Winter storm home safety tips

It’s that season again. Mother Nature is ready to surprise us with a little ice and snow — maybe more than a little. Use these winter storm preparation tips to help you stay safe, warm and comfortable.

About winter weather preparedness

Understanding the different weather warnings (Opens in a new tab) is a significant part of winter storm preparation. It's also vital to know how to respond to each scenario appropriately. The following guidelines may help you determine when to break out the sleds and when to start stocking up.

Learn weather terminology

While stipulations may differ by region, general guidelines for the three primary weather alerts include the following:

Winter Storm Warning

Storms qualifying for a Winter Storm Warning meet one or more of these criteria.

• Issued when the weather may become hazardous in the next 48 hours.
• Snowfall may reach or exceed 6 inches within 12 hours or 7 inches in the next 24 hours.
• Ice accumulation may damage powerlines and trees.
• Conditions may include a potentially life-threatening combination of snow, ice and wind.

Winter Weather Advisory

While less severe than a Winter Storm Warning, a Winter Weather Advisory can escalate quickly. Generally, it means freezing rain or between 2 - 4 inches of snow may significantly inconvenience residents.

Winter Storm Watch 

A Winter Storm Watch means current weather conditions are optimal for a winter storm event. While danger may not be imminent, there is at least a 50% chance of a storm within 24 hours.

Preparing your home for a winter storm

Use the following winter storm preparation tips to winterize your home:

Get a weather radio

A standard battery-operated radio may help you stay connected to the news during a power outage. However, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio delivers local weather reports from the National Weather Service. While not everyone needs a NOAA Weather Radio, the information it provides may make the purchase worthwhile for some.

Stock up on home supplies

While you may not need to fill your pantry, use your best judgment to determine the amount of food and supplies you need to weather the storm comfortably. Ensure you have the following essentials well-stocked:

• Medications
• First aid kit
• Batteries
• Matches
• Snow shovels
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Pet food
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and candles
• Fire extinguisher
• Extra baby supplies for those with infants

Charge your devices

Well-charged devices are beneficial during a storm. However, you may also want to buy a power bank as a backup if you experience a power outage for an extended period.

Winterize your home

Inspect your home's exterior by cleaning your gutters, trimming tree branches and checking your roof. Catching small issues before they grow may help you save on expensive repairs later.

To prepare your home's interior for a winter storm, clean your fireplace, address leaks and have your furnace serviced.

Seal drafts

Even a small gap in a doorframe can significantly increase your heating costs. Check doors and windows for cracks and gaps. Once found, clean and caulk the frame, inside and outside. You can also buy thick curtains for added insulation.

Cover pipes or let faucets drip

Your home's exterior pipes may freeze if left uninsulated. Consider buying foam self-seal pipe insulation to protect them. It also helps protect your water supply. If that's not possible, you may be able to help prevent pipes from freezing by letting your faucets drip during the storm.

Pack your car with supplies

You may not need to leave your home during a storm, and it's best not to. However, readying your vehicle's winter supplies is integral to winter storm preparation. Consider stocking your vehicle with the following winter supplies:

• First aid kit
• Spare tire and chains
• Water and snacks
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Full tank of gas
• Flares
• Jumper cables
• Warm clothes and blankets
• Sand or kitty litter
• Tow rope
• Snow shovel

Get the shovels ready

Shoveling intermittently throughout the storm may simplify your home's walkway maintenance. Frequently shoveling smaller quantities of snow is far easier than shoveling 8 inches of snow at once after the storm passes.

Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors

If you blast your gas fireplace or space heaters during the storm, you may be at risk of CO poisoning. To avoid potentially life-threatening issues, ensure your CO detectors have fresh batteries and work properly.

Winterize your insurance policy

Before the winter storms roll in, contact your American Family Insurance agent for a policy review. They can help ensure your policy is up to date and delivers the coverage you need. They may also be able to help you find qualifying discounts and bundle savings.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.