Cold conditions can strain homes, vehicles, and local infrastructure, leading to power outages, hazardous travel, and increased safety risks. Knowing how to prepare for cold weather helps households reduce the impact of these disruptions and respond more effectively when conditions deteriorate. Staying safe during winter weather requires practical planning that supports winter disaster preparedness before storms, extreme cold, or infrastructure failures occur.
This guide provides clear steps for winter disaster preparedness, including home preparation, vehicle maintenance, safe heating during outages, and carbon monoxide prevention.
Preparing Your Home for Winter Conditions
A well-prepared home stays warmer, uses less energy, and prevents many common winter problems.
Seal drafts and improve insulation
- Add weatherstripping to doors and windows
- Use draft stoppers or towels along floor gaps
- Hang heavier curtains to reduce heat loss
- Place rugs over bare floors for added insulation
Protect plumbing from freezing
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Keep cabinet doors open during extremely cold temperatures
- Allow a slow drip from faucets in severe cold
- Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior spigots
Check heating systems
- Replace furnace filters
- Test the thermostat
- Schedule routine maintenance before temperatures drop
Prepare basic winter supplies
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- A battery powered or hand crank radio
- Shelf stable foods
- Bottled water
- Rock salt or sand for walkways
Staying Warm During a Power Outage
Power outages can reduce indoor temperatures quickly. The goal is to create and maintain a warm, contained space.
Create a warm room
Choose a smaller room and move bedding, warm clothing, and essential supplies into that space. Close the door to keep heat in.
Improve insulation in the warm room
- Block window and door gaps with towels
- Hang blankets or extra bedding over windows
- Move furniture away from exterior walls
- Sit or sleep on raised surfaces instead of directly on the floor
Use a camping tent indoors
A small tent inside your warm room can trap body heat more effectively than an open space. This creates a microclimate that stays noticeably warmer. Inside the tent, temperatures can climb several degrees higher because the smaller area is easier to warm with body heat alone.
Benefits of using a tent indoors include:
- Faster heat retention
- Less heat lost to drafts
- A more comfortable sleeping environment
- A sense of security for children and pets during storms
Once the tent is set up, bring in sleeping bags, blankets, and cushions. Encourage family members and pets to gather inside during sleeping hours or periods of extreme cold. Shared body warmth makes a meaningful difference in tight spaces, especially overnight.
Use safe indoor heating options
Battery powered heaters
- Some small units are designed for indoor use.
- Use sparingly to conserve power.
Indoor rated propane heaters
- Only use heaters labeled for indoor use. Provide ventilation by opening a window slightly and follow all manufacturer instructions.
Hot water bottles or warmed containers
- If you can safely heat water, place it in durable bottles wrapped in towels for extended warmth.
Wear layered clothing
- Multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and warm socks, help maintain body temperature. Sleeping in the same room increases shared warmth.
Heating Methods That Should NOT Be Used Indoors
Several heating sources create serious fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
- Charcoal grills
- Camp stoves
- Outdoor propane heaters
- Gas ovens used as heaters
- Generators used in garages, basements, or near doors and windows
These items can produce dangerous fumes and are not safe for indoor heating.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause illness or death. Winter weather increases exposure risks.
- Install and test carbon monoxide detectors
- Place detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas. Replace batteries at the start of the season.
- Ensure exhaust vents remain clear
After snowfall, check:
- Furnace vents
- Dryer vents
- Whole house generator exhaust outlets
- Vehicle tailpipes
Blocked vents can force carbon monoxide back into indoor spaces.
Warm vehicles safely
Move vehicles fully outdoors before idling. Running a vehicle inside a garage allows fumes to accumulate even with the garage door open.
Recognize warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, move everyone to fresh air and contact emergency services.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Travel
Cold weather can reduce vehicle performance and increase the risk of breakdowns.
Complete essential maintenance
- Check tire tread and consider winter tires in snowy regions
- Test the battery
- Ensure antifreeze levels are adequate
- Replace worn wiper blades
- Fill the windshield reservoir with winter rated fluid
- Maintain a higher fuel level – Keeping the tank at least half full helps prevent fuel line freezing and maintains access to heat if you become stranded.
Build a winter car kit
Include:
- Warm blankets
- Extra clothing such as hats and gloves
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight with batteries
- Phone charger
- Water and snacks
If you become stranded: Stay with the vehicle. Keep a window slightly open for ventilation and clear snow from the tailpipe before running the engine. Run the heat periodically to conserve fuel.
Stocking Food, Water, and Household Essentials
Winter storms can disrupt supply chains and make travel unsafe.
Suggested items
- Food that does not require cooking
- A minimum of three days of drinking water
- Pet food
- Necessary medications
- Extra blankets
- Backup lighting
- A printed emergency contact list
Communication and Planning
A communication plan ensures that family members stay informed during outages or disruptions.
Include the following
- Emergency contact numbers
- A meeting location if separated
- Instructions for when to shelter in place
- A check in schedule during storms or power outages
Preparing for the Needs of Pets and Neighbors
Cold weather affects community members differently.
Check on older adults, individuals with disabilities, and neighbors who may need assistance. Bring pets indoors during cold weather and give them warm bedding and unfrozen water.
More Information
For more information on staying safe in winter conditions, explore our Extreme Cold page or visit Ready.gov’s winter weather guidance for additional tips, checklists, and preparation steps.