Winter Storm Checklist

Winter storms don’t usually feel like an emergency… until the power goes out, the roads turn to ice, and the temperature drops fast. The goal isn’t to panic-buy supplies. It’s to do a few practical things that make your home safer and your next 48 hours easier.

Use this guide in three parts: Before the storm, During the storm, and After the storm, so you can take it one step at a time.

Want this as a 1-page printable with more information? Download our Winter Storm Guide here.

Before the storm:

• Protect your pipes from freezing. One of the most common winter storm headaches is frozen pipes. If you’ve had drafts in your home before, or your plumbing runs near exterior walls, take a few minutes to reduce the risk of your pipes freezing. Close the garage doors and keep cold air out of utility areas. Open under sink cabinets to let warmer air near water pipes. If a cold snap is coming, let your faucets drop slightly overnight.
• Make walkways less slippery. The safest winter storm decision is often “don’t go out,” but sometimes you still need to take out the trash, walk the dog, or get to your car. Keep a simple grip supply you can use quickly. Keep non-clumping kitty litter or salt on hand for steps and sidewalks. Keep a small shovel in your car (if you live in an apartment with underground parking), or by your door.
• Keep your car ready even if you're staying home. In case you need to leave home in a hurry, having a full tank of gas will keep you prepared and can keep your fuel line from freezing.
• Make sure that your car emergency kit has everything that you need and replace anything that's used or expired.
• Think about emergency heating. If your heat depends on electricity, then a winter storm might leave you vulnerable. Some people have generators or other back up heating options, but you can stay warm without those. You can identify the warmest room in your house (this is where you will stay in case the power goes out), keep extra blankets in one spot that's easy to access, and decide who you're going to check in on if the power is out for a while.

During a storm:

• Stay inside and dress in layers. If you’re home, stay indoors and dress in layers. Loose-fitting, lightweight layers help you hold warmth better than one bulky item.
• Monitor local updates. Storm conditions and outages change quickly. Keep a local station on (radio or TV) for updates and emergency information.
• Conserve fuel and lower the thermostat if needed (18 degrees during the day and 13 degrees at night is the lowest that you should go). Close off unused rooms, stuff towels or rags under doors that are drafty, and cover the windows at night to keep heat in. If you have to go out, staying dry matters. Change wet clothing to prevent heat loss, and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Cover your mouth to reduce the impact of severely cold air on your lungs, and avoid deep breaths. Dehydration can sneak up in winter. Warm broth or juice can help, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol is recommended during extreme cold conditions. Make sure that you are eating regularly, food gives your body energy to generate heat.

After a storm:

• Keep listening to local news to hear updates. Conditions may still be changing even after the storm stops.
• Avoid driving if possible
• Avoid overexertion, especially when shovelling or moving snow.
  

If you're living in an apartment, make sure that you're covering the windows to avoid heat loss, staying warm, and have ways to communicate with your neighbours in case of building outages. 

Want this as a 1-page printable with more information? Download our Winter Storm Guide here.