GuidesEnvironmental and housing risk6 min read

Winter storm and power outage checklist

Winter storms rarely destroy a house. They knock out heat and water for days, which is enough to make a home unlivable.

Prepare the house before the first freeze

Most cold-weather damage traces back to pipes and a heating system nobody checked.

Service the furnace and replace filters, and clear vents and flues of nests and snow
Insulate pipes in unheated spaces, and know where the main water shutoff is
Seal drafts around doors, windows, and outlets
Have a safe backup heat source and the fuel to run it

Plan for a multi-day outage

Assume no power, no well pump, and no way to charge anything for 72 hours.

Store a gallon of water per person per day, plus food that needs no cooking
Keep flashlights, headlamps, and spare batteries in reach, not in the basement
Charge power banks before the storm and keep one for medical devices
Fill bathtubs for washing if you rely on a well pump

Avoid the dangers people underestimate

Carbon monoxide and shoveling injuries cause more harm than the cold itself.

Never run a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors or in a garage
Place generators at least 20 feet from windows and doors
Test carbon monoxide alarms and keep a battery-powered one on each floor
Take shoveling in short shifts, and stop at any chest discomfort

Stock the car and check on people

Cold-weather emergencies often happen on the road or to a neighbor who does not call.

Keep blankets, boots, a shovel, sand or cat litter, and a charger in the trunk
Keep the tank above half and let someone know your route in bad weather
Arrange a daily check-in with older relatives or neighbors during storms
Know the nearest warming center and how you would get there

Common questions

How do I keep pipes from freezing during an outage?

Let a trickle of water run from the faucet farthest from the main, open cabinet doors under sinks so warmer air reaches the pipes, and keep interior doors open. If the house will be unheated for days, shut off the main and drain the system.

Is it safe to heat a house with a gas stove or generator indoors?

No. Both produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can be fatal within hours. Generators belong outdoors, at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.

How long should we plan to be without power?

Plan for 72 hours of water, food, heat, warmth, and device power. Ice storms and heavy snow regularly keep rural circuits down for several days.

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