Winter storm preparation

{{whyLabel}}: Water service can freeze or be contaminated during extreme storms, making a local supply critical for hydration and hygiene.

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• Store at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) per person per day.
• Use BPA-free food-grade plastic containers or purchase factory-sealed bottles.
• Include extra water for pets (approx. 1 ounce per pound of body weight).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [At least 12 gallons of water are stored in a cool, dark place for a family of four]

{{whyLabel}}: Power outages prevent cooking; you need nutrient-dense food that requires no heat or refrigeration.

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• Select canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat soups.
• Stock high-energy snacks like protein bars, dried fruits, and peanut butter.
• Ensure you have a manual can opener available.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [A 3-day supply of no-cook food is organized in an accessible pantry area]

{{whyLabel}}: If the main heating system fails, a secondary heat source prevents hypothermia.

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• Choose a propane heater specifically rated for indoor use (with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor).
• Purchase at least two 1lb propane canisters for short-term emergency use.
• Never use outdoor grills or camp stoves inside due to carbon monoxide risk.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [An indoor-safe heater and fuel are stored safely in the home]

{{whyLabel}}: Maintaining communication and light requires a reliable way to charge devices when the grid is down.

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• Purchase a high-capacity power bank (at least 20,000 mAh) for phones.
• Consider a portable power station (LiFePO4 battery) for longer outages.
• Keep all power banks 100% charged during the winter season.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Power banks are fully charged and stored with charging cables]

{{whyLabel}}: Hands-free lighting is safer and more efficient than candles, which pose a significant fire risk during storms.

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• Place one LED lantern in each major room.
• Provide a headlamp for each family member for safe movement in the dark.
• Stock two full sets of extra alkaline batteries for every device.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Every family member has access to a working light source and spare batteries]

{{whyLabel}}: Frozen pipes can burst, leading to catastrophic water damage and loss of water supply.

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• Identify pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
• Wrap them in foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation.
• Seal gaps where pipes enter the home using expanding foam or caulk.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [All vulnerable pipes are covered with insulation material]

{{whyLabel}}: Drafts significantly increase heating costs and make it harder to maintain a safe indoor temperature during a power outage.

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• Check for air leaks by moving a lit incense stick around frames.
• Apply adhesive foam or V-seal weatherstripping to gaps.
• Use door sweeps on all exterior doors to block cold air at the floor level.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [No noticeable drafts are felt around windows or doors]

{{whyLabel}}: Clogged gutters cause water to back up and freeze, creating heavy ice dams that damage roofs and gutters.

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• Remove all leaves and debris from the gutter channels.
• Flush downspouts with water to ensure they drain away from the foundation.
• Check that gutter brackets are secure enough to hold the weight of ice.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Gutters are clear of debris and water flows freely through downspouts]

{{whyLabel}}: Heavy ice and snow accumulation can cause weak branches to snap, damaging your roof or power lines.

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• Identify dead or diseased branches hanging over the house or driveway.
• Use a pole saw for low branches; hire a professional for high or large limbs.
• Ensure no branches are within 10 feet of utility lines.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [No heavy branches are directly overhanging the roof structure]

{{whyLabel}}: In the event of a burst pipe, you must be able to stop the water flow instantly to prevent flooding.

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• Locate the main valve (usually near the water meter or where the line enters the house).
• Turn it clockwise to ensure it isn't rusted shut.
• Attach a bright, waterproof tag so any family member can find it in the dark.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [The valve is identified, tested, and clearly labeled]

{{whyLabel}}: During severe storms, internet and cell towers may fail; a radio provides life-saving emergency broadcasts.

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• Choose a model with multiple power sources (solar, hand-crank, and battery).
• Ensure it has the 'Public Alert' certified seal.
• Program it to your local frequency for automated alerts.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [The radio is programmed and tested for local reception]

{{whyLabel}}: Emergency services may be delayed by snow; you must be able to treat injuries at home.

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• Include standard bandages plus trauma supplies: gauze, medical tape, and a tourniquet.
• Add a 14-day supply of all essential prescription medications.
• Include over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [A fully stocked kit is stored in a central, known location]

{{whyLabel}}: You cannot rely on digital contacts if your phone battery dies or the device is damaged.

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• List phone numbers for family, neighbors, and out-of-state contacts.
• Include local utility companies and emergency services.
• Laminate the list or put it in a waterproof sleeve.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [A physical contact list is posted on the refrigerator or in the emergency kit]

{{whyLabel}}: These apps provide real-time alerts, shelter locations, and first-aid instructions that work offline.

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• Search for 'FEMA' and 'Emergency by American Red Cross' in your app store.
• Enable location-based alerts for your specific area.
• Review the 'Winter Storm' checklist within the apps.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Apps are installed and notifications are configured]

{{whyLabel}}: Getting stranded in a car during a blizzard is life-threatening without proper supplies.

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• Pack a shovel, ice scraper, and jumper cables.
• Include 'traction aid' like sand or non-clumping cat litter.
• Add a 'warmth bag' with a wool blanket, extra gloves, and a hat.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [The kit is secured in the trunk of the primary vehicle]

{{whyLabel}}: Cold temperatures significantly reduce battery cranking power and can freeze low-quality fluids.

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• Test the battery voltage (should be 12.4V+ when off).
• Ensure antifreeze/coolant is rated for at least -30°F.
• Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter-grade (de-icer) fluid.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Battery is confirmed healthy and all fluids are topped off]

{{whyLabel}}: Standard rock salt can burn pet paws and damage concrete; specialized tools make clearing paths safer.

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• Purchase 'Pet-Safe' labeled ice melt (usually Magnesium Chloride based).
• Ensure you have a wide push-shovel for light snow and a metal-edged shovel for ice.
• Store tools in an easy-to-reach spot inside the garage or house.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Ice melt and shovels are ready for the first snowfall]

{{whyLabel}}: Using alternative heating and candles increases the risk of fire and CO poisoning significantly.

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• Press the 'Test' button on every unit in the house.
• Replace batteries if they haven't been changed in the last 6 months.
• Ensure there is at least one CO detector on every floor with a sleeping area.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [All detectors are confirmed functional with fresh batteries]

{{whyLabel}}: Panic is the greatest danger in an emergency; practice ensures everyone knows where supplies are.

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• Turn off the lights and have family members locate their headlamps.
• Practice moving to the 'warm room' (the smallest, most insulated room).
• Review the communication plan and how to use the emergency radio.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Every family member successfully demonstrates finding and using emergency gear]

{{whyLabel}}: Food expires, batteries leak, and water containers can degrade over time.

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• Set a recurring calendar invite for November 1st and March 1st.
• Check expiration dates on food and medications.
• Rotate water supply by using the old water for plants and refilling with fresh.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [A recurring reminder is active in your digital calendar]