Hazard Checklist

Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist. Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay home.

A step-by-step checklist for heating safety, frozen pipe prevention, winter driving, and cold-weather survival. Print it for your refrigerator or save it to your My Readiness dashboard.

20 °F

pipes begin freezing

430+

CO deaths per year (CDC)

70%

of winter storm deaths are vehicle-related

95 °F

body temp where hypothermia begins

Phase 1

Before winter arrives. Winterize your home. Stock your supplies.

Winter storms can knock out power for days and make roads impassable. The preparation you do now determines how comfortably you ride out the cold.

Home Winterization

  • Have your heating system serviced before the season (furnace, heat pump, or wood stove)
  • Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls with pipe insulation or heat tape
  • Seal drafts around windows, doors, and outlets with weatherstripping or caulk
  • Clean your chimney and inspect the fireplace damper if you use wood heat

Supplies

  • Stock at least 3 days of food and water that requires no cooking or refrigeration
  • Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing layers for every household member
  • Rock salt or sand for walkways and driveways
  • Ensure you have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector (not plug-in only)

Vehicle Winter Kit

  • Blankets, extra warm clothing, hat, and gloves stored in the vehicle
  • Sand or kitty litter (for traction), ice scraper, small shovel
  • Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, phone charger
  • Water and shelf-stable snacks (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)

Medical and Safety

  • Keep a 7-day supply of all medications on hand before a storm is forecast
  • If anyone uses electric medical equipment, have a battery backup and know the run time
  • Know the signs of hypothermia: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness
  • Know the signs of frostbite: numbness, white or grayish skin, firm or waxy texture

Phase 2

During the storm. Conserve heat. Prevent CO poisoning.

Most winter storm deaths come from carbon monoxide poisoning, vehicle accidents, and hypothermia. All three are preventable.

Heating and CO Safety

  • Never use a gas oven, stove, grill, or charcoal for heating — all produce carbon monoxide
  • Never run a generator indoors or in a garage — at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent
  • Use only approved indoor-rated heaters with tip-over shutoff and 3 feet of clearance
  • Close off unused rooms, hang blankets over doorways, dress in layers to conserve heat

Preventing Frozen Pipes

  • Let faucets drip on exposed or exterior-wall plumbing lines
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes
  • If you lose power, shut off the main water valve and drain the system to prevent burst pipes
  • Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night during extreme cold

If You Must Drive

  • Stay home if at all possible — 70% of winter storm deaths involve vehicles
  • Tell someone your route and expected arrival time before leaving
  • If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle — it is your best shelter
  • Run the engine for heat 15 minutes per hour — clear the tailpipe of snow to prevent CO buildup

Phase 3

After the storm. Shovel carefully. Check your home.

The storm has passed, but the cold remains. Shoveling, ice dams, and burst pipes are the hazards now.

Safety and Health

  • Shovel in small loads and take frequent breaks — snow shoveling is a leading cause of heart attacks during winter storms
  • Clear snow from furnace exhaust vents, dryer vents, and any outdoor equipment intakes
  • Check the roof for ice dams — water backing up under shingles causes interior damage
  • Inspect all pipes for leaks or cracks as temperatures rise — a burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage

Recovery

  • Photograph any damage for insurance documentation before beginning cleanup
  • Check on elderly neighbors and anyone who lives alone — hypothermia can develop indoors
  • Restock supplies, replace batteries, and refuel generators for the next storm
  • If pipes burst, shut off the main water valve and contact a licensed plumber

Gear

Winter essentials. Start here.

A few targeted items keep your home warm, your pipes intact, and your family safe through an extended winter outage.

Browse all gear reviews →

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