Home Preparation
- Heating system serviced and functional
- Alternative heat source available (fireplace, space heater)
- Fuel for alternative heating (firewood, propane, kerosene)
- Insulate pipes in cold areas
- Know how to shut off water main
- Weather stripping on doors and windows
- Roof and gutters clear of debris
- Snow removal equipment ready (shovel, ice melt)
- Generator tested (if available)
- Carbon monoxide detectors working with fresh batteries
Emergency Supplies
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 3+ days
- Non-perishable food for 3+ days
- Manual can opener
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery or crank radio
- First aid kit
- Medications for 1 week
- Extra blankets and sleeping bags
- Warm clothing layers for everyone
- Phone chargers (car and portable)
- Cash (ATMs may not work)
Heating Safety
- Space heaters kept 3 feet from anything flammable
- Never leave space heaters unattended
- Never use oven or stove for heating
- Fireplace screen in place
- Chimney cleaned and inspected
- Generator ONLY used outdoors
- CO detector on each level of home
Vehicle Preparation
- Fuel tank at least half full
- Antifreeze checked
- Battery tested
- Tires with adequate tread (winter tires if appropriate)
- Windshield wipers and fluid
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Snacks and water
- Phone charger
- Small shovel
- Sand or cat litter for traction
During the Storm
- Stay indoors unless essential to go out
- Dress in layers if going outside
- Cover exposed skin (frostbite risk)
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Keep one faucet dripping to prevent pipe freeze
- Open cabinet doors under sinks (exposed pipes)
- Conserve phone battery
- Monitor weather updates
- If power fails, gather in one room to conserve heat
Preventing Frozen Pipes
- Keep heat at minimum 55°F even when away
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold
- Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to heat
- Know location of main water shutoff
- Insulate exposed pipes
- If pipes freeze, keep faucet open while thawing
- Never use open flame to thaw pipes
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold is too cold to go outside?
Frostbite can occur in minutes when wind chill drops below minus 20°F. Limit exposure and cover all skin. Even above that, prolonged exposure is dangerous.
What if my heat goes out?
Close off unused rooms. Gather family in one room, ideally with southern exposure. Use layers and blankets. Consider relocating if temperature drops dangerously.
Should I let my faucets drip?
Yes, during extreme cold. A slight drip prevents pressure buildup that causes pipes to burst. Worth the small water cost.
Can I use my gas oven for heat?
Never. Gas ovens produce carbon monoxide and are not designed for space heating. This is a leading cause of winter CO poisoning deaths.
Disclaimer: This checklist provides general guidance. Follow local weather warnings and official emergency guidance.