Field guide · snow, ice, power, the car
Get ready for the storm before the forecast turns.
Checklists and gear guides for winter storms: clearing snow and ice, keeping heat and power safely in an outage, and what to keep in the car. Every safety rule comes from CPSC, Ready.gov, the National Weather Service, CDC, NFPA or NHTSA, and says which.
Safety first
Carbon monoxide, generators and heaters, in Ready.gov's own words.
- Carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide alarms and generator safety"Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home."Source: Ready.gov, Power Outages
- GeneratorsPortable generators: outdoors only"Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages."Source: Ready.gov, Power Outages
- HeatersSpace heaters in a power outage"Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home."Source: Ready.gov, Power Outages
The storm checklist board
Before, during and after. Each task links to the guide that covers it and names its source. Prints on one page.
Before the storm
7 tasksWhen the forecast turns, or at the start of the season.
- Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backupsSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Learn how to keep pipes from freezingSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without powerSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Have extra batteries for radios and flashlightsSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Build a car kit: jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and snacksSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Keep a full tank of gasSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Choose a snow blower or shovel before the first big snowfallGear guide
During the storm
6 tasksWhile snow falls or the power is out.
- Use generators and grills only outdoors and away from windowsSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Keep generators and fuel at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garagesSource: Ready.gov, Power Outages
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your homeSource: Ready.gov, Power Outages
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer closedSource: Ready.gov, Power Outages
- Stay off roads if at all possible; if trapped in your car, stay insideSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Limit time outside and wear layers of warm clothingSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
After the storm
5 tasksClearing up and getting the house back to normal.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snowSource: Ready.gov, Winter Weather
- Throw away food exposed to 40 degrees or higher for two hours or moreSource: Ready.gov, Power Outages
- Pick the right ice melt for your steps, concrete and petsGear guide
- Read up on ice dams and roof rakes if snow piles up on the roofGear guide
- Restock the car kit and the storm supplies you usedGear guide
Gear index
Browse by section- Snow blowerClearing a driveway faster than a shovel; single-stage, two-stage or batterySnow and ice
- Snow shovel or pusherWalks, steps and light snow, with less lifting and bendingSnow and ice
- Ice melt or rock saltIce on steps and walks, with limits for concrete, pets and plantsSnow and ice
- Roof rakePulling snow off the roof edge from the ground to reduce ice damsSnow and ice
- Carbon monoxide alarmWarning of carbon monoxide from generators, heaters and blocked ventsPower and heat
- Portable generatorBackup power in an outage, run outdoors onlyPower and heat
- Space heaterHeating one room, with tip-over and overheat shut-offPower and heat
- Pipe heat cable and coversKeeping exposed pipes and outdoor faucets from freezingPower and heat
- Car emergency kitGetting through a breakdown or a stranding in snowOn the road
- Heated vest, jacket or glovesStaying warm outside for longer on a batteryStay warm
- NOAA weather radioHearing watches and warnings when the power and internet are outPower and heat
Stock up before the rush
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Carbon monoxide alarms
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Snow shovels and pushers
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How this guide is written
Editorial policy- Safety facts come from the agencies
- Carbon monoxide, generator, heater, driving and shoveling advice is taken from CPSC, Ready.gov, NWS, CDC, NFPA, NHTSA, the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, cited on the page. We add nothing beyond them.
- Specs come from the makers
- Clearing widths, runtimes and wattages come from the manufacturer's own spec pages, linked in each guide's sources. If a maker does not publish a number, we leave it out.
- Engines and heaters: new only
- Listings for generators, snow blowers and space heaters show new items only, never used or refurbished engines and heaters.
- No testing claims
- We research and compare published information; we do not claim to have tested gear, and we never invent ratings or prices.