Winter Storm Approaching? 5 Ways to Prepare Your Family

Brian Page
Jan 23
3 min read

Winter storms have a way of exposing the cracks in how a household operates because many families rely on assumptions instead of plans. Someone thinks the other person checked the forecast. Someone assumes the pantry is stocked. Someone expects work, school, and childcare to “figure themselves out.”

When the snow starts falling, those assumptions turn into stress.

The couples who handle winter storms best are not tougher or more prepared. They are clearer about roles, expectations, and communication. Storm prep, at its core, is a teamwork skill.

Here are five ways married couples can prepare their family for a winter storm without panic buying or overplanning.

1. Hold a 15-Minute Storm Readiness Check-In

The most important preparation step does not involve supplies. It involves a short conversation. Before a storm hits, set aside 15 minutes to answer a few basic questions together:

What does “stay home” mean for each partner’s job?
What is the plan if school or childcare closes?
What is the threshold for canceling plans or travel?

Most conflict during storms comes from mismatched expectations, not the weather itself. One partner may assume everyone stays home. The other may expect business as usual.

A brief check-in aligns expectations and reduces decision-making under pressure.

This is also a good moment to review where your emergency savings stand and whether you could handle a short disruption without relying on credit.

2. Assign Clear Roles Before the Snow Starts Falling

Many couples default to “we’ll both handle it.” That sounds fair, but it often leads to duplication in some areas and neglect in others. Instead, assign clear ownership:

One person tracks forecasts and alerts.
One person handles groceries and household supplies.
One person preps vehicles and transportation plans.
One person monitors school, daycare, and activity updates.

Ownership does not mean doing everything alone. It means being accountable for noticing problems and initiating solutions. This approach reduces mental clutter and prevents the invisible work from quietly landing on one partner, often without discussion.

3. Protect Your Home and Transportation Without Overdoing It

Storm prep does not require a shopping spree. Focus on a few high-impact basics:

Make sure flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers are easy to find.
Know where your water and heat shut-off valves are.
Keep the thermostat at a safe level to avoid frozen pipes.
Park vehicles where they are easiest to access and keep gas tanks above half full.

For transportation, the best preparation is often restraint. Avoid unnecessary travel when roads are uncertain. The financial cost of a minor accident or breakdown far outweighs the inconvenience of staying home.

Related: Join our newsletter subscribers for ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

4. Plan for Power, Internet, and Work Disruptions

Winter storms rarely show up as one-day inconveniences. They disrupt income, schedules, and routines. Couples should talk through:

Who communicates with employers or clients if power or internet goes out?
Which devices get priority charging?
What expenses might increase during an outage?
How long could you comfortably function without full connectivity?

You do not need a detailed emergency budget. A simple disruption plan is often enough. Knowing who handles communication and decisions prevents last-minute stress and protects both income and relationships during uncertain conditions.

5. Talk Through Safety, Kids, and Pets—Once, Calmly

Children and pets amplify stress during storms, especially if adults appear anxious or disorganized. Keep explanations simple and calm:

Let kids know what might change and what will stay the same.
Reassure them about routines like meals, sleep, and warmth.
Prepare pet food, medications, and a warm sleeping area in advance.

When adults act confidently and consistently, households stay calmer—even when plans change.

Three Fast Final Tips

Never pour hot or boiling water on an icy windshield, it’ll break your windshield. Don’t assume that clear roads mean safe roads, black ice is dangerous. And always have a generator on hand.