Surviving very low winter temperatures

Here’s a checklist of what to do when the temperature drops below 12°F to protect yourself, your home, and your vehicle:

✅ Dress in Layers: Wear insulated, moisture-wicking layers, and ensure your extremities are covered (hat, gloves, scarf, and thermal socks).
✅ Protect Your Face: Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite; use a scarf or balaclava.
✅ Stay Indoors: Limit time outside, especially for children, the elderly, and pets.
✅ Monitor for Frostbite and Hypothermia: Watch for signs like numbness, pale skin, or shivering.

✅ Keep Faucets Dripping: Let cold water drip from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
✅ Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around plumbing under sinks.
✅ Seal Drafts: Check windows and doors for drafts and use weatherstripping or towels to block cold air.
✅ Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape.
✅ Adjust Thermostat: Set it to at least 65°F, even if you’re leaving the house.
✅ Check Heating Systems:
- Test your furnace or heat pump.
- Clean or replace filters.
- Ensure vents are not blocked.
✅ Prepare Alternative Heat Sources: If you use a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, ensure they are safe and properly ventilated.
✅ Keep Backup Supplies: Stock up on blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a safe heating option in case of power outages.

✅ Check the Battery: Extreme cold can weaken a car battery; ensure it’s fully charged.
✅ Inspect Coolant/Antifreeze: Ensure the antifreeze-to-water ratio is appropriate for freezing temperatures (usually 50:50).
✅ Check Tires: Inflate to the proper PSI (cold weather lowers tire pressure) and check for good tread.
✅ Use Winter-Grade Oil: Ensure your engine has oil that works well in freezing temperatures (check your owner’s manual).
✅ Keep Gas Tank Full: Prevents condensation and freezing in the fuel lines.
✅ Windshield Washer Fluid: Use winter-grade fluid that won’t freeze.
✅ Pack a Winter Emergency Kit:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Blanket
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Water and snacks

✅ Clear Snow and Ice: Regularly shovel walkways and driveways to prevent ice buildup.
✅ Apply Deicer or Sand: Use rock salt, sand, or other deicing agents to prevent slips.
✅ Cover Outdoor Faucets: Use insulated covers or wrap outdoor spigots to prevent freezing.
✅ Protect Plants: Cover sensitive plants or move them indoors if possible.

✅ Limit Outdoor Time: Bring pets indoors and ensure they have a warm space.
✅ Check Paws: Clean and dry your pet’s paws after being outside to prevent frostbite and exposure to salt or chemicals.
✅ Provide Extra Food: Animals burn more calories in the cold, so consider increasing their food intake.

✅ Prepare for Power Outages:
- Have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio ready.
- Charge all devices and backup power banks.
- Keep a manual can opener and non-perishable food.
✅ Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay updated on extreme weather warnings.
✅ Have a Backup Plan: Know where you can go (e.g., a friend’s house or a warming center) if your heating system fails.

✅ Avoid Overexertion: Shoveling snow or doing strenuous activity in extreme cold can lead to exhaustion or heart strain.
✅ Be Mindful of Carbon Monoxide: Never use grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors, and ensure your home has functioning carbon monoxide detectors.
✅ Check on Neighbors: Particularly the elderly or those with limited mobility.
✅ Keep Your Phone Charged: Cold temperatures drain batteries faster, so keep chargers handy.

Would you like a printable version of this checklist? Or help tailoring it for a specific concern?

Checklyst…for everything