It’s pretty obvious that snowstorms have zero respect for your schedule. Got an early meeting? Well, you can pretty much expect a blizzard. Kids finally have that big field trip? Well, there might be some snowflakes. Need to run to the store? Congratulations, the roads now look like an ice rink. Sure, towns send out plows and salt trucks, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Which means your house has to be the one that’s ready to handle the mess.
It’s really sad and scary to think, but extreme weather like this, especially low temperatures, can do a lot of damage to your home as a whole, to where the property value could take a hit. And no, preparing isn’t just about buying every candle Target has on the shelf or digging out that ugly blanket from college.
Sure, those are obviously important, but it’s more about making sure your house, your lawn, and your daily routine can survive a storm without you losing your mind.
Just Keep the Heat Where it Belongs
Your heating system’s about to earn its keep, but only if your house isn’t leaking warmth like a broken thermos. That’s the thing that you absolutely have to keep in mind! So, drafty doors and windows? Well, they’ll betray you, they’ll keep the house super cold. So, it’s best to look into heavy curtains, weatherstripping, and attic insulation aren’t exactly Instagram-worthy, but they’ll make sure you’re not wrapped up like a burrito on the couch, wondering why you can still see your breath.
Don’t Let the Pipes Bust
Not all homes have to deal with this, but if yours is modular, then there might actually be a chance. So, frozen pipes are the kind of nightmare you don’t wake up from quickly. They don’t just stop your water; they can burst and give you a basement pool you never asked for. So, you just need to save yourself the stress. You just need to crack open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can flow around pipes. Insulate any exposed ones in the garage or basement. But even a slow drip from faucets helps keep things moving.
You Need to Stock Up
Okay, maybe it’s obvious, but still needed when preparing! So, have you ever been to the store right before a storm? Well, not even just a storm, once the forecast states anything about rain, but it’s like a weird competition for milk and bread, as if French toast is the only survival meal. You just need to beat the crowd and stock up early.
Oh, and don’t just think food. There are things like batteries, water, dog food, and chocolate (yes, chocolate counts) that all deserve a spot on your list.. But survival looks different for everyone, and keep in mind that it might be safer to get pantry items in case the power goes out.
Don’t Forget the Yard
Inside might feel like the big priority, but the outside of your house can cause just as much of an issue if you ignore it. Actually, the outside of your house could be the very thing that damages your house. So, you absolutely need to clean out gutters so the snow has somewhere to drain. Ideally, you should check the roof for loose shingles before they become “surprise skylights.” Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but you get the point. And it also helps to just tie down patio furniture so it doesn’t end up in the neighbor’s yard.
And then there’s the driveway, oh, and the walkway from your front (or back) door, of course, too. Now, yes, by all means, plows are great, but they’re not showing up to clear your walkway. Yes, salt helps, but when the snow gets serious, you’ll need more than a shovel. Honestly, it might be a smart choice to consider an electric snow blower, especially when the world decides life must go on, and kids are still expected to show up at school, and adults are expected to drive to work. The job of removing snow is a lot faster than an old-fashioned snow shovel anyway.
Don’t Get Stuck in the Dark
It’s really awful, but yeah, snowstorms and power outages go together like peanut butter and jelly. Well, any bad storm in general. But obviously, sitting in the dark with just your phone flashlight isn’t the winter wonderland anyone signed up for.
It’s best to do this in advance if you can, but you really should try and stock up on lanterns, candles, and backup batteries. Plus, things like rechargeable lanterns that light up a whole room are worth their weight in gold. If you’re still relying on that flashlight app, prepare to be cranky and unproductive until the lights come back.
Heat is Non-Negotiable
And while light is one thing, heat is non-negotiable. Some homes have generators ready to kick in, others rely on solar panels and a battery system, but every household needs a safe emergency heat source. And yeah, old-fashioned fireplaces or wood stoves can be lifesavers if you’ve got firewood and fire starters on hand.
Actually, even a portable kerosene heater can also do the job, but only if it’s used correctly and in well-ventilated spaces. Sadly, every winter brings heartbreaking stories of families lost to carbon monoxide poisoning or house fires because they used unsafe methods to stay warm. Don’t let desperation make you reckless. It just can’t be stressed enough that you need to plan ahead so you’ve got safe options when the furnace takes a break.
Cooking Doesn’t Stop Just Because the Power Does
Having food is one thing, but being able to cook it is another. Sure, it’s not always necessary, but it can help, right? But do you have an electric stove? Well, it’s useless without power. That’s when you’ll be glad you kept a propane grill, camping stove, or even just some no-cook meals ready. And please, keep the grill outside. Again, carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t the storm experience anyone wants.
Don’t Forget the Pets
Well, of course, snowstorm prep isn’t just for humans. You need to remember that pets need food (enough to last through the storm), water, and a cozy space too. If you’ve got dogs, shovel out a quick potty path unless you enjoy watching them look at you like you’ve betrayed them. If there are stray cats in your neighborhood, it really helps to provide warmth for them (there are plenty of tutorials online for feral cat huts).
