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Before the Storm
The best time to prepare for winter weather is before it happens. Once the power goes out and cell reception is lost, it can be challenging to gather items you might need. With rapid changes in conditions, last-minute trips to the store might be impossible if roads are closed. If you depend on electricity for heating, you could be without warmth for days during a storm. Be aware that your local stores may sell out of winter supplies such as shovels and salt so be sure to shop as soon as possible. Taking proactive steps now ensures you stay safe and comfortable when winter strikes.
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Emergency Kit Essentials
A well-stocked emergency kit can help you prepare for winter weather before it arrives and will give you peace of mind knowing that you can address emergency situations when they come.
For the Home: Build your emergency kit and store it in a specific place where all family members know where to find it. It's a good idea to make your kit portable, so you can take it with you in case of evacuation. Remember, if you use something from your kit, replace it right away to keep it fully stocked and ready to go!
Here are a few items we recommend you keep in your emergency kit:
Flashlights and Extra Batteries: Always have a backup light source.
Candles and Waterproof Matches/Lighter: Essential for backup lighting.
Non-perishable Food and Water: The American Red Cross suggests one gallon per person per day. Ensure food is easy to prepare.
First Aid Kit and Medications: A must-have for any situation.
Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: Stay informed even without electricity.
Extra Blankets and Warm Clothes: Keep warm if temperatures drop.
Power Bank: Essential for keeping your phone charged.
Generator: Crucial for powering essential medical equipment.
For the Car: If you live in an area that experiences snow or ice during the winter, or if you're planning to travel through such regions, it's essential to prepare your car for the conditions. Here's how to get started: have your car serviced before winter hits to ensure everything is in top shape, like changing tires or windshield wipers that could be inadequate for the weather.
To ensure your vehicle is prepared for emergencies, equip it with the right supplies. Here are some practical tips and recommendations:
Shovel, ice scraper and snow brush
Jumper cables, a flat tire kit and a full tank of gas
Blankets and warm clothing
Non-perishable snacks and water
Flares or reflective triangles for visibility
Flashlight, headlamp and extra batteries
Sand or cat litter to add traction on icy roads
First aid kit and medications
Car cellphone charger or power bank
Home Preparedness
Staying warm in your home is essential when bad weather arrives. Adding insulation to basements and attics before cold weather arrives will help to reduce energy costs, decrease moisture and provide a healthier living environment, in addition to keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Drafts let heat escape, forcing your heating system to work harder. Sealing drafty windows and doors is a cheap way to keep your house warmer. Use caulking, peel-and-stick weatherstripping, or draft stoppers. Thermal curtains and window film are also good options. Replacing single-pane windows with energy-efficient double-pane ones can be worthwhile.
When temperatures get low, you often hear about water pipes bursting. This is because water expands when it freezes and the ice has nowhere to go when it sits in your pipes—pressure builds and pipes burst. Outdoor pipes and those on exterior walls have the highest risk of rupture in cold weather.
Keeping pipes insulated is the best way to prevent them from bursting. If you are going to be away from home during cold weather, you can drain your water pipes before you leave or let faucets drip slightly while you are away so that the water is constantly flowing through the pipes.
Having a generator on hand is a great way to prepare for weather emergencies. Before the winter season, ensure your generator is running correctly and that you have sufficient fuel on hand. Always run generators outdoors, as they give off carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly to people and pets.
Vehicle Readiness
Preparing your car for winter weather is as easy as taking it to your mechanic to check the brakes, tire treads, battery and windshield wipers. You'll want to ensure fluids like antifreeze are at the proper levels. It is difficult to see out your windshield when it is covered in ice, so make sure you have wiper fluid with de-icer included.
If you drive in an area with lots of ice and snow, all-weather and snow tires are a good idea as they can provide better traction. When driving in mountain towns or particularly icy areas, keep snow chains in your car and know how to use them. Some mountain passes require chains in the winter, and you don't want to be left without them when the weather turns.
Before winter travel, list emergency contact numbers for roadside assistance. Having AAA or a similar service helps if you get a flat tire, dead battery, or need a tow after an accident.
Also, inform family or friends of your travel route, especially in bad weather, so they can keep an eye out for you.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
