Preparing for Winter: Emergency Preparedness Checklist
As the chill in the air becomes more noticeable and the leaves start to fall, it’s a clear sign that winter is just around the corner. Winter brings with it many joys, such as cozy evenings by the fire and snowball fights, but it also presents its own set of challenges.
From extreme weather conditions warnings to power outages, it’s so important to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise during the winter months. If you’re busy preparing for winter, check out this emergency preparedness checklist.
Stock Up on Supplies
Heading into winter, it’s important to ensure you have plenty of essential items. Here are some key supplies to consider:
Food and Water
Stock up on non-perishable food items that can last for an extended period. Canned goods, dry pasta, and rice are good options. Don’t forget to store enough drinking water to sustain your household for at least three days. How To Store Emergency Food And Water
As mentioned, various government agencies and groups like the American Red Cross suggest we have at least one gallon per person per day stored for each person in your household for three or more days. I’ve always suggested to my readers that four gallons per person per day is more realistic. You need to prepare for proper hydration, cooking, minimal laundry, and personal hygiene needs.
Medications and First Aid
Make sure you have an adequate supply of prescription medications and a well-stocked first aid kit. Include items like bandages, antiseptics, and over-the-counter medications for common ailments. 35 OTC Medications You Should Store
Heating Fuel and Alternative Heat Sources
If you rely on a heating system other than natural gas and heating oil, ensure that you have enough fuel to last through the winter. For a few winters years ago we used a fireplace insert to heat our home. We’d go up in the mountains and cut wood as allowed by permit. It was hard work, but we enjoyed the family time together.
If you plan to use your fireplace as a heat source, make sure the area around the fireplace is kept clear of any flammable materials.
Consider investing in alternative heat sources like a generator or space heaters for emergency situations. What is the Best Firewood for Home Heating?
Prepare Your Home
Taking steps to winterize your home will not only keep you warm but also save energy and prevent potential hazards. Consider the following preparations:
Have Your Heating and Air Conditioning Ducts Cleaned
When we lived in Southern Utah, we had our air ducts cleaned out as well as the dryer vent (it was on the roof). I kept telling Mark we shouldn’t have to be dusting so much in this house. Sure enough, I called a professional company to clean the ducts, there was so much debris from when the house was built.
The dryer vent cleaning we couldn’t do ourselves because it went up to the roof, not sure why, but that’s how they built our home.
Insulation and Weatherstripping
Inspect your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that could let cold air in and warm air out. Apply weatherstripping or caulking as appropriate to seal these areas. Adding insulation to your home can also help conserve energy and keep the cold out. What to Use for Insulation to Stay Warm
We doubled the amount of insulation in our attic and were pleasantly surprised with the savings in our heating and air conditioning costs as a result.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Clear any debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water backup. This will help protect your roof and prevent potential leaks or damage. I see lots of TV ads for gutter guards to prevent leaves from clogging things up. You may want to check those out if you have many trees you your yard.
Service Your Heating System
Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your heating system. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks, and ensure everything is functioning properly. Regular maintenance of your heating equipment will ensure your system operates efficiently throughout the winter.
Be sure that your furnace room is clean, organized, and free of any combustible products like loose papers and old rags.
Emergency Communication and Lighting
During severe weather conditions, power outages are not uncommon. To stay connected and have adequate lighting, consider the following:
Battery-Powered Radio and Cell Phone Chargers
Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to stay updated on weather emergency alerts and other emergency information. Additionally, invest in portable cell phone chargers to keep your devices powered even during power outages. Communication Options for Your Family During a Disaster
I’ve recommended to my readers to acquire a hand crank radio too. That way you still have a way to get winter storm warnings when the power is out and your battery supplies are low. Invest in one that qualifies as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio to get all the winter storm warning alerts you need from the National Weather Service.
Train all family members on how to find the proper weather channel(s) so that when a winter storm watch is announced, you are ready to go.
Flashlights and Batteries
Have multiple flashlights readily available, along with a good supply of extra batteries. Place them strategically around your home for easy access during emergencies. Why You Should Keep Batteries on Hand
I’ve invested in some solar flashlights and lanterns. I keep them charged all the time by strategically placing them on window sills that face the daylight sun.
Lanterns and Flashlights
Prepare Your Vehicle
Winter weather can wreak havoc on roads, making driving conditions dangerous. Follow these steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter:
Check Your Tires
Inspect your tires for tread wear and ensure they are properly inflated. Consider switching to winter tires for added traction on slippery roads if your location is prone to snow and ice storms. 14 Uses for Your Old Worn-Out Tires
If your area is prone to severe weather that includes snowy or slick roadways, consider having tire chains as part of your car emergency kit. Take some time to learn how to install them, and make sure they are the right size for your tires and that any attachments needed are there and in good shape.
Maintain Fluid Levels
Check and top off fluid levels, including the antifreeze level in your radiator, windshield washer fluid, and oil. Cold temperatures can cause fluids to deplete faster.
We never know how an emergency situation will affect us. Make it a point to keep your gas tank at least above half full. If you’re caught in a storm and travel is much slower and uses precious gasoline, or you’re at home but directed to evacuate, having enough gas to get you to safety is critical.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Assemble an emergency kit for your car, including items such as blankets, a snow shovel, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and non-perishable snacks. This will come in handy if you get stranded on the road. What Happens When Roadways Shut Down?
Your kit should also have a change of clothes to get you out of wet clothing. Winter weather is cold weather and the chance of frostbite and hypothermia are real. Some of the signs of frostbite are muscle and joints getting stiff, numb, cold, and pale skin, the feeling of pins and needles in fingers and toes, some loss of feeling, burning and stinging sensations, and more. Don’t wait, get medical help ASAP if you or your loved ones experience these things.
Extended time in the cold can bring on hypothermia and related symptoms. Some things to look for are memory loss, drowsiness, disorientation, shivering, dizziness, weak pulse, clumsiness, slurred speech, and even loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms try to get to a health professional as soon as possible.
During the winter months, I suggest you carry a bag of sand or cat litter in your vehicle. The contents can be used to get better traction on slippery roads during or after blizzards, whether snow, sleet, or an ice storm.
More Tips to Check Out
- How to Survive in a Stranded Car During Winter
- What to Stock Up on for Winter
- 15 Items to Stock Up On For Winter
How often should I check my emergency supplies during winter?
It’s recommended to check your emergency supplies periodically throughout the winter season. Make sure your food, water, batteries, and other essentials are within their expiration dates and in good condition. Regularly assess and replenish as needed to ensure your supplies are always ready for an emergency.
What should I do if I live in a region that doesn’t experience harsh winters?
Even if you live in a milder climate, it’s still a good idea to take some winter preparedness measures. This can include insulating your home, stocking up on emergency supplies, and ensuring your vehicle is ready for any unexpected changes in weather conditions.
Is there anything I can do to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning in my home and car?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas. It becomes present when carbon combustion in fuels isn’t totally complete. In your home, that can happen from an improperly vented furnace room. You should have a carbon monoxide detection device in your home, much like you have smoke detectors.
For your car, never run your vehicle in a closed garage. Open the garage doors if warming up the car. If stuck in a snowbank, make sure the exhaust system can push the exhaust out of the tailpipe without any restrictions.
If I plan to use my fireplace this winter, how do I make sure it is safe to use?
Most fuels used in a fireplace leave a creosote residue as a result of the burning process. You should always check the venting system in your chimney and make sure it’s fully clear. If not, have it professionally cleaned since it can become a fire and explosion hazard when the fireplace is used and can’t be properly vented outside.
What are some personal safety tips during the winter?
Some tips to remain safe are:
- Don’t get on a tall ladder to clean the gutters. There are professionals that can be paid to do that.
- Refrain from getting on your roof to clear off excessive snow accumulations. Consider installing some heating systems on the roof to help melt the snow.
- Get a snow plow service, or some young men in your neighborhood to shovel your wide driveway and sidewalks. Particularly if you’re getting on in years, overexertion when removing snow can be dangerous.
- Make sure you put down some salt or snowmelt in foot traffic areas so people won’t be subject to the risk of a fall.
Final Word
When you complete this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to face the challenges that winter may bring. Being proactive and taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety and comfort is important. Using these tips for preparing for winter is a good idea, trust me! May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Snow With Two Cups of Tea Depositphotos_41446557_S by Photollurg2, Cup of Fresh Hot Coffee Depositphotos_253150538_S by Tolokonov, Condo Complex In Blistery Winter Storm Depositphotos_639790192_S by Lawcain, Man Using Snowblower Depositphotos_43173613_S by Elenathewise
Hi Linda,
One of your recent articles, “7 Ways to Cook When You Lose Power”, one of the commenters mentioned the Deadwood Stove (deadwoodstove.com). Upon that recommendation a family member ordered one on 10/15/23. His credit card was charged through Paypal and he has not received any emails from the company, only an email from Paypal with the charge through Paypal. He is not able to get ahold of the company at all, sending two emails and making 3 phone calls. They have not responded at all. Do you know if this is normal to take so long and not hear anything? Has anyone else ordered this stove and what is the time frame for receiving the stove? If you have, please post and let us know. Thank you. Love all the information we receive from you.
HI CJ, you do have protection I believe you can ask Paypal for a refund. I just tried calling the phone number (Brian Tomanec: 361-648-8799) but they may not be open right now. I just looked at their Facebook page, this is alarming, one reader asked this: “Are you still in business? I bought a stove but cannot get anyone to return my calls.”
We can give them the benefit of the doubt but if they are not returning emails or phone calls this is not acceptable. Contact Paypal immediately for a refund. If he used a credit card he may be able to contact his bank and tell them he did not receive a product he ordered in good faith. I understand they may be extremely busy this time of year, but this kind of customer service is happening more and more. Good luck, Linda
CJ – Let Paypal know about the communications, file a claim. I have had this happen before and filing a claim after trying to contact the company with no response resulted in Paypal refunding my money and cancelling the sale. It is relatively painless!! However, it has only been a month and with all the “issues” with today’s shipping, manufacturing, etc., I would give it a couple more weeks – some companies say 6-8 weeks. If your family member has tried calling and emailing all with no response, have them file a claim with Paypal. Also, your family member should put a negative review on any and all review sites (Yelp Review is one I have used before). This is one of the main reasons I use Paypal rather than just using my credit card – easier to file a claim.
Hi Leanne, you are right about it may take 6-8 weeks. It’s so frustrating that people can’t return an email or phone call. Customer service has gone the wayside, that’s for sure. Great comment, Linda
I purchased a set of 4 fire blankets from a company here in Wyoming. I never even received a confirmation email from them on the purchase. So, after a week, I emailed them (their email and phone# were on their website). No response. Tried calling, left a message, no response! Waited another week, did both again, and no response. So, you know how FB captures everything we do: look at on-line, purchase, etc. Well, it so happened that FB brought up something about the company – an advertisement. I immediately wrote a scathing statement in response to that. No response from the company. One day, I emailed them 25 times, called them on speed dial for a couple of hours. Then I noticed a response on FB from the company about my negative statement. AH, I thought, finally getting some notice!! Oh and I had also done a Yelp review. Four weeks after my purchase, I finally received an email from the company saying they were out of stock and didn’t know when they would have any in stock. So, I emailed them back asking for a refund. No response. I contacted Paypal for a refund which was promptly completed. Two days later, I had my fire blankets!! So, I called and emailed the company regarding payment since I had been refunded my money and now had the product in hand. No response. For 2 weeks, I called, left messages and emailed asking for a call to discuss payment and that I would be inclined to change my negative reviews. It has been weeks and I finally gave up.
HI Leanne, it’s so hard to get good employees these days. I’m not shaming all employees but my gosh, customer service has gone out the window. You deserve those blankets, you spent hours trying to get them! I’m so sorry you had to go through this, but $$$ is $$$. Great comment, Linda
Timely: Been out stapling feed sacks to the coop as wind block and putting in bedding for all the critters. Made a wind block for the cattle too. Fixing to drag out water tank heaters and get them set.
Hi Matt, I love hearing what you are doing on your family property. I’m jealous in a good way, I tried to buy a mini farm years ago, Mark wasn’t interested. LOL! I sure wish we had one now. Good job, you are the kind of animal owner everyone should be. Good job, Linda
Where we live, preparing for winter is a year round thing. We have to cut wood, preserve food, get our chimney cleaned and other things that I can’t recall right now. If we wait until fall, it is too late. Other parts off the country have different experiences.
Hi Janet, you are so right, we all have different temperatures where we live. Life is good if we stay on top of things that’s for sure. Linda
So he did contact his credit card company since he doesn’t have an account with Paypal. He had to send a copy of the emails that he sent to Deadwood Stove,and the credit card company advised they will do a credit card dispute with the Deadwood Stove company since he hasn’t received anything, and said he should have a full refund in 2-3 days.
Hi CJ, I used to be a banker, it’s wise to use a credit card on purchases online because you will get your money back faster than if you had used a debit card. I’m glad to hear he will get a full refund in 2-3 days. Thanks for letting us know. Linda
Great tips. Around my place, preparing for winter means putting on long pants and maybe a light jacket and hat. That’s a far cry from when we lived in Colorado.
Hi Ray, oh yeah Colorado has a lot of snow! I think I may have told you I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, I never owned a coat or gloves. LOL! By the way, the builder put the wafer board on the trusses, this will be interesting. We have snow coming soon. It’s still not “closed in” yet. This has been the hardest built home we have ever done. Of course, it will be our last at our age! Linda
Your builder needs to at the minimum get that wafer boards on your roof covered with felt paper or plastic or both to keep it from being damaged by the snow or rain. Wafer board delaminates when exposed to weathering.
You could also wrap your house in plastic, or better yet, Tyvek housewrap. Your builder should use that or a similar product over your OSB (waferboard) siding anyhow.
Best wishes as always.
Hi Ray, thank you, I just sent this message to Mark, thank you. I really appreciate this information, thank you!!!! Linda
Thanks for the tips! I have to add that every homeowner with a central heating system should also ensure that their ductwork is properly sealed and insulated. This small step can significantly improve the overall efficiency of an HVAC system, saving energy and money.
HI Dash, oh my gosh, thanks for the reminder, my professional Duct Cleaning company sealed the seams that he could get to anyway. The builder should have done it, but, they don’t care what your utility bill will be. Thanks again, Linda
Thanks to you Linda, and your followers, I am all set to burrow in for the winter. We have already seen some weather warnings for Wednesday and Thanksgiving day. My daughter helped clean out and reorganize our upright freezer. Generator serviced, sprinkler system shut down and outside faucets drained to avoid bursting pipes. Car has new tires and brakes and oil change. Salt supply check. HOA plows and shovels, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the snow without the work. Batteries, flashlights and jar candles are on overload.
We also got flu and RSV shot. eyes examined and new glasses. Dental cleaning and check up done till spring. Two more doctors appointments next week and then we should be done. Everyone please stay safe and warm
HI Chris, you really are prepared for winter, I LOVE hearing this! What you have done is quite the accomplishment! Good job, Linda
I realized after my post, that while every emergency is different, it is my opinion that for the most part, people are safest when they stay home rather than evacuate. Forty-seven people died following the Buffalo Christmas Blizzard. Some died in their cars, some outside. I think, even if you lose electricity, you stand a better chance in your home. Scrounging up blankets, flashlights and candles still beats braving the elements. Our son spent too many hours rescuing people who had no business being out anyway.
I also think it is important to stay ahead on daily chores just in case the weather does turn bad. Not having to worry if you are down to your last pair of clean underwear or if the sink is full of dishes just when you lose water makes life in general, easier……. on that note, I am going to wash the bedding and towels.
HI Chirs, I LOVE this comment. When I know a storm is coming I make sure the wash is done, and dishes are cleaned and put away. You are so right when people venture out when the news tells us NOT to, it puts everyone at risk. The people on the roads and all emergency personnel like your son are at risk for sure. Most of the time I would think you have a day at least before a major storm, other storms not so much I guess. 4WD cars do not work on ice covered roads. People need to slow down or stay home, its so frustrating when you see someone driving in 6 inches of snow going 75 miles per hour. Stay safe everyone, it’s all about beinng prepared before you need to be. Linda
Hi Linda, an update for you. Our relative received the Deadwood Stove today, 11/27/23, after ordering it on 10/15/23. UPS showed up and it arrived! Still no notifications from the company, no emails or phone calls, it just showed up. He did call his credit card company and stopped the dispute. Just to let you know. Thank you for all your help.
HI CJ, oh this is great news! I wonder if they were just behind in production and short staffed. I guess we will never know, but I bet that Deadwood Stove will work awesome for you! Thanks for the update! This is awesome, Linda
Thank you for sharing these tips. Another thing every homeowner should remember to do is to check their water heater before the cold weather onset. It’s especially important to first examine the pressure relief valve and the tank for any signs of leaks or corrosion. This preemptive measure helps avoid unexpected breakdowns during times when hot water is most needed.
HI Sanders & Johnson, this is a great reminder on the water heater and the pressure relief valve tank! I have seen a couple of flooded homes, please check those water heaters for sure! Linda
Absolutely, regular maintenance of a heating system is crucial, and it’s best done before the cold weather sets in. This routine should encompass various tasks such as cleaning the unit’s interior each year, replacing the coolant fluid biennially, cleaning the coils every season, and conducting annual inspections for any worn-out parts.
HI KC’s, thank you for your comment! You nailed it, we must do it before winter sets in. Check everything like you said! Linda
Great tips for winterizing your home! Installing a generator can indeed be a game-changer in keeping your home warm and functional during power outages, which are more common during winter storms.
For those in the Anderson SC area, consulting with a professional electrician in Anderson SC can help you choose the right generator for your needs and ensure it’s installed safely and efficiently. Stay warm and prepared this winter!
HI Ace, thank you for the tip, and the link. Linda