---
title: "Expecting Snow? Do These 7 Things ASAP"
date: "2017-11-06"
modified: "2020-12-29"
authors:
  - name: "Katelin Hill"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katelin-hill.md"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/expecting-snow-do-these-7-things-asap-51638/"
categories:
  - "Heating & Cooling"
  - "Home Safety"
  - "Insulation"
  - "Interior"
tags:
  - "seasonal"
  - "Snow & Ice"
  - "Storms & Disasters"
---

# Expecting Snow? Do These 7 Things ASAP

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/snowstorm.jpg>)

### Gear Up

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/how_to_prep_for_snowstorm.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

Whether meteorologists are predicting a winter storm of epic proportions or an insignificant snow flurry, it’s wise to be prepared. Take care of these 7 tasks before the next snowpocalypse to ensure that you don’t get caught in the cold.

### Winterize Your Home

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/weatherstrip.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

Before the snow starts to fall, finish up [cold-weather maintenance tasks](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-ways-to-winterize-your-home-on-a-budget-10169.md>) around the house. Insulate pipes, walls, and attics as needed, paying particular attention to pipes on your home’s exterior. Trim back branches that could fall on your property during a storm, and weatherstrip doors and windows to keep cold air out.

### Put Together an Emergency Kit

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/emergency-kit.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

Excessive snowfall could trap you in the house for a while, so gather any supplies you and your family (and [pets](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/hacks-for-pet-owners.md>)!) may need—enough to last at least three days. Include basics like food and water, a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, batteries, and a backup battery charger for your phone.

### Plan Family Communications

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/family-plan.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

If you’re expecting a substantial storm, figure out a communication plan with your family. Discuss possible places to meet, including one spot outside of your neighborhood, in case you need to evacuate the area. Make sure everyone has important phone numbers and emergency contacts.

### Gather Additional Heat Sources

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/fireplace.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

If the power goes out, your family will lose its primary heat source. To keep everyone as comfortable as possible, collect extra blankets and warm clothing to fend off the chill. Also make sure that you have supplies for alternative heating: kindling for wood [fireplaces](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/12-beautiful-diy-fireplace-ideas-578461.md>), fuel for kerosene heaters, and cords for a generator.

### Prevent Roof Collapse

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/roof-collapse.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

Snow can quickly accumulate on a house, potentially leading to [ice dams](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ice-dams.md>), leaks, or even a roof collapse. Have your roof inspected before winter to ensure that it’s not damaged or decayed, and make repairs as necessary.

### Service Your Vehicle

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/snow-car.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

Despite careful planning, you may find yourself on the road during treacherous weather. To prepare for these challenging driving conditions, have a mechanic [check out your vehicle](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/13-hacks-every-car-owner-should-know-51138.md>) before winter hits. The service should include checking antifreeze levels and inspecting the tread on your tires. Always keep an emergency kit in the trunk, and consider paying for roadside assistance memberships that could help out if your car stalls or gets stuck on the road.

### Play It Safe

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/smoke-alarm.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

When it comes to winter weather, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Before the temperature drops, have your home's heating equipment inspected by a professional, check batteries in smoke alarms, and install carbon monoxide detectors if you don’t already have them (carbon monoxide-related deaths peak in the winter months). [Keep fire extinguishers](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/fire-safety.md>) handy, and make sure your whole family knows where to find them and how to use them.

### After the Storm

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Expecting-Snow-_Do-These-7-Things-ASAP.png>)
*istockphoto.com*

When you’re ready to start digging out, follow these [helpful shoveling tips](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/8-clever-hacks-for-how-to-shovel-snow-51700.md>). They’ll save you from aching back pain and speed up the chilly chore.

## Author
Katelin Hill channels her passion for home and garden into educational and aspirational stories and how-to guides. She spent almost four years working in editorial at [This Old House](<https://www.thisoldhouse.com/>) and has written for [The Family Handyman](<https://www.familyhandyman.com/>), [Endless Vacation](<https://endlessvacation.com/>), [Time Out New York](<https://www.timeout.com/newyork>) and several local news outlets. Katelin recently relocated from Brooklyn to Virginia, mostly because she needed more room for her DIY supplies.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelinhill/>)  
[Twitter](<https://x.com/byKatelinHill>)