How to Be Prepared for a Snow Storm: Home, Car and Travel Checklist
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Snow storms can last a few hours or several days, and they can knock out heat, power and communication. Ready.gov notes that winter storms raise the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. Preparing before the first flakes makes all of those risks smaller.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Know the Alerts
| Alert | What it means (per Ready.gov) |
|---|---|
| Winter Weather Advisory | Snow, freezing rain or sleet that will cause significant inconvenience and could become dangerous without caution |
| Winter Storm Watch | A blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is possible, usually 12 to 48 hours ahead |
| Winter Storm Warning | Hazardous winter weather is imminent or occurring, usually issued 12 to 24 hours ahead |
Sign up for local alerts and keep a NOAA Weather Radio or hand-crank radio handy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Home
- Stock several days of food, water and medications.
- Have flashlights, extra batteries and a radio.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep pipes from freezing and know where your water shutoff is.
- If you use a generator, Ready.gov says to run it outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
Step 3: Prepare Your Car
NHTSA’s winter driving tips recommend:
- Checking tire pressure, tread and age, and considering snow tires
- Having a mechanic check the battery, charging system and belts
- Filling the washer reservoir with winter fluid and replacing worn wipers
- Checking coolant, lights and defrosters
- Keeping your gas tank close to full
Step 4: Stock Your Car
NHTSA suggests carrying a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper; sand or kitty litter; jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices; a first aid kit; blankets; and a phone charger, water, food and medicine. See what to include in a car emergency kit.
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Step 5: Decide Whether to Travel
Ready.gov advises staying off roads if at all possible during a winter storm. If you must go, check weather and road reports, tell someone your route and arrival time, and leave early to avoid the worst of the storm.
Step 6: If You Get Stuck
- Stay with your car. Ready.gov says if trapped in your car, stay inside.
- Make your car visible with bright markers and the dome light, as NHTSA suggests.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and run the engine only sporadically to stay warm, to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Don’t overexert yourself digging.
Step 7: Watch for Cold-Weather Health Risks
Ready.gov describes frostbite signs as numbness and white or grayish-yellow, firm or waxy skin, and hypothermia signs as shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness. A body temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I prepare for a snow storm?
Start when a Winter Storm Watch is issued, usually 12 to 48 hours ahead, but keep basic supplies ready all winter.
What should I do with my car before a snow storm?
Fill the tank, check tires, wipers and fluids, and stock an emergency kit.
Should I drive during a snow storm?
Avoid it if possible. If you must, slow down and leave extra stopping distance.
What’s the biggest danger if stranded in the car?
Cold and carbon monoxide. Stay in the car, keep the exhaust clear and run the engine only briefly.
The Bottom Line
To be prepared for a snow storm, learn the alert terms, stock your home for several days, winterize and stock your car, avoid travel when you can, and know what to do if you’re stranded.
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