Preparing your home for winter storms and power outages

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

Winter storms bring snow, ice, and often power outages. Homes need to handle extended cold without power. Pipes freeze, heat fails, and supplies run out. Preparation involves insulating against cold, having backup heat, and stockpiling supplies before winter.

Most winter storm preparations are straightforward and inexpensive. They protect your home and comfort during weather disruptions that happen regularly in cold climates.

Before Winter Arrives

Weatherstrip doors and windows to reduce air leakage. Caulk gaps around pipes and utilities. Insulation and air sealing reduce heating demand and prevent freeze-related damage.

Service your heating system (furnace, heat pump, boiler) professionally before winter. An unexpected heating failure in freezing weather is dangerous.

Clear gutters of debris. When gutters ice up, water backs up under roofing and causes ice dams and leaks.

Trim tree branches that could fall in heavy snow or ice. A branch failure in your yard is better than one through your roof.

Ensure pipes in unheated areas are insulated. Basement pipes, attic pipes, and exterior walls with pipes are freeze-prone. Pipe insulation is cheap and prevents burst pipes.

Stock heating fuel if you use oil or propane. Have at least half a tank before winter so you’re not scrambling if delivery is delayed.

Backup Heat

Portable space heaters can supplement central heating or provide heat if the main system fails. They’re useful but use significant electricity. Use them sparingly.

Never use a gas oven or stove to heat your home. This is a carbon monoxide hazard.

A wood stove or fireplace provides heat if power is lost, assuming your chimney is clean and functional.

A generator can power heating systems (forced-air furnace, pump for hydronic heating) during outages. Generators cost $500 to $5000 depending on size. They must run outside, far from windows, to prevent carbon monoxide infiltration.

Water and Pipes

Dripping a faucet during freezing temperatures prevents pipe freezing. Moving water doesn’t freeze. A slight drip from one faucet in a vulnerable area prevents freeze-up.

Let cabinet doors hang open in cold weather so warmer air reaches pipes behind them.

Know where your main water shut-off is. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the main prevents flooding until repairs happen.

Power Outages

Stock supplies for several days without power: water (heat requires electricity for water heaters), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, medications, battery radio.

Fill a bathtub with water. If water systems fail, bathtub water can be used for toilet flushing or emergency needs (not drinking without treatment).

Keep refrigerated food as cold as possible. A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for hours. Open it minimally.

Driveway and Roof

Ensure your driveway is clear of obstacles before snow arrives. Vehicles left out make snow removal difficult.

Have rock salt or sand for icing. A small supply goes a long way.

If you have heavy snow history, consider a roof rake to remove snow preventing ice dams. Or hire someone to rake the roof after heavy snows.

Communication

Ensure you can receive emergency alerts. Have a battery or hand-crank radio.

Establish a communication plan with family. If the power is out for days, how will you stay in touch?

Know your community’s emergency resources. Where are warming centers if your heat fails? How do you access them?

Emergency Preparedness

An emergency kit with supplies for several days is your main line of defense. During winter, this means water, food, warmth (extra blankets, sleeping bags), light, and medical supplies.

Keep the kit accessible and maintained. Update water and food every couple of years.

Winter storm preparation is straightforward: insulation, heating service, supplies, and a shut-off plan. The work is simple and inexpensive. In a real winter emergency, this preparation makes the difference between uncomfortable and dangerous.

© The Whole Home Guide