides 8–10 hours of warmth. Useful for car kits too.
- Portable propane heater (for use with open window for ventilation)optional
Use only with a window cracked and CO detector nearby. Never sleep with it running.
Food & Water
Supplies for days stuck at home.
- Non-perishable food (5+ day supply)(5+ days per person)critical
Winter storms can last longer than 72 hours. Stock more than the minimum.
- Stored water (1 gallon per person per day)(1 gallon/person/day)critical
Pipes can freeze and burst in extreme cold. Have stored water before the storm.
- Manual can opener(1)critical
- Camp stove with fuel (outdoor use only)
NEVER use indoors. Carbon monoxide kills. Use outside or in well-ventilated space.
- Thermos or insulated containers
Keep beverages warm without constant heating. Hot drinks help maintain body temperature.
Lighting & Power
Power-free lighting and communication.
- Flashlights and extra batteries(1+ per person)critical
- NOAA Weather Radio (battery or hand-crank)critical
Monitors National Weather Service alerts. Critical when cell service is unreliable.
- Battery power banks(2 per household)critical
Charge before the storm. 20,000 mAh charges most phones 4–5 times.
- Carbon monoxide detector with battery backupcritical
Essential if using any backup heating device. CO is odorless and fatal.
Home Safety
Protect your pipes and structure.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas (tape, foam sleeves)critical
Frozen pipes burst and can cause major water damage. Insulate before freezing weather.
- Know how to shut off your main water valvecritical
If a pipe bursts, shutting off water quickly minimizes damage.
- Ice melt / rock salt for walkways(1 bag)
Prevent slips on steps and driveways. Apply before or during the storm.
- Snow shovel(1–2)
Clear exits, driveways, and roof vents. Snow on roof vents can block gas appliances.
- Roof rake (for heavy snowfall areas)optional
Prevents ice dams and structural damage from roof snow load.
Car Emergency Kit
Essentials if you get stranded on the road.
- Ice scraper and snow brush(1 per car)critical
Clear all windows and lights before driving. Laws in many states require full clearing.
- Jumper cables or portable jump startercritical
Cold weather drains car batteries. A portable jump starter works without another car.
- Traction aids (kitty litter, sand, traction mats)
If you get stuck in snow. Keep a bag in the trunk.
- Warm blanket in carcritical
If stranded, stay in your car. Run engine 10 min/hour max with window cracked for CO safety.
- High-energy snacks and water in car
Granola bars, trail mix. Water in insulated bottles so it doesn't freeze.
- Shovel (small folding shovel)
Dig out if you get stuck.
- Keep gas tank at least half full in wintercritical
Gas lines can freeze. Also prevents being stranded without fuel.
Detailed Guidance
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Frozen and burst pipes are one of the most common and expensive outcomes of winter storms. Here's how to prevent them: Before the storm: - Insulate pipes in unheated spaces (attics, crawl spaces, exterior walls) with foam insulation sleeves. - Know where your main water shut-off valve is. - Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold — moving water is harder to freeze. - Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate. During the storm: - Keep thermostat at 55°F or above, even if you leave home. - If you lose heat, let all faucets drip. If pipes freeze: - NEVER use an open flame to thaw pipes. Use a hair dryer or warm towels. - If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve immediately and call a plumber. Source: Red Cross, CDC
Recognizing and Treating Frostbite & Hypothermia
Cold weather emergencies happen fast. Know the signs before you need them. FROSTBITE — affects fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks: - Early stage: skin turns red and is painful - Advanced: skin turns white/gray, feels hard, person can't feel the area - Do: Move to warm area. Remove wet clothing. Warm affected area in 98–102°F water. Don't rub. - Don't: Walk on frostbitten feet if avoidable. HYPOTHERMIA — core body temperature drops below 95°F: - Signs: intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech, clumsiness, exhaustion - Severe: shivering stops (bad sign), very low heart rate, unconsciousness - Do: Call 911. Move to warm shelter. Remove wet clothing. Cover with blankets. Give warm beverages if conscious. - Don't: Rub vigorously, put in a very hot bath, or give alcohol. Source: CDC
Official Sources
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