A winter storm outage adds risks a general power outage doesn't: frozen pipes, hypothermia risk, and a sharp rise in carbon monoxide deaths from improperly used heaters and generators. Layer this on top of our general power outage checklist.
Before the storm
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is, in case a pipe bursts while you're without heat
- Insulate exposed pipes (in crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls) ahead of the season, not after a storm is forecast
- Charge a power station and/or fuel a generator sized for your furnace blower and any space heaters — see our generator sizing guide
- Stock extra blankets, warm layers, and a battery or crank-powered radio for weather updates
Keeping your home warm without power
A furnace won't run without power unless it's on a transfer switch or power station large enough to handle its blower motor's starting watts — this is one of the most commonly under-sized loads. Run your furnace blower's specs through our free wattage calculator ahead of time, not during the storm.
Preventing frozen pipes during an extended outage
- Let faucets drip slightly on exterior-wall plumbing — moving water is less likely to freeze solid
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm room air reach the pipes
- If you'll be away or the outage stretches multiple days, consider shutting off and draining the water system entirely rather than risking a burst pipe
The carbon monoxide risk spikes in winter
Generator and heater carbon monoxide deaths rise sharply during winter storms, largely because people run equipment closer to the house or indoors specifically to stay warm. The rules don't change for cold weather: generators stay outdoors, 20+ feet from the house — see our full CO safety guide before you need it.