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GUIDE / WINTER STORMS

Winter storm plan

A winter storm can take out power and heat for days, and it can make roads unsafe at the same time. This plan covers the 48 hours before the storm, what to do during it, and how to get through the outage safely. For heat and carbon monoxide rules, read our Heat and cooling page.

12 TO 48 HRSUsual lead time for a Winter Storm Watch (Ready.gov)
12 TO 24 HRSUsual lead time for a Winter Storm Warning (Ready.gov)
1/2 TANKThe least fuel to keep in your car in winter (FEMA)
3 DAYSFood and water for the home kit, with food that needs no cooking (Ready.gov)

Know the alerts

  • Winter Storm Watch: a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is possible. Usually issued 12 to 48 hours ahead. Start preparing.
  • Winter Storm Warning: hazardous winter weather is imminent or happening. Usually issued 12 to 24 hours ahead. Finish preparing and stay home.
  • Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts, and keep a battery or crank radio and the NOAA Weather Radio app ready.

The 48 hours before

Do this Why
Fill the car's gas tank to at least half, or charge an electric vehicle fully Keeps fuel lines from freezing and gives you a way to leave or warm up briefly outside the garage
Charge phones, power banks and any medical device batteries Power may be out for days
Check your heat plan: blankets, a safe heat source, and fuel if you use a fireplace or wood stove See the Heat and cooling page
Gather food, water and medicine for at least three days. Pick food that needs no cooking Stores may close and roads may be unsafe
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which should have battery backup Winter outages raise the risk of fires and carbon monoxide
Insulate exposed pipes, let faucets drip on the coldest nights, and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls Prevents frozen and burst pipes
Learn where your main water shutoff valve is If a pipe bursts, you can stop the water fast
Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain outside faucets Stops freezing in the pipe just inside the wall
Bring pets inside They are at risk in the cold too
Check on neighbors, especially older adults Check again during the storm if it is safe

Two kits

Home kit. Food and water for at least three days, a manual can opener, flashlights or headlamps with spare batteries, a battery or crank radio, a first aid kit, medicines, blankets and warm layers, and a charged power bank.

Car kit. A flashlight or headlamp, blankets and warm clothing, jumper cables, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, an ice scraper, water and non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, and a charged power bank.

During the storm

  • Stay off the roads during and just after the storm. If you must drive, go slowly, tell someone your route, and keep the tank at least half full.
  • If you get stuck, stay in the car. You stay warmer and rescuers find you faster. Do not run the engine for long with the tailpipe blocked by snow, because carbon monoxide can build up.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours (FoodSafety.gov).
  • Use the heat rules on the Heat and cooling page. Never use a gas stove or oven for heat, and never run a generator indoors or in a garage.
  • Dress in layers, stay dry, and avoid overexertion when shoveling. Cold puts extra strain on the heart.
  • Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and get help if you see them.

If the power is out for a long time

  • Go to a warming center, or stay with family or friends, if the house gets too cold or someone relies on powered medical equipment.
  • Open faucets to a slow drip, and know what to do if a pipe freezes. Call a plumber if one bursts.
  • Check the CDC and Ready.gov pages below for the latest guidance.

Picks that fit

Pick Why
First Alert CO710 Sealed battery carbon monoxide alarm for bedrooms and every level
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Keeps a router, lights and phones going for hours. It will not run a space heater
INIU P41 power bank Phone charging for alerts and family calls
Energizer PRO-260 headlamp Hands-free light in the dark house and the car

See each card on the Gear page. No heater picks, because none have been spec-checked.

Sources

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