Freezing Weather Prep Checklist

Freezing temperatures destroy homes fast—burst pipes, cracked sprinkler lines, frozen hose bibs, dead car batteries, and power outages that turn a minor cold snap into a full emergency. This checklist covers the essentials you need to handle before the temperature drops anywhere near freezing.

For broader seasonal prep, see Seasonal Home Safety Checklist, Winterizing Your Home Checklist, and Power Outage Readiness Checklist.

1. Protect Indoor Plumbing

[ ] Insulate exposed pipes in garages, attics, and crawl spaces.
[ ] Open under-sink cabinets to allow warm air to reach pipes during freezing nights.
[ ] Keep the thermostat above 55°F, even if you’re away.
[ ] Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent line freezes.

2. Exterior and Outdoor Plumbing

[ ] Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.
[ ] Cover exterior spigots with insulated covers.
[ ] Shut off and drain irrigation systems to avoid cracked lines.
[ ] Check for exterior pipe insulation and repair damaged sections.

3. Heating System Preparation

[ ] Replace HVAC filters before cold weather starts.
[ ] Test the heater early to ensure it works before you need it.
[ ] Keep space heaters 3 feet away from anything combustible.
[ ] Never run ovens, stoves, or grills for heat.

4. Weatherproofing and Insulation

[ ] Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets.
[ ] Install weatherstripping on drafty doors.
[ ] Add insulation to attic or crawl spaces if levels are low.
[ ] Close fireplace dampers when not in use to stop heat loss.

5. Emergency Supplies and Backup Heat

[ ] Stock blankets, warm clothing, and backup bedding.
[ ] Keep flashlights, lanterns, and batteries in accessible places.
[ ] Have a backup heat source such as a properly vented propane heater rated for indoor use.
[ ] Maintain a supply of non-perishable food and drinking water.

6. Vehicle and Transportation Prep

[ ] Check tire pressure—cold weather drops PSI fast.
[ ] Ensure antifreeze is at correct levels.
[ ] Keep at least half a tank of gas to avoid fuel-line freeze.
[ ] Store an ice scraper, jumper cables, and emergency supplies in your vehicle.

7. Power Outage Readiness

[ ] Charge power banks before cold fronts hit.
[ ] Know how to manually open your garage door.
[ ] Stage blankets and lighting in easily reachable spots.
[ ] If you use a generator, follow your Generator Maintenance Checklist.

8. Pets and Vulnerable Family Members

[ ] Bring pets indoors—freezing temps are lethal faster than you think.
[ ] Check on elderly family members or neighbors.
[ ] Prepare extra warm clothing and blankets for infants and toddlers.
[ ] Ensure medications are stocked and easily accessible.

9. After the Freeze

[ ] Inspect pipes for leaks once temperatures rise.
[ ] Check irrigation systems for damage.
[ ] Reopen exterior valves slowly and look for dripping.
[ ] Document any freeze-related damage for insurance—see Insurance Document Checklist.

Freezing weather hits fast and does expensive damage. Preparing before the temperature drops is the difference between a normal cold night and a blown pipe that floods your home. Run this checklist every winter and anytime a freeze warning is issued.