Ever hear a weather report that makes your stomach drop? That dreaded phrase—”historic blizzard incoming”—has a way of sending people into a frenzy. The idea of being buried under snow, cut off from the world, and stuck in a freezing house is enough to make anyone uneasy. But don’t panic, there’s plenty you can do right now to prep up your home like a fortress before the storm barrels through. From keeping the heat in to making sure you have enough supplies, here’s how to stay one step ahead of winter’s worst.
Lock in the Heat—Because Winter Air Creeps in Like a Thief
Cold air? It’s sneaky. It seeps through every tiny crack, waiting for its chance to make your home feel like the inside of a freezer. But you can fight back:
🔹 Seal up the gaps – Grab some caulking or weather stripping and check windows, doors, and anywhere else cold air might be sneaking through.
🔹 Protect your pipes – Frozen pipes = disaster. Wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation before they turn into ice tubes waiting to burst.
🔹 Close off unused rooms – The more space you try to heat, the harder your system works. Shut doors to unused areas to keep warmth where you need it.
🔹 Drape up – Heavy curtains (or even blankets over windows) can help trap heat and keep those icy drafts at bay.
Stock Up—Because No One Wants to Battle for the Last Loaf of Bread
Once the storm hits, good luck getting to a store. Roads might be buried, and shelves will be wiped clean before you even think about heading out. Avoid the chaos:
🛒 Food & water – Non-perishable items like canned goods, nuts, and dried fruits will keep you going. And don’t forget at least one gallon of water per person per day.
🕯 Lights, but make it safe – Candles work, but flashlights, lanterns, and LED lights are better. Always have extra batteries.
🔥 Heat sources – If you’ve got a fireplace or wood stove, load up on firewood. A propane heater? Only use one that’s rated for indoor use (carbon monoxide poisoning is no joke).
🧼 Hygiene is survival too – Toilet paper, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer become gold when running water isn’t an option.
Power Down? Have a Backup Plan
Snow and ice love taking down power lines. If your house suddenly goes dark, be ready:
🔋 Keep phones charged – A power bank can keep your phone alive for emergency calls and updates.
⚡ Got a generator? – If you do, make sure you know how to use it safely (never indoors!). If not, maybe now’s the time to invest.
📻 Stay informed – A battery-powered radio is your best bet when the internet and cell service go out.
If You MUST Drive, Don’t Get Stranded
Sometimes you don’t have a choice—you need to get on the road. If that’s the case, make sure your car is winter-ready:
⛽ Fill the tank – Gas stations could run out, and you don’t want to be running on empty in the middle of a storm.
🆘 Pack an emergency kit – Blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, first-aid kit—because you never know how long you might be stuck.
🔧 Check the tires – Snow tires or chains might be necessary.
❄️ Keep antifreeze topped up – Your engine needs it to survive freezing temps.
Stay Connected—Because Cell Towers Might Go Down
Massive storms can overload networks. Have a backup plan:
📞 Emergency contacts – Let family and friends know where you are and how to reach you.
🗺 Evacuation plan – If you have to leave, know exactly where you’re going.
📢 Use social media for updates – It’s often the quickest way to get breaking news on road conditions, shelters, and power outages.
Don’t Forget About Your Pets!
🐶 Keep pets inside – If you wouldn’t sleep outside in this weather, neither should they.
🐴 Extra bedding for livestock – Horses, cows, and other animals need dry, insulated shelter.
🍖 Increase their food supply – Animals burn more calories trying to stay warm.
The Storm’s Over—Now What?
Once the worst is behind you, it’s cleanup time:
🧹 Shovel early, shovel often – Letting snow pile up makes it way harder to remove later.
🧊 Salt or sand for traction – Avoid slipping and breaking a bone.
🏚 Check for roof damage – Heavy snow can push your roof past its limit—watch for sagging or leaks.
A Blizzard Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare
Snowstorms can be brutal, but with a little planning, you won’t just survive, you’ll be comfortable. Stay warm, stay smart, and stay inside until it’s safe to venture out again.
