6 Things you must do to prepare your home for winter
Winter storms offer little warning. Rain, hail, sleet, snow, and powerful winds can strike quickly and leave serious damage behind. If you've been feeling unprepared, you're far from alone. According to Hippo Insurance Services' 2026 Extreme Weather Report, 90% of homeowners feel unprepared for at least one severe weather event; while 68% worry extreme weather will damage their home, only 18% feel very prepared to protect it.
The good news: a few targeted steps taken now can protect your property, preserve its value, and save you from costly repairs down the road. Here's what to do before winter hits hard.
Storm-Proof Your Home First
Start with the structure itself. Insulate your attic, walls, and crawlspaces to keep heat in and cold out. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to seal drafts. Shut off water to exterior pipes and remove hoses before they freeze and burst. Have your heating system serviced so it runs efficiently when you need it most, and get your chimney or flue inspected for any blockages before you light that first fire.
Don't overlook the outside either. Clean out gutters and downspouts, trim dead branches that could fall on your roof, and clear storm drains of debris to prevent flooding from creeping toward your foundation.
Secure Your Yard and Outdoor Items
High winds can turn patio furniture, gas grills, and garden equipment into projectiles. Before a storm arrives, bring all loose items inside or store them securely. It's a simple step that prevents a surprising amount of damage.
Know Where Your Shut-Offs Are
Locate the shut-off switches and valves for your gas, electricity, and water right now, before an emergency forces you to find them in a panic. Make sure every adult in your household knows where they are and how to use them.
Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages are one of winter's most disruptive side effects. Stock up on:
Portable chargers and power banks for phones, tablets, and laptops
A battery-operated or hand-crank radio
Non-perishable food and several days' worth of water
Prescription medications and pet supplies
Fresh batteries for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flashlights
If power goes out, unplug your appliances to protect them from a surge when it returns. And a critical safety note: never use your oven, stovetop, or a generator indoors to generate heat. Both are leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Get Your Finances and Insurance in Order
The same Hippo report found that only 22% of homeowners feel financially prepared for an unexpected weather-related repair. Setting aside savings to cover your deductible, plus any costs beyond what insurance covers, can keep a manageable problem from spiraling into a financial crisis.
Review your homeowners insurance policy carefully. Know what is and isn't covered, and pay special attention to flood coverage. Flood damage is typically not included in standard policies, so consider purchasing separate flood insurance even if your home isn't in a designated floodplain.
To make future claims easier, document your belongings now. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free Home Inventory App that lets you photograph and record everything you own.
Stay Connected to Weather Alerts
Sign up for your local community's warning system and register for alerts from the National Weather Service, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and NOAA. Knowing what's coming, even a few hours early, gives you time to act.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Winter weather is unpredictable, but your response to it doesn't have to be. Taking these steps before the season peaks protects not just your home's structure, but its long-term value. If you have questions about how extreme weather affects your local real estate market, start with your real estate agent or contact me at Home
Source: NAR Consumer Guide — Protect Your Home Against Winter Cold and Storms, based on data from the Hippo Insurance Services 2026 Extreme Weather Report.
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