Blizzard Watch: 5 Steps to Prepare for a Blizzard

Feb 22

Blizzards can arrive faster and hit harder than expected, bringing heavy snow, high winds, dangerous wind chills, and power outages that last for days. Preparation isn’t about panic—it’s about reducing risk and staying self-sufficient when conditions deteriorate. Whether you’re at home, on the road, or responsible for protecting your family, these five steps will help you stay ahead of the storm.

1. Monitor Your Local Weather

The first step in blizzard preparedness is awareness. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and official alerts provide critical lead time. Monitor trusted sources such as local news, weather apps, and emergency alerts from your city or county. Pay close attention to Blizzard Watches and Blizzard Warnings—these indicate not just snow, but reduced visibility, extreme cold, and hazardous travel conditions.

Knowing when the storm is expected to arrive allows you to act early: finish errands, secure your home, and avoid being caught unprepared once conditions worsen.

2. Organize Emergency Supplies

A blizzard can cut off access to stores, roads, and emergency services. Every household should have at least 72 hours of essential supplies readily available. This includes bottled water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, prescription medications, flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Cold-weather gear is equally important—blankets, gloves, hats, and thermal layers help retain body heat if heating systems fail. Keep supplies organized and accessible, not buried in storage, so they’re easy to grab when needed.

3. Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common—and costly—blizzard-related issues. When temperatures drop, exposed pipes can freeze and burst, leading to water damage once they thaw. Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces. On extremely cold nights, allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving.

If you plan to be away, never turn your heat completely off. Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

4. Be Prepared for a Power Outage

High winds and heavy snow frequently knock out power during blizzards. Have multiple light sources available and never rely on candles as your primary lighting due to fire risk. If you use a generator, operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Charge phones and backup battery packs ahead of the storm, and conserve power once outages occur. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food safely.

5. Stay Off the Road

One of the most dangerous decisions during a blizzard is unnecessary travel. Whiteout conditions, icy roads, and stranded vehicles can quickly turn life-threatening. If authorities advise staying home, follow that guidance.

If travel is unavoidable, tell someone your route and expected arrival time, carry emergency gear in your vehicle, and be prepared to turn back. In most cases, the safest place during a blizzard is indoors.

Blizzards reward preparation and punish complacency. Taking these five steps before the storm hits can protect your home, your family, and your safety—when it matters most.

From all of us at SERGEANT® — stay prepared, stay aware, and stay safe.

Dennis Cook