A lot of people have asked for a comprehensive preparedness list for the winter storm. Feel free to bookmark this or share with friends, stay safe out there: Gas up every car (and top off any cans if you’ve got them) Pull cash — assume card readers go down Charge everything: phones, battery packs, laptops, tool batteries Make one “charging pile” with all cords so nobody’s hunting Headlamp for every adult + flashlight for every kid Lanterns for the main rooms (no candles… kids + candles = nope) Fresh batteries in a big ziplock — label it Pick ONE “warm room” right now (small room, easiest to heat) Shut doors to the rest of the house Blankets over windows at night + towels at the bottom of doors Drag mattresses/pads in there if you need to Lay out clothes like it’s ski season: base layer + hoodie + coat + hat + thick socks Slippers/shoes indoors — cold floors will wreck you Dry clothes only — damp socks = change them immediately Generator = OUTSIDE only (not garage, not “cracked door,” OUTSIDE) CO alarms working on every floor, especially near bedrooms Use outdoor-rated extension cords only — don’t run cords under rugs Don’t do any “dryer plug” stuff — not worth dying for Fuel stays OUTSIDE the house If you’re using a heater: only indoor-rated Keep it away from blankets/curtains/kids Crack a window just a tiny bit Never sleep with a flame heater on Water: plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum Fill bathtub/buckets for flushing/washing On a well? Assume ZERO water once power is out Find the main water shutoff now (don’t wait) When it’s brutally cold: let faucets drip (if water’s still on) Open sink cabinets on outside walls Wrap exposed pipes / cover outdoor spigots Disconnect hoses Food: buy 7 days of no-cook / easy stuff Stock basics: PB, tuna, crackers, granola, soup, jerky, shelf milk, cereal Manual can opener Paper plates if you don’t want to burn water on dishes Fridge/freezer: open it as little as possible Eat fridge first, then freezer, then pantry Refill prescriptions Kids fever meds + thermometer + first-aid kit CPAP/nebulizer/anything critical: have a power plan Baby wipes + sanitizer + trash bags No water? Bucket toilet plan (bucket + bags + kitty litter) Make a “kid station” in the warm room: books, coloring, cards, board games Download movies ahead of time (airplane mode) Clear rules: no touching heaters, no cords, no generator zone Lantern by hallway/bathroom at night One comfort thing per kid in the warm room Phones: low power mode + dim screen Write down important numbers on paper Pick a check-in time with family/friends (morning + evening) Don’t drive unless you have to — ice will humble you fast Car kit: blanket, flashlight, snacks, water, jumper pack If you run the car for heat: clear the tailpipe and never in an enclosed space Every morning: quick safety sweep CO alarms good, heater clear, cords not hot Watch for leaks when things thaw Check on neighbors if you can Toss sketchy food when power comes back Bring the house back online slowly (don’t flip everything at once)