Snowstorm Preparation Checklist
Be ready before the snowflakes fall. This printable checklist helps you prepare for a snowstorm so you can stay safe, warm, and cozy at home for 3–5 days, even if you’re snowed in.
❄️ Before the Storm
🧹 Outdoor & Snow Removal
- Snow shovel
- Snow pusher (wide shovel)
- Ice scraper or metal shovel edge
- Rock salt or ice melt
- Pet-safe ice melt (if needed)
- Clear drains & pathways
🚗 Vehicle Prep
- Gas tank at least half full
- Snow brush & ice scraper in car
- Emergency blanket in trunk
- Park away from plow paths
Inside the House
🔦 Power & Safety
- Flashlights (one per room if possible)
- Battery-powered lanterns
- Extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers / power banks
- Candles + matches (used safely, never unattended)
- Working smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
🥫 Food & Water (3–5 Days)
- Bottled water (about 1 gallon per person per day)
- Canned soups & vegetables
- Pasta, rice, or oatmeal
- Peanut butter
- Crackers or bread
- Shelf-stable snacks
- Coffee, tea, or cocoa
🧣 Warmth & Comfort
- Extra blankets
- Warm socks & layered clothing
- Slippers or indoor shoes
- Books, games, and chargers for devices
🐾 Pet & Family Care
- Extra pet food and treats
- Pet medications
- Towels for muddy or salty paws
- Diapers, wipes, and baby needs (if applicable)
🌨️ During the Storm
- Shovel early and often while snow is light
- Re-salt icy areas as needed
- Stay off roads unless truly necessary
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed during outages
- Check on neighbors if it’s safe to do so
👨👩👧 How Our Family Gets Ready for a Snowstorm
When a big snowstorm is coming, our family gets ready before the snow falls so we can stay warm, safe, and cozy together at home.
We get ready outside: We put our shovels by the door, sprinkle salt on slippery steps, and make sure paths are clear. Snow is easier to shovel when it’s fresh!
We prepare for power outages: We gather flashlights, charge phones, and keep lanterns nearby. If we use candles, an adult is always in the room.
We stock cozy foods: We choose easy meals like soup, oatmeal, and snacks. Warm drinks like tea or cocoa make storm days feel extra special.
We stay warm: We wear layers, use blankets, and keep the house cozy without turning the heat up too high.
We take care of pets: Pets get extra food, dry paws, and shorter outdoor trips. Salt can hurt paws, so we wipe them gently after walks.
We enjoy being snowed in: Snow days are perfect for board games, reading, family meals, and quiet time together.
🌨️ Snow outside. Warmth inside. That’s how we do winter.
