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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.
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Quick reference5 facts, sourced below
| Winter storm warning | A significant snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow event (NWS) |
|---|---|
| Water to store | One gallon per person per day for several days (Ready.gov) |
| Generator placement | Outside only, at least 20 feet from the house (CPSC) |
| Fridge and freezer in an outage | About 4 hours for a closed fridge, about 48 hours for a full freezer (Ready.gov) |
| CO alarms | On every level of the home and outside sleeping areas (CPSC) |
On this page (8 sections)
- What is the difference between a winter storm watch, warning and advisory?
- Before the storm
- During the storm
- After the storm
- What gear do you need for snow and ice?
- How do you keep power and heat safely during an outage?
- What should you keep in the car for a winter storm?
- How do you stay warm if the heat goes out?
Prepare for a winter storm before the forecast turns: stock several days of water, food, flashlights and a NOAA Weather Radio, put a kit in the car, test carbon monoxide alarms and plan how you will stay warm without power. Ready.gov and the National Weather Service organize that work into before, during and after the storm.
This page is the starting point for the whole site. It walks through each stage of a storm with official checklists, then points to the gear guides for each part of the storm. Every safety statement comes from a named government or public health source, listed at the end.
What is the difference between a winter storm watch, warning and advisory?
The National Weather Service (NWS) uses three levels of alert. They tell you how much time you have to finish getting ready.
| Alert | What the NWS says it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Winter storm watch | Conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event | Finish your kit and fuel up |
| Winter storm warning | A significant winter weather event of snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow | Stay home and off the roads |
| Winter weather advisory | Wintry weather is expected but not hazardous enough to meet warning criteria | Travel with care |
The NWS also issues narrower alerts. A blizzard warning means frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile for three hours or more. An ice storm warning means ice accumulation of around a quarter inch or more.
Ready.gov’s instruction under a warning is short: find shelter right away.
Before the storm
Most of the work happens here, while stores are open and roads are clear.
Build a home kit for several days without power
Ready.gov says to gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Its basic kit includes:
- one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
- a several-day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- a flashlight for every household member, plus extra batteries
- a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- a first aid kit
- a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
The NWS winter list adds extra prescription medicine, baby items such as diapers and formula, and extra pet food with warm shelter for pets. If anyone at home relies on a powered medical device or refrigerated medicine, Ready.gov says to talk to the medical provider about an outage plan.
Get a weather radio that wakes you up
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts NWS alerts and forecasts around the clock. The NWS receiver guide lists the features that matter. The radio should sound a tone alarm, since the NWS sends a 1050 Hz tone before most warnings. It should support SAME, which lets you pick the counties you get alerts for, and it should have battery backup, because outages often happen during storms. The NWS notes that radios carrying the Public Alert logo meet certain technical standards and include many of these features.
NOAA weather radios with tone alert and battery backup
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Check the house
Ready.gov suggests insulation and weather stripping, plus caulking, to keep out the cold. CPSC says to test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries if needed. The NWS adds a check that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. The NWS adds a reminder for anyone who heats with oil or propane: refuel before you are empty, because fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm. If you have exposed plumbing, work through how to prevent frozen pipes now.
Stock the car
Put an emergency kit in every car you drive in winter. Ready.gov’s short list is jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Our winter car emergency kit guide compares the fuller NHTSA and NWS lists.
During the storm
Ready.gov’s advice for the storm itself is to stay off the roads if at all possible, limit time outside and wear layers of warm clothing when you do go out.
Watch for frostbite and hypothermia
Ready.gov lists the signs:
- Frostbite: numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin.
- Hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.
For hypothermia, Ready.gov says to warm the center of the body first: chest, neck, head and groin.
If the power goes out
Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. Ready.gov says a closed fridge keeps food cold for about four hours and a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from surges. Ready.gov is also clear on one point: do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. For light, CPSC says to use flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of candles.
If you are caught in the car
Ready.gov says that if you are trapped in your car, stay inside. NHTSA adds three steps: let the car be seen with bright markers and the dome light on, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and run the car only sporadically, just long enough to stay warm.
After the storm
The storm passing does not end the risks. The NWS says carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages.
Clear snow without overdoing it
The American Heart Association (AHA) says to start gradually, pace yourself, take frequent breaks and push the snow rather than lift it where you can. It says that anyone with known or suspected heart disease, or risk factors for it, should get someone else to do the snow removal. If you have a heart condition or a medical question about exertion in the cold, ask your doctor before the first snowfall. Stop and call 911, the AHA says, if chest pain, lightheadedness or palpitations do not ease soon after you stop.
Before you drive
The NWS says to make sure the exhaust pipe is clear before you drive, and to brush all the snow off the car so it does not slide onto the windshield or fly onto other cars. Leave extra time for blocked or icy roads. CPSC also says to clear snow away from the outside vents of fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces.
Food and neighbors
Ready.gov’s rule is “when in doubt, throw it out.” Discard food that has been at 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more. The NWS suggests checking on family and isolated neighbors and letting people know you are okay.
What gear do you need for snow and ice?
Clearing snow is hard physical work, and the right tool depends on your driveway and your health.
- A snow blower saves the most effort on long driveways. Our single-stage vs two-stage snow blower comparison covers clearing width and which type handles deep snow.
- A pusher or ergonomic shovel suits shorter paths and steps. See our snow shovel guide for the differences.
- Ice melt keeps walkways passable after you clear them. Ice melt vs rock salt explains which products are gentler on concrete and which are safer around pets and plants.
- For snow on the roof, roof rakes and ice dams covers what causes ice dams and how to clear snow from the ground, never from the roof.
Snow shovels and pushers for driveways and steps
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How do you keep power and heat safely during an outage?
Losing power in freezing weather is when people reach for fuel-burning equipment such as generators and heaters, and each one needs to be used the way CPSC directs.
Carbon monoxide
CPSC says never to use a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, even with doors and windows open. Run it outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away. Install battery-operated CO alarms, or alarms with battery backup, on every level and outside sleeping areas. Read our full carbon monoxide safety guide before the storm.
CPSC also says to look for portable generators with a CO shut-off safety feature. Our portable generators for winter outages guide explains sizing and fuel choices, plus placement. For heat, space heaters in a power outage explains which heaters can be used indoors and the clearance rules CPSC gives.
Battery power stations are an alternative that makes no exhaust. Our sister site Solar Home covers them in its guide to solar generators for home backup.
What should you keep in the car for a winter storm?
NHTSA’s winter list covers the jobs you are most likely to face on the road: a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper; sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck; jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices; a first aid kit; blankets; and a phone charger, water, food and any needed medicine. NHTSA also says to keep the gas tank close to full whenever possible.
Our winter car emergency kit guide goes item by item and explains the difference between tire chains and tire socks.
Winter car kits, ice scrapers and emergency blankets
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Browse current winter car kits and scrapers on eBay, new condition only.
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How do you stay warm if the heat goes out?
Ready.gov’s advice is layers of warm clothing. Battery-heated clothing adds heat without a flame; heated jackets, vests and gloves covers battery runtimes, sizing and the CPSC battery warnings. A hot water bottle is another no-power option, covered in Cosy Homeware’s hot water bottle guide.
If you are shopping for someone else, our winter storm gifts guide sorts practical picks by the person, from a new homeowner with a long driveway to a student driving home for the holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a winter storm kit?
Ready.gov's basic kit starts with one gallon of water per person per day for several days, a several-day supply of non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. The National Weather Service adds extra prescription medicine, baby items and pet food for winter.
Is a winter storm watch or warning worse?
A warning is more serious. The National Weather Service issues a watch when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm, and a warning for a significant event of snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow. Ready.gov says to find shelter right away under a warning.
How long does food last in the fridge when the power goes out?
Ready.gov says a closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours and a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours. Throw away food that has been at 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more.
Can I run a generator in the garage with the door open?
No. CPSC says never to use a portable generator inside a home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Run it outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away.
Should I stay in my car if I get stuck in snow?
Yes. NHTSA and the National Weather Service both say to stay with the vehicle. NHTSA adds to keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and run the engine only long enough to stay warm.
Sources
- Winter Weather Watches, Warnings and AdvisoriesNational Weather Service
- Before a Winter StormNational Weather Service
- During a Winter StormNational Weather Service
- After a Winter StormNational Weather Service
- NWR ReceiversNational Weather Service
- Winter WeatherReady.gov (FEMA)
- Build A KitReady.gov (FEMA)
- Power OutagesReady.gov (FEMA)
- Carbon Monoxide Information CenterU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- As Winter Storms Threaten Millions in the U.S., CPSC Issues Safety Tips to Help Families Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and FiresU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Winter Weather Driving TipsNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- A snowstorm's a-brewing: be careful out there to stay heart-healthyAmerican Heart Association
- Cold Weather and Cardiovascular DiseaseAmerican Heart Association
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