All guides

Snow blowers, shovels, ice melt and roof rakes: what each clears, how the types differ and how to clear snow without climbing onto a roof.

• Snow Blowers: Single-Stage vs Two-Stage vs Cordless, Which to Buy

  Single-stage vs two-stage snow blowers, gas or cordless: clearing width, intake height and snow depth from maker spec pages, plus CPSC safety rules.Compare

• Ice Melt vs Rock Salt: Which Is Safe for Concrete, Pets and Plants

  Rock salt vs calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and pet-safe ice melt: working temperatures, concrete damage, pets and plants, from extension and vet sources.Answer

• Roof Rakes and Ice Dams: How to Clear Roof Snow From the Ground

  Why ice dams form, how to prevent them step by step, how to use a roof rake from the ground, what heat cables can and cannot do, and when to call a pro.Fix

• Snow Shovels: Ergonomic, Pusher and Electric Shovels Compared

  Ergonomic shovels, snow pushers and cordless electric shovels compared on blade width and snow depth, plus the American Heart Association's shoveling advice.Buying guide

Carbon monoxide alarms, portable generators, space heaters and frozen pipes, with every safety rule taken from CPSC, CDC, NFPA and Ready.gov.

• Winter Storm Preparedness: Gear for Home, Car and Power Outages

  How to prepare for a winter storm before, during and after it hits, with the Ready.gov and NWS checklists and the gear for snow, power, the car and warmth.Start here

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Generator Safety in a Winter Storm

  Where to put CO alarms, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how far a generator must be from your home, taken from CPSC, CDC and NFPA guidance.Answer

• How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Heat Tape, Insulation and Covers

  Which pipes freeze first, the Red Cross steps to stop them freezing, how to install heat tape safely per CPSC, and how to thaw a frozen pipe without a flame.Fix

• Portable Generators for Winter Outages: Size, Fuel and Placement

  How to size a portable generator from appliance wattages, why CPSC recommends a CO shut-off, and how to place, fuel and connect it safely in a winter outage.How-to

• Space Heaters and Propane Heaters: Safe Use in a Winter Storm

  Electric space heater safety from CPSC, NFPA and USFA, how to power one in an outage, and what CPSC and maker manuals allow for indoor-rated propane heaters.Answer

What to keep in the car for snow and ice, from the Ready.gov and NHTSA lists, plus scrapers, traction aids and blankets.

• Winter Car Emergency Kit: What to Keep in Your Car for Snow

  What to keep in your car for snow and ice, compared across the NHTSA, Ready.gov, NWS and CDC lists, plus chains vs tire socks and what to do if stranded.How-to

Heated jackets, vests and gloves, snow pants, hand warmers and practical winter storm gifts, sorted by the person and the moment.

• Heated Jackets, Vests and Gloves: Battery Life, Fit and Safety

  How long heated jacket, vest and glove batteries last by heat setting, how to size them, and the CPSC lithium-ion warnings to know before you buy.Buying guide

• Winter Storm Gifts: Practical Picks for Snow Country, by Person

  Practical winter storm gifts sorted by the person and the moment: new homeowners, commuters, dog walkers, outdoor workers, students and rural households.Buying guide