top of page

Preparing Your Home & Vehicle for Winter Weather Emergencies

  • Jan 20
  • 5 min read

Nor’easters, freezing temperatures, ice storms, and power outages...Those of us who live in New England are all too familiar with what winter can bring during its months-long visit. To keep your family safe, follow this guide on how to prepare your home and vehicle for a winter weather emergency.


>Getting Your Home Ready


PREPARING FOR A POWER LOSS:


Generator Readiness & Safety

  • Ensure your generator is ready for when you need it most by scheduling annual maintenance before winter arrives.

  • For the safest connection, consider having a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.

  • Keep your generator at least 20 feet from your home and direct exhaust away from doors and windows.

  • Never run a generator inside your home or in an attached garage.

  • Store gasoline or fuel only in approved containers and keep them away from living areas.


Heating Considerations

  • Schedule an annual heating system inspection and service to ensure your system is operating properly and efficiently.

  • Maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance between your heat source and any flammable materials.

  • If using oil or propane, regularly check fuel levels rather than relying solely on automatic delivery.

  • Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for propane or kerosene heaters, and ensure proper airflow.

  • If you have a fireplace, pellet stove, or wood stove, have it professionally cleaned and inspected each year

  • Keep dry, seasoned firewood stored under cover.


Battery & Backup Power

  • Install battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to remain protected during outages.

  • Keep spare batteries on hand for flashlights, radios, and other emergency gear.

  • Purchase portable power banks or battery stations for essential electronics.



PLUMBING PROTECTION


Preventing Frozen Pipes

  • Learn how to shut off your main water valve in case your pipes burst.

  • Insulate exposed pipes in garages, basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls.

  • During extremely cold weather:

    • Open cabinet doors beneath sinks to allow warm air circulation.

    • Allow any faucets connected to exposed pipes to drip slowly (about one drop per second) to prevent ice formation. 

    • Keep indoor temperatures consistent, setting thermostats to at least 65 degrees.


Maintaining a Backup Water Supply

  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.

  • Before a major storm, fill your bathtubs for non-potable uses, such as flushing toilets.


EMERGENCY FOOD & SUPPLIES


Food Storage

  • Keep a two-week supply of canned goods (including proteins, vegetables, fruits, and soups)  or other shelf-stable foods that don’t require cooking.

  • Stock calorie-dense foods like nut butters, granola bars, and dried snacks.


Reminders:

>When planning your stock supply, don’t forget about dietary restrictions and pet food requirements.

>Don’t forget to regularly check the quantity and expiration dates of your stored food.


Medications & First Aid

  • Maintain at least seven days’ worth of prescription medications.

  • Stock a comprehensive first aid kit with extra supplies and common over-the-counter medications.


Emergency Gear

  • Have a hand-crank or battery-powered emergency radio (NOAA weather radios recommended).

  • Keep several flashlights or lanterns with backup batteries.

  • Fully charge portable phone chargers and battery packs.

  • Store thermal blankets, sleeping bags, and additional warm clothing

  • Have a fire extinguisher readily accessible, and make sure you know how to use it.



PLANNING FOR EXTENDED EMERGENCIES

(MULTI-DAY POWER OUTAGES)

  • Have a relocation plan in place if indoor temperatures should fall below 55°F.

  • Identify friends or family members who could provide temporary shelter, as well as local pet-friendly hotels.

  • Store vital documents in waterproof, portable containers, and keep digital copies of IDs, insurance policies, and prescriptions in a secure cloud storage service.



HOME STRUCTURAL PREPARATION


Insulation & Weather Sealing

  • Inspect attic insulation and add material if needed.

  • Seal gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping or caulk.

  • Install storm windows or apply interior plastic window insulation.

  • Use insulated or thermal curtains to help retain heat.


Snow & Ice Management

  • Ensure snow shovels, ice melt, and ice scrapers are readily available.

  • Keep sand or cat litter on hand for icy walkways.

  • Clear snow from exit paths, bulkheads, and around whole-house generators to allow airflow.



COASTAL FLOODING READINESS

  • Monitor tide schedules during major coastal storms

  • If your home is in a flood-prone or coastal area, be sure you know your evacuation route.

  • Consider installing flood barriers for doors and low-lying windows.

  • Keep sandbags available if flooding is a recurring concern.

  • Always store important documents in watertight containers


>Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter


ROUTINE AUTO MAINTENANCE

  • Ensure your vehicle is in good operating condition by checking your battery, lights, wipers, and antifreeze.

  • Inspect your tire tread and consider switching to winter tires.

  • Keep fuel levels above half a tank throughout winter.

  • Monitor tire pressure frequently, as cold temperatures reduce air pressure.

  • Test your battery, as cold weather can significantly weaken performance


VISIBILITY & WINDSHIELD CARE

  • Replace worn wiper blades.

  • Use cold-weather windshield washer fluid.

  • Store an ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle.


VEHICLE EMERGENCY KIT


Essential Supplies

  • Non-perishable food and bottled water

  • First aid kit and personal medications

  • Phone charging cable or power bank

  • Flashlight with spare batteries

  • Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

  • Basic tool kit


Winter-Specific Equipment

  • Insulated blankets or sleeping bags

  • Extra winter clothing, including hats, gloves, handwarmers, and boots

  • Compact or folding shovel

  • Sand or cat litter for traction

  • Ice scraper and snow brush

  • Reflective triangles or road flares

  • Tow strap or chain

  • High-visibility distress flag


WINTER ROAD SAFETY


Driving Do’s and Don’ts:

  • Avoid travel during severe storms whenever possible.

  • Learn and practice winter driving skills, including how to correct skids.

  • Use major roadways and allow extra following distance.

  • Avoid cruise control on snow, ice, or wet pavement.

  • Share your route and arrival time with someone you trust.


What to do if you become stranded:

  • Stay with your vehicle unless help is clearly within immediate reach.

  • Activate hazard lights and attach a brightly colored cloth to the antenna.

  • Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes per hour.

  • Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

  • Move your arms and legs periodically to maintain circulation.


WINTER EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN


  • Review and practice your emergency plan with your family.

  • Create a family contact list and distribute copies.

  • Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can reach.

  • Designate a meeting location if family members become separated.

  • Identify neighbors who may need extra assistance.

  • Consider creating a neighborhood check-in system for emergencies.


>After the Storm

  • Inspect your home for structural or utility damage

  • Stay clear of downed power lines and report them immediately.

  • Photograph and document damage for insurance claims.

  • Check on neighbors who may be vulnerable.

  • Replenish used emergency supplies


Being prepared for a winter weather emergency will give you peace of mind, reduce stress, and significantly increase your safety. By following this guideline, you can face winter storms with confidence and protect what matters most.



Plumbing and Heating Installation, Service, and Repair in MA and NH

A full-service plumbing, heating, and cooling service contractor, we’ve helped Massachusetts and New Hampshire homeowners stay comfortable and safe for nearly 30 years. If we can help you prepare your home’s plumbing or heating systems for winter, please call us at 978-834-0849 or contact us through our website.







 
 
 
bottom of page