Winter
December – February
Blizzards, extreme cold, power outages, ice storms.
Winter is the most unforgiving preparedness season. Hypothermia kills in hours, power outages leave homes freezing within a day, and blizzard conditions can trap people for a week. Winter prep is about redundancy — multiple heat sources, stored food, water that won't freeze, and the skills to operate when roads close.
Top Threats This Season
Blizzards & extreme cold
Travel impossible; hypothermia sets in within hours of exposure
Ice storms
Power outages lasting days to weeks; can knock out entire regional grids
Structural collapse
Heavy snow loads on roofs; pipe freezing and bursting
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Improper heating inside homes kills hundreds each winter
Vehicle entrapment
Stranded motorists die in their cars every storm
Priority Tasks
Redundant heat source
If your primary heat fails, what's next? Wood stove, propane heater (vented), kerosene heater. Never use a grill or generator indoors.
Pipe freeze prevention
Drip faucets below 20°F, insulate exposed pipes, leave cabinets open near exterior walls.
Vehicle winter kit
Blankets, mylar sleeping bag, snacks, water, shovel, kitty litter for traction, jumper cables, phone charger, full tank.
CO detectors working
Battery-powered on every floor. Replace every 7-10 years. First backup heat kills without these.
Know your neighbors
Winter isolation is deadly. Exchange numbers with 2-3 neighbors. Check on elderly within 24 hours of any outage.
Gear Focus
Wool base layers (whole family)
Cotton kills; wool retains warmth wet; silk/synthetic also acceptable
Indoor-safe propane heater (e.g., Mr. Heater Buddy)
Primary backup when furnace fails; requires ventilation
Carbon monoxide detectors (multiple)
Every backup heating method creates CO risk
14-day water supply that won't freeze
Garage water freezes; store indoors in heated space
Generator + stabilized fuel
5-7 day outages happen; refrigeration and heating depend on this
Skills to Sharpen
Seasonal Checklist
- Backup heat tested, fuel stocked, CO detectors working
- Pipes insulated, drip plan for deep cold
- Vehicle winter kit in every car
- 2-week food and water indoors (not in unheated garage)
- Snow shovels + ice melt stocked, accessible
- Generator tested monthly, 5-10 gallons stabilized fuel
- Wool clothing layers ready for the whole family