Batten Down the Hatches: How to Prepare for a Nasty Winter Storm

After two major snowfalls in the past couple weeks -— more than we’ve had in years -— followed by over a week of bitter cold, I’m rethinking my plan to scrape by this winter without my trusty old snowblower. Shoveling gravel driveways in subzero wind chills is no joke! So consider this your fair warning from someone who learned the hard way: winter storms can wreak some serious havoc if you’re not prepared.

Before the Big Chill: Stock Up on Essentials

When meteorologists start tossing around terms like “polar vortex,” it’s time to batten down the hatches. Before an extreme cold snap or major snowstorm hits, take stock of your home, vehicles, and disaster supply kits to make sure you have what you need to hunker down for a few days.

At Home: Food, Water, and Backup Heat

Even a short-term loss of power or utilities can turn life upside down fast. Build up a 2 week stockpile of shelf-stable food, water, medicine, and other basics for your whole household. And make sure you have alternate ways to cook food and stay warm if the heat and lights go out.

A fireplace or wood stove is great backup, but take safety precautions like installing carbon monoxide detectors and keeping the flue clear. And never run a generator indoors or near air intakes.

If you haven’t had the chimney cleaned out in the last year or two it might be best to forgo using the wood stove for now. Chimney fires are a not-uncommon occurrence when the winter weather gets very chilly. People to decide to put that old stove back into use, but find out the hard way the chimney is full of flammable creosote.

In Vehicles: Winter Survival Kit

Getting stranded in a disabled vehicle during a blizzard sounds like a scene from a cheesy made-for-TV movie, yet it happens every year. Prepare your car ahead of time with a winter storm survival kit containing blankets, nonperishable food, flashlight, shovel, traction aids like kitty litter, jumper cables, and more. And check all fluid levels and tire pressure before hitting the road.

Stay Alert: Monitor Forecasts and Alerts

A winter storm watch means hazardous conditions are possible in the next day or two. A warning means imminent life-threatening conditions. Know the difference and be prepared to take action!

Sign up for local weather and emergency text alerts. And pay attention to National Weather Service warnings and public safety announcements so you can stay safe.

At the first hint of a possible winter blast, give yourself extra time to stock vehicles and shelter in place. Forewarned is forearmed!

Riding Out the Storm: Stay Warm, Safe and Connected

When that blizzard finally hits, avoiding hypothermia and frostbite while also preventing property damage and illness is key.

Layer up with warm, dry clothing to venture outdoors — frostbite can happen fast! And learn how to spot and treat cold weather hazards like frozen pipes.

Have backup methods of communication and power generation, install smoke/CO detectors with battery backups, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.

By prepping your home, vehicles and family before these vicious winter storms strike, you can hunker down in comfort and safety. Stay warm and godspeed, friends! This too shall pass.