A big winter storm rarely arrives without warning. Forecasters usually give a day or two of notice, and that window is your chance to get ahead of power outages, frozen pipes and slick roads. Rather than a random list of tips, here’s a simple timeline that breaks blizzard prep into manageable steps, so you’re not scrambling when the first flakes fall.
The Short Version
- Use the day before the storm to stock up, charge devices and fuel your car.
- Protect pipes, check carbon monoxide alarms and bring pets indoors.
- If conditions are bad, the safest drive is the one you skip.
- After the storm, clear walkways, watch the roof and document any damage.
When the Storm Shows Up in the Forecast
Start paying attention to a reliable local weather source, and turn on emergency alerts on your phone. Storm tracks shift, and timing can change by hours. Knowing when the worst conditions will hit helps you plan work, school runs and errands.
- Stock up on food that doesn’t need cooking, drinking water and any medications
- Check flashlights and lanterns and pick up spare batteries for them
- Charge phones, tablets and portable power banks
- Save important numbers in your phone, including your utility company and your insurance agent
- Pick up rock salt or ice melt and make sure the snow shovel is easy to reach
- If you use a generator, test it and store fuel safely
The Evening Before
Get the car ready
- Fill the tank. A full tank keeps you from getting stranded and adds weight for traction. Gas stations may lose power after the storm.
- Top off washer fluid. Use a winter blend that won’t freeze.
- Lift the wipers. Raising them keeps the rubber from freezing to the glass.
- Stock the trunk. A bag of sand, salt or cat litter adds weight and can give you grip if you get stuck. Add a small shovel, an ice scraper, blankets, snacks and a phone charger.
- Park strategically. If you can, park in the garage or somewhere plows won’t bury you.
Protect the house
Frozen pipes are one of the costliest winter problems for homeowners. When temperatures plunge, take a few minutes to:
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets if they have an interior valve.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
- Let a faucet drip slightly on the coldest nights.
- Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature, even overnight.
- Know where your main water shutoff is in case a pipe bursts.
Carbon Monoxide Danger
Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms before the storm. Never run a generator in a garage, basement or near open windows, and never use an oven, grill or vehicle to heat your home. If an alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call for help.
Take care of people and pets
Bring outdoor pets inside. Extreme cold is dangerous for animals, and cats may crawl into warm engine compartments for shelter, so tap the hood before starting your car. Check in with elderly neighbors or relatives who may need help. Then lay out clothes, pack lunches and set your alarm a little earlier. Extra time in the morning means you won’t feel rushed clearing the car or driving slowly.
During the Storm
If authorities advise staying off the roads, take that seriously. Plows and emergency crews work more effectively when traffic is light, and whiteout conditions can develop fast.
If you stay home
- Keep curtains closed to hold in heat
- Gather everyone in one or two rooms if power fails
- Limit opening the refrigerator and freezer
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect against surges
If you must drive
- Clear all snow from the car, including the roof and lights
- Slow down and leave much more following distance
- Tell someone your route and arrival time
- If stuck, stay with the car and keep the exhaust pipe clear
After the Snow Stops
- Clear walkways and steps. Shovel and treat sidewalks and driveways to reduce slips and falls, for your family and for visitors.
- Pace yourself. Snow shoveling is strenuous. Take breaks, lift with your legs and push snow when you can.
- Watch the roof. Heavy snow loads and ice dams along the eaves can cause leaks. Use a roof rake from the ground rather than climbing up.
- Clear vents. Make sure furnace, dryer and generator exhaust vents aren’t blocked by drifts.
- Document any damage. Take photos before cleanup and contact your agent promptly if you need to file a claim.
Insurance Angle
Damage from a burst pipe, a collapsed carport or a tree falling on your house may be covered under a homeowners policy, while a car that slides into a ditch would typically fall under collision coverage. Coverage depends on your policy, your insurer and your state, so review it before winter rather than after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover frozen pipes?
Sudden water damage from a burst pipe is often covered, but many policies exclude damage if the home wasn’t reasonably heated or maintained. Check your policy for specifics.
What should be in a winter car emergency kit?
Blankets, a flashlight, a phone charger, water, snacks, a small shovel, an ice scraper, sand or cat litter for traction, and jumper cables are a good start.
Am I responsible if someone slips on my sidewalk?
Local rules vary, but homeowners can face liability claims from slips and falls. Personal liability coverage in a homeowners policy may help, depending on the circumstances.
Weather the Season With Confidence
Before winter settles in, let Callicott Insurance Agency review your home and auto coverage so you know where you stand. We’re here to help before, during and after the storm.
This article is for general information only. Coverage varies by insurer, policy and state; review your own policy or talk with a licensed agent about your situation.