Winter storms can bring unexpected challenges, from power outages and icy roads to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Proper preparation, as recommended by leading authorities, is the key to keeping your family safe, comfortable and worry-free.
FEMA highlights the increased risks that winter storms pose to our safety, including car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning. They also warn about the effects on infrastructure, like prolonged outages of heat, power and communication services. The American Red Cross also emphasizes that preparing beforehand is crucial to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Our Head of North America Personal Lines offers tips to prepare for the storm and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
Stock up on essentials
- Non-perishable food and water: We suggest aiming for a three-day supply of canned goods, bottled water (one gallon per person, per day) and snacks. The American Red Cross advises getting non-perishable food, water and medicine before a winter storm, preparing with enough supplies to last at least three days if you need to evacuate or two weeks if you plan to shelter at home. Ready.gov reinforces the need for enough supplies to last several days without power, considering specific needs for everyone in your household.
- Medications: It’s critical to refill prescriptions and have a basic first aid kit ready. Direct Energy recommends securing at least a one-week supply of prescription medication.
- Flashlights and batteries: Check your flashlights, lanterns and extra batteries to ensure you’re not left in the dark. The National Weather Service explicitly recommends having flashlights with extra batteries or a hand-crank radio.
- Warm clothing and blankets: The American Red Cross highlights the importance of having ample warm clothing, such as hats, mittens and blankets, for everyone in your household. Ready.gov also advises wearing layers of warm clothing if outdoor venturing is necessary.
- Insurance information: Keep your insurance carrier’s phone number and your policy numbers somewhere easy to find. Quick access to this information will help you get assistance or file a claim quickly if your property is damaged during a winter storm. This best practice helps streamline any necessary claims from the unpredictable nature of winter weather.
Prepare your home
- Insulate pipes and windows: Prevent freezing by insulating pipes and sealing window drafts. The CDC advises insulating water lines along exterior walls and sealing drafts with caulking and weather stripping. Michigan.gov and the American Red Cross also stress winterizing your home with insulation and weather stripping to prevent pipes from bursting.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure your alarms are working, especially if you’ll be using alternative heat sources. Ready.gov recommends installing and testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Michigan.gov adds that battery-operated carbon-monoxide detectors should be near every sleeping area, as poisoning is prevalent during colder months due to increased use of heating and generators.
- Keep shovels and ice melt handy: Clear walkways and driveways promptly to prevent slips and falls.
- Check your heating system: Schedule a maintenance check for your furnace or fireplace and have fuel (if needed) on hand. Ready.gov suggests annual maintenance for heating equipment and chimneys by professionals.
Stay informed
- Monitor weather updates: Download weather apps and tune in to local news for the latest storm information. Both Ready.gov and the American Red Cross advise signing up for local emergency alerts and checking weather forecasts. The CDC stresses regularly checking forecasts for several days of notice.
- Emergency contacts: Keep a list of important phone numbers, including local utilities and emergency services.
Plan for power outages
- Charge devices: Make sure cell phones, power banks, electric vehicles and other essential electronics are fully charged. The Red Cross reminds us to have backup batteries to charge our phones.
- Alternative light and heat sources: Prepare lanterns and safe portable heaters (follow manufacturer instructions). The American Red Cross warns against using candles due to fire risk, recommending battery-powered lights instead. They also advise against using cooking ovens or stoves for heat to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Ready.gov emphasizes learning safe heating practices to avoid fires and CO poisoning.
- Backup power: Consider a generator for critical appliances but always use it outdoors and away from windows. Both the American Red Cross and Ready.gov stress that generators should only be used outdoors and away from windows to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
- Electric vehicle owners: Fully charge your EV prior to the storm, as cold temperatures reduce range and home charging won't be available. If your vehicle supports it, consider its battery as a limited backup for essential devices.
Don’t forget your vehicle
- Winterize your car: The National Weather Service advises checking and winterizing your vehicle. Make sure fluid levels are full, and that lights, heater and windshield wipers are in proper condition and check tire pressure. They also recommend keeping the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. The CDC suggests checking antifreeze, tires and wiper fluid.
- Emergency car kit: Include blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, jumper cables and a small shovel. Michigan.gov provides a detailed list for a car kit, including a radio, cell phone charger, windshield scraper, flares, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit.
Ready, set, stormproof
Taking these steps now will help you face winter storms with confidence. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Act today to protect what matters most. For more tips and supplies, visit our website or contact our team of winter preparedness experts. Stay warm, stay safe and let’s weather the season together.
Disclaimer
WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).
