Winter Storm Safety Tips to Protect What Matters Most

by COUNTRY Financial

With winter storms ramping up, now’s the time to get informed and stay safe. From prepping your home and car to understanding watches vs. warnings, we’ve got you covered. Use the links below for the information you need. 

• Watches vs. warnings

• I need to file a claim right away

• Winter storm home maintenance tips

• Winter car emergency kit

Watches vs. warnings

It’s very easy to confuse these terms. Here’s an easy way to explain it: 

Watches: This means there’s an increased chance for a winter weather event. This is the time to finalize a plan to protect your home and family. 

Warnings: This means a winter weather event is either occurring or imminent. You and your family need to take protective action immediately. 

For any type of weather event, the National Weather Service recommends having an emergency preparedness kit. For winter storms, you need one for your home and car. 

Winter storm home maintenance tips

We have a full winter home maintenance breakdown, but below is a quick list of things you should do to help keep your property safe.: 

1. Disconnect your garden hoses so frozen water doesn’t crack your pipes. 
2. Keep the heat on to prevent pipes from freezing. 
3. Leave plumbing cabinets open with faucets lightly dripping warm water. This discourages the pipes from bursting.
4. Shut off your water main if you’re leaving your home for a long period of time. 
5. Prevent ice dams on and around your gutters. When they build up, the water can leak through your roof and into your living space.  
6. Get your furnace checked.

Prep your winter emergency car kit

If you must be on the road during a winter storm event, here’s a quick list of supplies to have with you: 

1. Car phone charger
2. Portable power bank for your phone (in case your car battery dies)
3. Car battery jump pack or cables
4. Hazard sign or brightly colored flag
5. Flashlight with new and spare batteries
6. Candle with matches or a lighter
7. Ice scraper and snow brush
8. Car snow shovel
9. Kitty litter or sand (to keep your wheels from spinning in a drift)
10. First aid kit
11. Bottled water
12. Non-perishable food and snacks
13. Warm clothing and blankets

Updated 11-6-25