Snowstorms and arctic cold can turn everyday tasks into safety risks. The best protection is preparation: reduce exposure, prevent damage (especially water and heat-related), and plan for disruptions like power outages and blocked roads. Use this guide as a practical checklist you can complete in under a day.

1) Understand the risk and timing

  • Check alerts early: Watch for winter storm warnings, wind chill advisories, and ice forecasts from local authorities and reliable weather services.
  • Plan around the worst window: Identify when wind and snowfall peak so you can finish errands and home prep beforehand.
  • Assume delays: Deliveries, school closures, and road treatment may not happen on your schedule—stock and charge devices early.

2) Prepare your home (heat, water, and power)

Keep heat in and cold out

  • Seal drafts: Add weatherstripping to doors, use draft stoppers, and close curtains at night.
  • Use safe supplemental heat: If you use space heaters, keep them away from curtains and furniture, plug directly into a wall outlet (not power strips), and never leave them unattended.
  • Set a consistent thermostat: Avoid big temperature swings that can increase condensation and freeze risk.

Prevent frozen pipes

  • Insulate: Wrap exposed pipes (basements, crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls) with foam pipe insulation.
  • Open cabinet doors: Let warm air reach plumbing under sinks on exterior walls.
  • Let faucets drip if needed: In extreme cold, a slow drip can reduce freezing risk—especially on vulnerable lines.
  • Know your shutoff valve: Locate the main water shutoff now, and ensure you can access it quickly.

Plan for power outages

  • Charge everything: Phones, battery packs, headlamps, and laptop power banks.
  • Lighting: Use flashlights or lanterns instead of candles when possible.
  • Backup warmth: Keep extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers accessible.
  • Generator safety: If you own a generator, operate it outdoors only, far from doors/windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

3) Stock an emergency kit (48–72 hours)

  • Water: Enough for drinking and basic hygiene.
  • Food: No-cook or easy-cook items (canned foods, nut butter, granola, ready-to-eat meals). Include a manual can opener.
  • Medications: Several days’ supply, plus basic first aid and any medical device backups (batteries, supplies).
  • Warmth: Hand warmers, hats, gloves, thermal socks, extra blankets.
  • Tools: Battery radio, headlamp, spare batteries, multi-tool, duct tape.
  • Sanitation: Trash bags, wipes, soap, and basic cleaning supplies.

4) Car and travel preparation (avoid getting stranded)

  • Fuel: Keep the tank at least half full to reduce condensation and ensure range if roads close.
  • Winter gear in the trunk: Ice scraper, small shovel, jumper cables, traction aid (sand/cat litter), blanket, gloves, flashlight, phone charger.
  • Check basics: Tire tread/pressure, windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temps, wipers, and battery health.
  • Route planning: Prefer major roads and avoid steep, untreated, or remote routes when snow/ice is expected.

5) Outdoor safety: snow removal and exposure

  • Dress in layers: A moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, and wind/water-resistant outer layer.
  • Limit time outside: Wind chill can cause frostbite faster than you expect—take warm-up breaks.
  • Shovel smart: Push snow when possible, lift small amounts, and pace yourself. If you have heart/respiratory risks, consider getting help.
  • Clear vents: Keep furnace and dryer vents clear of snow/ice to reduce fire and carbon monoxide risk.

6) Protect pets, vulnerable neighbors, and pipes in unoccupied spaces

  • Pets: Bring them inside, dry paws after walks (salt/ice melt can irritate), and ensure they have warm bedding.
  • Check on others: Older adults, people living alone, and those with medical equipment may need help before and during a storm.
  • Unoccupied areas: Garages, basements, and vacation homes are pipe-freeze hotspots—keep minimum heat on and insulate exposed lines.

7) During the storm: what to do (and what to avoid)

  • Stay put if advised: Travel during peak conditions increases accident and exposure risk.
  • Use heat sources safely: Never use ovens or grills to heat indoors; ensure ventilation for any approved indoor heating equipment.
  • Keep one room warm: If power is limited, consolidate people and pets into one insulated room to conserve warmth.
  • Monitor updates: Keep a battery radio or phone alerts for changing conditions and emergency instructions.

8) After the storm: damage checks and safe recovery

  • Look for leaks: If water pressure changes or you see stains, shut off water and investigate promptly.
  • Watch for ice dams: Heavy roof snow can cause water backup—address carefully and consider professional help.
  • Drive cautiously: Black ice can persist for days, especially on bridges and shaded roads.
  • Restock: Replace used supplies and update your kit based on what you wished you had.

Quick checklist (printable)

  • Weather alerts checked; errands done before peak conditions
  • Drafts sealed; thermostat set; safe heater plan
  • Pipes insulated; cabinets open; main shutoff located
  • Outage readiness: charged devices, flashlights, blankets
  • 72-hour supplies: water, food, meds, first aid, sanitation
  • Car ready: fuel, scraper/shovel, charger, blanket
  • Pets and vulnerable neighbors checked
  • Post-storm plan: leaks, roof/vent checks, safe driving