Snowstorm Home Prep Checklist
A Realtor’s Guide to Protecting Your Home Before the Storm
Exterior Preparation
☐ Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, planters, trash cans, and décor
☐ Clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain properly
☐ Trim weak or overhanging branches near the home, roof, or power lines
☐ Check roof for loose shingles or flashing
☐ Cover outdoor faucets and disconnect garden hoses
☐ Make sure walkways and driveways are clear and have ice melt ready
Heating & Utilities
☐ Have your primary heat source serviced and tested
☐ Check space heaters for safety (keep away from curtains & furniture)
☐ Locate main water shut-off valve and know how to use it
☐ Insulate exposed pipes (basement, crawl spaces, garages)
☐ Keep thermostat set consistently to prevent frozen pipes
Prevent Frozen Pipes
☐ Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold
☐ Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
☐ Shut off and drain exterior water lines if possible
☐ Know who to call if a pipe freezes or bursts
Power Outage Readiness
☐ Charge phones, laptops, and backup battery packs
☐ Have flashlights and extra batteries (avoid candles if possible)
☐ If using a generator, review safe outdoor placement and operation
☐ Set refrigerators/freezers to coldest settings before outage
Emergency Supplies
☐ At least 3 days of food and bottled water
☐ Prescription medications refilled
☐ First-aid kit stocked
☐ Snow shovel, ice melt, and gloves ready
☐ Pet food and supplies prepared
Realtor Tip
Taking a few preventive steps now can help avoid costly damage later. If you’re unsure about anything—roof condition, heating systems, or winterization—reach out to a licensed professional before the storm arrives.
Note: Snow shoveling cause approx. 11,500 injuries and 100 deaths annually in the US due to sudden cardiac events.
