Winter Storm Prep Checklist
A printable checklist to work through before a major winter storm, covering home protection, supplies, vehicle readiness, and power outage backup so your household can shelter in place safely.
Winter Storm Prep Checklist
Work through each section before the storm arrives. Check items as completed.
Home, Heating & Pipes
| Done | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Test heating system, schedule service if needed | ||
| Stock firewood or fuel for backup heat source | ||
| Insulate exposed pipes (crawl space, garage, exterior walls) | ||
| Know location of main water shutoff valve | ||
| Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during freeze | ||
| Set thermostat no lower than 55°F even if away | ||
| Seal drafts around doors and windows | ||
| Clear dryer vent and furnace exhaust of snow/ice |
Power & Generator
| Done | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Test generator, run under load for 30 minutes | ||
| Stock 5–10 gallons of treated fuel for generator | ||
| Charge power banks and battery stations | ||
| Locate and test flashlights / headlamps | ||
| Stock extra batteries (AA, AAA, D) | ||
| Charge all phones and devices | ||
| Confirm carbon monoxide detectors are working |
Food & Water
| Done | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock 3–7 days of no-cook / easy-cook foods | ||
| Fill water containers (1 gal/person/day) | ||
| Stock camp stove / fuel for cooking if power goes out | ||
| Keep refrigerator and freezer full (better cold retention) | ||
| Stock pet food for at least 7 days |
Vehicle
| Done | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fill gas tank before storm | ||
| Check tire pressure and tread (or snow tires installed) | ||
| Check antifreeze / coolant levels | ||
| Stock winter emergency kit in vehicle | ||
| Ice scraper / snow brush in vehicle | ||
| Bag of sand or kitty litter for traction | ||
| Blanket and warm clothes in vehicle |
Outdoor & Property
| Done | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock ice melt / salt for walkways | ||
| Charge snowblower / locate snow shovels | ||
| Bring in outdoor furniture and potted plants | ||
| Trim dead branches that could fall on home or power lines | ||
| Check roof for ice dam potential (clear gutters) | ||
| Protect outdoor water faucets with insulated covers |
Communications & Safety
| Done | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm NOAA weather radio is charged / has batteries | ||
| Sign up for local emergency text alerts | ||
| Notify out-of-area contact of storm plans | ||
| Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors | ||
| Stock first aid kit and prescription medications (7-day supply) |
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare my home for a winter storm?
Before a winter storm: insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing, know how to shut off your water main in case a pipe bursts, service your furnace and stock extra filters, test your generator and have fuel on hand, stock 3–7 days of food and medications, charge devices and power banks, locate your emergency blankets and cold-weather gear, and stock ice melt for walkways.
How do I prevent pipes from freezing during a winter storm?
Keep the home heated to at least 55°F even in unused areas. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to reach pipes. Let a thin trickle of water run from faucets served by vulnerable pipes during extreme cold. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and unheated garages with foam pipe insulation. Know where your main water shutoff is in case a pipe does freeze and burst.
What should I stock before a winter storm?
Stock at least 3–7 days of food and water, prescription medications, flashlights and extra batteries, blankets and warm clothing for all household members, a first aid kit, rock salt or ice melt for walkways, a snow shovel and scraper, hand warmers, a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio, and fuel for your generator or backup heat source. Fill your vehicle's gas tank before the storm arrives.
How do I stay warm if the heat goes out during a winter storm?
Close off unused rooms to concentrate heat in a smaller space. Use layers of clothing and sleeping bags rather than blankets alone. Gather household members into one room. Safe indoor heating options include electric space heaters (with a working smoke detector) and a fireplace or wood stove. Never use propane heaters, camp stoves, or generators indoors, these produce carbon monoxide.