Prepare an Emergency Kit & Plan: Stock up on essential supplies to sustain your household for at least 3 days during a winter storm. Include bottled water (about one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, and a first aid kit . Also establish a family communication plan so everyone knows how to check in and what to do if power or phone service is disrupted . A well-prepared kit and plan will keep you safe and comfortable if you’re snowed in or lose utilities.

Seal & Insulate Your Home: Keep the cold out and heat in by weatherproofing your house. Insulate exposed attic spaces and wall cavities, caulk cracks and gaps, and apply weather-stripping around doors and windows . Consider installing storm windows or at least covering windows with insulating plastic film during the winter months . These long-term improvements enhance your home’s energy efficiency and help maintain a safe indoor temperature during a storm.

Protect Water Pipes from Freezing: Pipes are vulnerable in extreme cold, so take steps to prevent bursts. Insulate any exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces, or along exterior walls with foam pipe insulation or heat tape . When a deep freeze is expected, allow a small drip of water from faucets and open kitchen/bathroom cabinet doors to let warmer air circulate around plumbing . Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C) even if you’re away, and know where your main water shutoff valve is located so you can quickly turn off water if a pipe does burst . Taking these precautions will significantly reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes in a storm.

Service Heating and Safety Equipment: Well-maintained heating systems and alarms are critical for winter safety. Have your furnace or boiler inspected annually and change filters as needed . If you use a fireplace or wood stove, ensure the chimney is clean and in good repair before heavy winter use . Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries yearly . It’s wise to keep a fire extinguisher on each level of your home and to verify that outside furnace vents or dryer vents are clear of debris before the storm . These measures ensure you can heat your home safely and detect any issues early while riding out the storm.

Prep the Exterior: Give your property a once-over before the snow hits. Clear out gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams and to allow melting snow to drain properly . Trim overhanging tree branches that could snap under heavy ice or snow and damage your roof or power lines . Disconnect garden hoses and shut off or cover outside faucets to avoid frozen spigots. If you have outdoor walkways or driveways to maintain, keep snow shovels and sand or ice melt on hand. Taking these actions in advance will reduce the chances of structural damage and make post-storm clean-up easier.

Power and Lighting Readiness: Plan for potential power outages common in winter storms. Before the storm, charge your cell phones and any backup battery packs fully and have portable chargers available . Gather plenty of battery-powered lighting such as LED flashlights or lanterns (which are safer than candles) so you’re not left in the dark . Surge protectors are a smart investment – plug sensitive electronics into surge protector strips or unplug them before the storm to shield them from voltage spikes when power is restored . If you have a standby generator, test it and make sure you have fuel; never use a generator indoors, and position any portable generator outside, away from windows, to vent exhaust safely . By planning for emergency power and lighting, you’ll stay connected and protect your appliances during any outage.

After the Storm

Assess the Roof & Gutters (Safely): Once it’s safe to go outside, check your roof and gutter system for signs of damage. Look from the ground for excess snow, ice dams, or missing shingles. Heavy snow loads and ice dams can lead to water damage or even roof collapse, so if you see significant buildup, consider hiring a professional to remove the snow and ice from the roof rather than risking injury yourself . Clear out gutters and downspout outlets if they’re clogged with ice, so melting water can flow away from the house. Taking prompt care of your roof and gutters will help prevent leaks as the snow melts.

Clear Snow and Ice Around the Home: Snow accumulation against your house can cause moisture problems. Shovel snow away from foundation walls and basement windows, and clear the area around downspouts so runoff drains away from the home as it melts . It’s also a good idea to remove snow from decks, porches, and stairs to reduce stress on those structures and to prevent slippery conditions . Use caution and proper tools when clearing ice to avoid injury or damage. By giving your property this attention right after the storm, you help your home dry out and recover more quickly.

Inspect Doors, Windows, and Siding: Take a walk around and check all windows and exterior doors for any storm damage. Look for cracked glass, damaged weather-stripping, or water leaks around frames. If you feel drafts or see water spots inside, the storm may have compromised a seal . Also inspect your siding for any loose panels, newly formed gaps, or peeling paint that could have been caused by high winds or ice . Addressing these issues promptly (re-sealing windows, repairing siding) will maintain your home’s insulation and prevent further water intrusion.

Check Plumbing and Utilities: Cold snaps and power outages can affect your plumbing, so after a storm verify that your water lines are intact. Turn on each faucet briefly to ensure water is flowing and that no pipes froze. If you had any faucets dripping during the freeze, close them and monitor that water pressure returns to normal. Look for any obvious leaks or damp spots under sinks and in basements or crawl spaces . If a pipe did freeze and burst, shut off the main water valve immediately and call a professional plumber. Additionally, make sure the home’s heating system and water heater are running properly once power is back. If you smell gas or suspect damage to gas lines or electrical wiring, leave the house and call the utility company for guidance . Safety is the priority—ensure all systems are safe before settling back in.

Dry Out and Repair Minor Damage: In the aftermath, promptly dry any wet areas in your home to prevent mold growth . This includes mopping up puddles, drying damp carpets or drywall, and ventilating the area. For example, if melting snow leaked into the attic or a window was left open, use fans and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry things out. Toss out any water-damaged materials that can’t be dried. Quick action now will protect your property from long-term issues like mold or rot. For any significant damage (such as a leaking roof or structural concerns), arrange for professional repairs. It’s also wise to document any serious damage with photos and notes for your records – and contact your homeowner’s insurance if you plan to file a claim .

Restock and Reflect: Finally, take stock of how well your preparations served you. Replenish any emergency kit supplies that were used up during the storm (water, batteries, etc.), and note any items you wish you had on hand so you can be even better prepared next time. This post-storm review is a key part of long-term property awareness – it helps you improve your home’s resilience and your own readiness for future events. By consistently caring for your home before and after storms, you’ll preserve its value and comfort for the long run.