Are You Prepared for Winter Storms?

(House and Car Checklist)

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Tori Reynolds

Don’t forget about your pets! They get cold too!

Tori Reynolds, Staff Writer/Editor
January 15, 2020

With winter firmly established, it’s very important to be prepared in case your region is declared in a state of emergency,  you are suddenly evacuated, or if you lose electricity and/or water in your basic snowstorm. Depending on the severity of the storm, your power and water could be out for a few hours to a few weeks. If you know that your location is  at risk for heavy snow, use a winter weather preparedness checklist so you aren’t stuck out in the snow like the husky pictured above. (Disclaimer: This is my husky, Makita, and she loves to take naps in the snow.)

What You Should Have In Your House:

  • Nonperishable food items
  • Several cases of water
  • Generator
  • Backup chargers for electronics
  • Radio
  • Batteries
  • Snow shovel
  • Blankets
  • First aid kit
  • Ice melt, sand, or cat litter
  • Good insulation/windows and doors that aren’t damaged so they let cold air in
  • HotHands
  • Drawn up water
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Can openers
  • Pet food-
  • Candles
  • Bag packed with necessities in case of a sudden state of emergency or evacuation
  • Duct tape
  • Extra toilet paper/towels
  • Scissors/pens
  • Trash bags
  • Extra medication/hygiene items
  • Cash

House Maintenance:

  • Have storm doors installed and make sure your doors and windows are insulted without damage
  • Test your heating and air conditioning
  • Clean your gutters
  • Unhook your hoses and other water systems
  • Make sure your pets won’t be exposed to frigid temperatures
  • Check your fireplace and chimney
  • Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
  • Check for leaks in your roof/clean your roof
  • Reverse ceiling fans
  • Protect your outside A/C system
  • Flush your water tank
  • Trim tree limbs
  • Check your water pipes
  • Bring your potted plants inside to your shed or garage and cover them up

What You Should Have In Your Car:

  • Gloves
  • Ice scraper
  • Blankets
  • Flashlight
  • HotHands
  • Batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Pocket knives
  • Hats
  • Scarves
  • Jumper cables
  • Road map
  • Flag or shirt to indicate signals
  • Snacks and water
  • Litter/sand or ice melt/road salt
  • Waterproof matches

Car Maintenance:

  • Check your fluids
  • Have a proper, professional inspection done
  • Put studded tires or chains on your tires
  • Double-check that you have everything you need in your car to be prepared
  • Keep your gas tank full (have a spare few gallons of gas)