FLINTREADY
Survival Knowledge, Structured
Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist
The complete winter storm checklist — from pre-season preparation through warning, the storm itself, emergency driving, and thaw recovery. 5 phases, color-coded, field-ready.
flintready.com/checklists/winter-storm 
02 / 08
What's Inside
- 01 PRE-SEASON PREPOctober-November · before the first freeze
- 02 WARNING ISSUED48 hours before impact
- 03 DURING THE STORMRide it out · 24-72 hours
- 04 IF YOU MUST DRIVEEmergency trips only
- 05 THAW + RECOVERYPost-storm · first 48 hours
QUICK REFERENCE
The Rule of 3s
3 min
without air — airway is priority #1
3 hrs
without shelter in harsh weather
3 days
without water — this checklist covers it
3 weeks
without food — buys time to reach help
03 / 08
PRE-SEASON PREP
October-November · before the first freeze - ☐ Service the furnace: filter, inspection, pilot light test
- ☐ Have chimney/fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional
- ☐ Weatherproof doors + windows (weatherstripping, caulk, plastic film)
- ☐ Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, garages
- ☐ Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off exterior spigots
- ☐ Stock firewood if wood-burning (3-cord minimum for winter)
- ☐ Test and fill backup generator, rotate stored fuel → Buy
- ☐ Propane tank check: Mr. Heater Big Buddy + two 20lb tanks minimum → Buy
- ☐ Stock rock salt / ice melt for walkways and driveway
- ☐ Service or buy snow shovel, scrape, sand/cat litter for traction
- ☐ Install storm windows / close attic vents
- ☐ Review insurance: frozen pipes, wind, ice dam damage
04 / 08
WARNING ISSUED
48 hours before impact - ☐ Grocery store run: 2 weeks of shelf-stable food, no-cook options
- ☐ Fill vehicles to full tank, fill gas cans for generator (rotate stored fuel)
- ☐ Cash on hand: $200-$500 minimum (ATMs die first in power outages)
- ☐ Medication refills: confirm 7-day minimum supply on hand
- ☐ Charge ALL devices, power banks, spare batteries
- ☐ Verify working flashlights with fresh batteries (one per room)
- ☐ Test NOAA weather radio, set S.A.M.E. alerts for your county → Buy
- ☐ Confirm home heating is working — do NOT wait until the storm hits
- ☐ Fill bathtubs and all containers with water (pipes may freeze)
- ☐ Check on elderly neighbors — knock on doors while it is still safe
- ☐ Bring pets indoors, stock their food and water for the duration
- ☐ Designate a "warm room" — the smallest room with the best insulation
05 / 08
DURING THE STORM
Ride it out · 24-72 hours - ☐ Stay inside — drive only for true emergencies
- ☐ If power fails: move family to the warm room, close all other doors
- ☐ Drip all faucets slightly to prevent pipe freezing (cold water side)
- ☐ Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach pipes
- ☐ Layer clothing: base layer, insulating layer, outer shell — ALWAYS dry
- ☐ Eat calorie-dense foods frequently (your body burns fuel to stay warm)
- ☐ Stay hydrated — dehydration reduces cold tolerance
- ☐ If using a generator: OUTSIDE only, 20+ ft from any window, CO alarm active
- ☐ Candle discipline: NO candles near kids, pets, or flammable surfaces
- ☐ Check on elderly neighbors if safe — knock, confirm, move on
- ☐ Preserve phone battery — airplane mode except for check-ins
- ☐ Keep NOAA radio running for updates every 30 minutes
06 / 08
IF YOU MUST DRIVE
Emergency trips only - ☐ Check road conditions BEFORE leaving (state DOT website, local news)
- ☐ Tell someone your route and expected arrival time
- ☐ Full tank of fuel — never below 1/2 in winter
- ☐ Verify: snow shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, tow strap in trunk
- ☐ Emergency kit: wool blanket, mylar blankets, hand warmers, flashlight → Buy
- ☐ 3 days of water + snacks in the vehicle
- ☐ Boots, gloves, warm hat — NOT just in your closet, in the vehicle
- ☐ Kitty litter or sand for traction if stuck
- ☐ Shovel — collapsible for the car, full size at home
- ☐ Sleeping bag rated to local winter low temps
- ☐ Fully charged phone + car charger
- ☐ If you get stuck: STAY WITH THE VEHICLE, do not walk out
07 / 08
THAW + RECOVERY
Post-storm · first 48 hours - ☐ Inspect every pipe for freezing — visible, accessible, and hidden
- ☐ Check roof for ice dams, snow load, and damage
- ☐ Document any damage (photo/video) before touching for insurance
- ☐ Turn faucets on slowly to check water flow — no flow = frozen line
- ☐ Inspect attic and basement for water leaks from melting snow
- ☐ Check on neighbors, especially elderly — wellness check
- ☐ Clear walkways and driveway — ice underneath the melt is the hazard
- ☐ Restart furnace, generator, and verify carbon monoxide alarms
- ☐ Refuel generator from rotating fuel supply (never store old gas)
- ☐ Replace any depleted food, water, batteries, fuel from the kit
- ☐ Check vehicle tire pressure — cold air drops PSI significantly
- ☐ Restock cash, prescriptions, and any used emergency items
08 / 08
Level Up
This free checklist covers the essentials. The Complete Prep Bundle covers everything after — scenario playbooks, 12 skill tracks, a diagnostic quiz, printable templates, and lifetime Premium access.
$60 VALUE
$29
COMPLETE BUNDLE
- 📖 The FlintReady Field Manual (140+ pages)
- 📋 5 Printable Checklists
- 📓 4 Scenario Playbooks (Hurricane, Blackout, Water Cut, Vehicle)
- 🗂️ Family Plan + Pantry Rotation Templates
- ⭐ Premium Lifetime Access
SCAN · flintready.com/bundle
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