Prep

Winter storm checklist

What to do before winter, what to have at home, and what to keep in the car. Tick things off and print the list. Nothing leaves this browser.

Keep well away from fallen power lines. Be Ready says electricity at high voltages can jump gaps with no warning. Stay indoors in a storm unless you really have to go out, and don't go outside to repair anything while it's blowing.

Who's it for?

Adults
2
Children
0

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Your winter storm checklist

Water is per person, at Be Ready's 3 litres a day for 3 days. The rest is one per home.

Check it again every 6 months.

Before winter

Have at home

When a storm is forecast

In the car

From the British Red Cross car list.

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

This list joins Be Ready's pages on storms and on cold weather, snow and ice, with its 3-day checklist for water and food and the British Red Cross list for the car.

Be Ready's cold weather page doesn't give a home kit, so the items under "Have at home" come from its main checklist and its advice to have enough medication and food if leaving the house gets difficult. Ask someone to collect supplies if you may need them, and tell them in advance.

Check on people who may need help. Older adults, babies and young children, and people with long-term health problems are most likely to become ill if they get too cold.

If you're worried about someone's health, contact a pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111. Hypothermia is different: it's a medical emergency, and the NHS says to go to A&E or call 999 if you think someone has it.

Common questions

How do I prepare for a storm in the UK?

Be Ready says to check Met Office warnings, charge phones and power banks, fasten down anything that could blow around, close and fasten doors and windows, and park away from trees and walls.

What temperature should I heat my home to in cold weather?

Be Ready says to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C.

What should I keep in the car in winter?

The British Red Cross lists an ice scraper and de-icer, a snow shovel, a paper map, a blanket and warm clothing, a first aid kit, a torch and radio, jump leads, water, snacks and high-visibility clothing.

Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?

Be Ready says to fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets British or European Standards, and to have heating and cooking appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What do I do if the power goes off in a storm?

Call 105, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland, and keep away from fallen cables. Our power cut food checker tells you what to do with what's in the fridge.

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Checked on 2 November 2026. This is an independent tool and not official advice. See sources and method.

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