Winter weather safety tips
Winter storms can include blizzards, ice storms, freezing rain, extreme wind, sleet, black ice, and other hazards. Regardless of where you live, winter storm preparation is a key component to keeping your home and family safe during the colder months.
This guide provides tips and advice to prepare for winter storms, including a winter weather readiness checklist, steps for building a home emergency kit, and what to do during a power outage.
How to prepare before a winter storm
Preparing ahead of time is the most important step when it comes to dealing with winter storms. Before the winter weather arrives, we recommend performing routine home maintenance to ensure everything is functioning properly. As a bonus, regular maintenance can help you save energy throughout the winter and lower your electricity bills. Here’s what you should inspect during seasonal maintenance:
- Your HVAC system: Schedule an inspection with a licensed HVAC professional to ensure your heating system is clean and working properly. It’s also important to regularly switch out the HVAC filter.
- Your fireplace: If you have a fireplace in your home, now is the time to clean and clear it of debris. You should also stock up on heating fuel in case you need it during a storm.
- Your carbon monoxide detector: Ensure your carbon monoxide detector has new batteries to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning during a winter storm.
- Your windows and doors: Cold air can leak into your home through gaps around windows and doors. Check the seals and apply any weatherstripping necessary to keep cold air out and heated air in.
Pack a home emergency kit
Another important step in winter storm preparation is building a home emergency kit for winter. Include adequate supplies for the number of people and pets in your household. We recommend adding the following items to your home emergency kit:
- One gallon of water per person for three days
- Three-day supply of nonperishable food per person
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- First aid kit
- Necessary prescription medications
- Cellphone chargers (including a portable charger)
- Heating fuel
- Fire extinguisher
- Blankets
While this list is not exhaustive, it contains essential items to keep your family safe if the storm lasts more than a few hours or causes extensive damage.
Winter weather readiness checklist
You can use the following checklist to quickly determine whether you’re prepared for a winter storm.
- Weatherize your home and perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system.
- Place important documents and health information in a safe location.
- Stock your home emergency kit with essential items.
- Secure outdoor furniture in case of extreme winds.
- Find a reliable source for accurate weather reports and updates in your area.
- Install/replace the batteries of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Create an emergency plan with your household members, including a designated meeting location in case you are away from home when a winter storm arrives.
What to do during a winter storm
If a winter storm hits your area, stay off the roads and limit your time outdoors. Extremely cold temperatures raise the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. If you have to go outside, wear warm layers of clothing, including gloves and a hat. If you have pets or own livestock, be sure to bring them inside or provide adequate shelter. Avoid driving at all costs, even if the road appears clear. Black ice is notoriously difficult to spot and is often the culprit for car accidents following winter storms.
Power outages are common after extreme winter weather. Our power outage guide provides in-depth details to keep your household safe during an outage. If you need to use a generator or grill, keep it outside and away from windows. This will help minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use your oven or an open fire for warmth during an outage, as these are hazards for carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires. Be extremely cautious about using candles as a light source and never leave them unattended. We recommend using a battery-powered flashlight instead.
After a winter storm
Even if you think the storm is over, you should continue to listen to your local radio or TV station to receive weather updates and instructions. Continue to be cautious of your surroundings and cold temperatures. After the storm has passed, replenish any materials you used in your emergency kit so it is ready to go the next time you need it.