When winter weather arrives, having a practical checklist for your home and car can help you stay safe and comfortable. This guide follows the preparedness advice on Ready.gov’s winter weather page and covers: power outage supplies, heating safety and carbon monoxide detection, protecting pipes, a car emergency kit, cold-weather clothing, and caring for pets. Use this list to check your own supplies before the coldest months set in.
Home Power Outage Basics
Winter storms can knock out power for hours or longer. Being ready for an outage means having supplies that work without electricity. Start by gathering a few essentials and storing them where you can reach them easily, even in the dark.
Lighting and Communication
Have a supply of flashlights with extra batteries. Avoid candles as a primary light source because of fire risk. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio lets you hear weather updates and emergency instructions. Keep a portable charger for your phone, and consider a power bank that you recharge before storms.
Food and Water
Store enough non-perishable food and bottled water for several days. Choose items that don’t require cooking or refrigeration, such as canned goods, nuts, dried fruit, and ready-to-eat meals. A manual can opener is essential. For water, a common rule of thumb is to have at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
Warmth Without Power
If the heat goes out, layer clothing and use blankets or sleeping bags. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home — that creates a fire hazard and can release carbon monoxide. A well-ventilated, properly used kerosene heater is an option only if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries before winter.
For a broader seasonal checklist that includes fall home preparation, see our fall home shopping checklist for items to stock before cold weather arrives.
Heating Safety and Carbon Monoxide
Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning in winter. Every home should have working carbon monoxide detectors placed outside sleeping areas and on each level. Test them monthly and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.
Space Heater Safety
If you use a portable space heater, keep it at least three feet away from anything that can burn — curtains, bedding, furniture, and clothing. Place it on a level, non-flammable surface and never leave it on while you sleep or leave the room. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet; do not use an extension cord or power strip, which can overheat.
Fireplace and Wood Stove
Have your chimney or flue inspected and cleaned each year before use. Use a sturdy screen to catch sparks. Burn only seasoned, dry wood. Never burn trash, paper, or treated wood. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, placed away from the house.
Furnace and Ventilation
Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace before winter. Change filters regularly. Keep vents and exhaust flues clear of snow and debris. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the house immediately and call your utility company from outside.
Protecting Pipes and Water
Frozen pipes can burst, causing costly water damage. Take steps to prevent freezing before temperatures drop.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap pipes in unheated areas — basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages — with pipe insulation or heat tape. Pay special attention to pipes that run along exterior walls. Seal any gaps around pipes where cold air can enter.
Let Faucets Drip
During extreme cold, let a trickle of water run from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate, but remove any harmful cleaners or chemicals from reach of children and pets.
Know How to Shut Off Water
Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and tag it so you can find it quickly in an emergency. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water immediately to minimize damage. Keep a plumber’s number handy.
If Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable space heater (with proper clearance). Never use an open flame. Continue applying heat until water flow returns. If you cannot thaw the pipe or it has burst, call a plumber.
Car Emergency Kit
Winter driving demands extra preparation. A well-stocked car emergency kit can help you stay safe if you are stranded in snow or ice. Assemble the items below and keep them in your vehicle throughout the season.
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Visibility & traction | ice scrapers, shovel, bag of sand or cat litter for traction, tire chains (if legal in your area) |
| Warmth & shelter | Blankets or sleeping bag, extra hats, gloves, and socks, hand warmers |
| Light & signaling | Flashlight with extra batteries, reflective triangles or flares, whistle |
| Tools & first aid | Jumper cables, basic tool kit, first aid kit, pocket knife |
| Food & water | Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts), bottled water |
| Other essentials | Windshield washer fluid (winter formula), ice scraper, small snow brush, phone charger for car |
Keep your gas tank at least half full during winter to prevent fuel line freezing and to have enough fuel to run the car for heat if stranded. Check your battery, tires, and antifreeze levels before the season starts. For a broader travel preparation guide, see our holiday travel essentials checklist.
Clothing and Gear for Cold Weather
Proper clothing helps you stay warm and dry when you are outdoors or if the heat fails at home. Layering is the key principle.
Base Layer
Start with a moisture-wicking fabric (polyester or merino wool) against your skin to keep sweat away. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and chills you.
Insulating Layer
Add a fleece or wool sweater to trap heat. For extreme cold, a down or synthetic insulated vest or jacket works well.
Outer Layer
A waterproof and windproof shell (jacket and pants) protects against snow, rain, and wind. Look for sealed seams and a hood.
Accessories
Wear a hat that covers your ears, insulated gloves or mittens, and a scarf or neck gaiter. Choose waterproof boots with good traction. Keep an extra set of warm clothes at home and in your car.
Pets in Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can be dangerous for pets. Take these steps to keep them safe.
Limit Time Outside
Shorten walks and outdoor play when temperatures drop. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and senior pets are especially vulnerable. Watch for signs of discomfort like shivering or lifting paws.
Provide Warm Shelter
If your pet spends time outdoors, provide a dry, draft-free shelter that is raised off the ground, with bedding (straw or blankets) and a flap over the entrance. In extreme cold, bring pets inside.
Check Paws and Skin
After walks, wipe your pet’s paws to remove ice, salt, and chemicals. Check for cracked pads or redness. Consider pet-safe booties for protection.
Winter Hazards
Antifreeze is highly toxic to pets — clean up any spills immediately. Keep pets away from space heaters and fireplaces. Never leave a pet alone in a car during cold weather; cars cool down quickly and can become dangerously cold.
Food and Water
Outdoor pets need more food in cold weather to maintain energy. Check water bowls frequently to keep them from freezing. Use heated bowls if necessary.
For timing your preparations, refer to the seasonal shopping calendar to see when to start gathering supplies before the first frost.
FAQ
How much water should I store for a winter power outage?
A common rule of thumb is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. For a household of four, that is four gallons per day. Aim for a three-day supply at minimum, or more if you have space.
What is the safest way to heat a room without electricity?
The safest options are extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags. Never run a generator, grill or camp stove inside your home or garage. A fuel-burning space heater should only be used exactly as its manufacturer allows, with ventilation and a working carbon monoxide alarm. Battery-powered heated clothing can also help, but follow all safety guidelines.
How can I tell if my pipes are about to freeze?
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, or if you see frost on exposed pipes, freezing may have started. A common rule of thumb is to keep a slow drip from faucets during extreme cold. Insulate pipes in advance to reduce risk.
What should I put in a winter car kit if I have limited space?
Prioritize items for warmth and visibility: a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, and a small bag of sand or cat litter. Add a first aid kit and non-perishable snacks. Even a minimal kit can make a difference if you are stranded.
Can I leave my pet in the car while I run a quick errand in winter?
No. Cars cool down rapidly in cold weather and can become dangerously cold, even during a short stop. It is safest to leave pets at home. If you must travel with a pet, take them inside with you whenever possible.
Winter preparation is about having the right supplies and knowing how to use them safely. Use this checklist to review your home and car before the first storm. For a more detailed seasonal planning resource, see the fall home shopping checklist and the seasonal shopping calendar to stay ahead of cold weather needs.
