Connecticut Winter Storm Prep Checklist: Home Maintenance & Emergency Essentials

Connecticut winters demand planning ahead. With heavy snow, wind, ice, and multi-day power outages, they demand planning ahead. Use this room-by-room, system-by-system checklist to winterize your home and stock critical supplies. Tackle the DIY items now, and bring in pros where ladders, electrical, or exterior carpentry are involved.

Need help with weatherproofing, trim repairs, heat cable installs, or generator inlets? Explore Services, or book a free quote with Carpentry & Handyman Concepts (licensed & insured). See before/after work in the Gallery.

Section 1: Exterior & Structure

1) Roof & Attic

• Visual roof check: look for missing/curled shingles, flashing gaps, and cracked vent boots.
• Seal penetrations: around plumbing stacks and vents (use appropriate exterior sealant).
• Attic insulation & baffles: adequate insulation + soffit baffles reduce ice dams.
• Attic ventilation: clear soffit/ridge vents; blocked airflow = melt/refreeze on eaves.
• Snow load plan: own a roof rake for the first 3–4 ft above eaves to reduce ice dams after storms.

Pro help: If flashing is damaged or decking feels soft, schedule repairs via Contact.

2) Gutters, Downspouts & Drainage

• Clean gutters and downspouts; extend downspouts 6–10 ft from the foundation.
• In icy valleys/eaves, consider gutter heat cables (properly GFCI-protected).
• Ensure the grading slopes away from your house; add splash blocks where needed.

We install heat cables and tidy downspout extensions, ask for this under Services.

3) Siding, Trim & Openings

• Caulk gaps around trim, windows, and penetrations.
• Repair loose clapboards, fascia, or soffit that wind could catch.
• Weatherstrip leaky doors; add door sweeps.

4) Walkways & Decks

• Repair trip hazards; secure loose railings.
• Stock ice melt appropriate for your materials and pets; keep a covered bin near entries.

Section 2: Mechanical Systems

5) Heat & Hot Water

• Furnace/boiler service: change filters; schedule pre-season maintenance.
• Bleed baseboards (if hydronic) to remove air.
• Radiant/heat pump checks: confirm setpoints and backup heat readiness.

6) Plumbing Freeze Prevention

• Insulate pipes in unconditioned spaces (garage, crawl, attic).
• Heat tape where pipes run against exterior walls (UL-listed, correctly installed).
• Hose bibs: shut interior valves, drain, and use exterior covers.
• On extreme nights, open cabinet doors and let taps drip slowly on vulnerable runs.

We insulate and tidy vulnerable runs; ask for pipe freeze prevention under Services.

7) Sump Pumps & Water Control

• Test sump pumps (lift float to trigger).
• Install a battery backup or water-powered backup.
• Keep downspout extensions clear so meltwater doesn’t return to the foundation.

8) Fireplaces & Chimneys

• Sweep chimneys and inspect caps/spark arrestors.
• Burn only seasoned wood; keep combustible decor at safe distances.
• Ensure hearth protection meets code.

9) Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Protection

• Test CO and smoke detectors; replace batteries.
• Install CO alarms on every level and near sleeping areas.

Section 3: Electrical & Backup Power

10) Generator Strategy

• Decide: portable with a transfer switch/inlet or standby unit.
• Never back-feed a panel; use a proper transfer mechanism.
• Run generators outdoors only, far from openings; aim exhaust away from the house.
• Stock fuel safely and stabilize as recommended.

We install generator inlets/transfer switches and label circuits at Contact.

11) Surge & Sensitive Electronics

• Use surge protection for boilers, fridges, and electronics.
• Consider a whole-home surge protector at the panel (installed by a licensed electrician).

Section 4: Doors, Windows & Interior Comfort

12) Draft Control

• Weatherstrip doors and add sweeps.
• Use interior shrink film or magnetic strips on drafty windows.
• Heavy thermal curtains for north-facing glass; open for sun, close at dusk.

13) Humidity & Condensation

• Keep indoor RH around 30–40% to balance comfort and frost control.
• Run bath fans (20+ minutes) after showers; vent dryers outdoors.

14) Smart Thermostat & Scenes

• Program setbacks and geofencing; create “Away,” “Storm,” and “Return” scenes to avoid frozen pipes without wasting fuel.

Section 5: Yard & Vehicles

15) Trees & Ice Risk

• Trim dead limbs near the roof, driveway, and lines (hire pros for anything near utilities).

16) Snow Equipment Staging

• Tune snowblower; keep shear pins, spark plug, and a dedicated fuel can.
• Stash ergonomic shovels and ice melt at each entry.

17) Vehicles

• Maintain half-tank minimum. Stock scraper, small shovel, sand/kitty litter, jumper cables, and blanket.

Section 6: Emergency Readiness

18) Family Plan & Comms

• Set a check-in contact outside your area.
• Keep a paper list of emergency numbers and utility shut-offs.
• Establish meeting points if phones die.

19) Water & Food

• One gallon per person/day, three days minimum (more is better).
• Shelf-stable foods, a manual can opener, and pet supplies.

20) Lights & Power

• LED headlamps, lanterns, battery packs.
• Rechargeable units topped off before storms.

21) First Aid & Meds

• Basic first aid kit, weekly prescriptions, backup eyeglasses/contacts.

22) Warmth

• Wool blankets, thermal layers, hand/foot warmers.
• Never use ovens or grills for heat; carbon monoxide is deadly.

23) Docs & Cash

• Waterproof pouch with IDs, insurance, deeds, and emergency cash in small bills.

Want a printable, customized list for your home? We can tailor this checklist during a quick Services consult and knock out the handyperson tasks you’d rather not tackle.

After the Storm: What to Inspect

• Ice dam signs: stains along exterior walls/ceilings.
• Downed limbs on roofs, gutters, or fences.
• Frozen lines: slow drains or unusual pump cycling.
• Siding/trim loosened by wind; re-seal as needed.

Document damage with photos and contact your insurer. We can handle temporary tarps/board-ups, minor carpentry repairs, and insurance-friendly estimates. Contact us.

Pro Projects We Can Handle Quickly

• Weatherstripping & door sweeps
• Caulking windows/penetrations
• Gutter cleaning & downspout extensions
• Heat cable installation on eaves/gutters
• Attic baffles & hatch weathersealing
• Pipe insulation & heat tape (as appropriate)
• Generator inlet/transfer switch coordination
• Sump pump backup installs
• Minor exterior carpentry (soffit/fascia/trim fixes)

Browse the complete list of services and book time through Contact.

Our Winter Prep Process (Fast, Clean, Professional)

1. Assessment & Priority Plan: We review your home, flag risk points, and prioritize tasks by impact and cost.
2. Quote & Scheduling: Clear pricing; we group functions for efficiency.
3. On-Site Work: Tidy, safe, code-aware, photos on request for your records.

Call us today to get a free quote: Carpentry & Handyman Concepts.