Build your storm prep checklist
Pick a weather scenario, tell us about your home, and get a tailored list of tasks. Includes a food safety timer and a printable supply list.
Checklist builder
Blizzard Checklist
No tasks match your current setup. Try selecting a different scenario or adding home features.
Food Safety Outage Timer
Track how long your fridge and freezer have been without power. CDC says 4 hours for fridge, 24–48 hours for a full freezer.
Supply Shopping List
Common items to have on hand. Check off what you already have.
What to know before you start
Assumptions
- You have at least 24 hours before the storm hits.
- You can access your home and move items freely.
- You have basic tools and a way to charge devices.
- Food safety times follow CDC guidelines for refrigerated and frozen food.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to charge phones, power banks, and medical devices.
- Not storing enough drinking water (1 gallon per person per day).
- Leaving cars outside with low fuel tanks.
- Waiting until the last minute to buy supplies, when shelves are empty.
- Opening the fridge or freezer during an outage, which speeds up food spoilage.
Double-check
- Local evacuation routes and shelter locations.
- Your insurance policy covers the storm type in your area.
- Prescription medications have at least a week's supply.
- Your generator has fresh fuel and works under load.
- Gutters and downspouts are clear before heavy rain.
Questions people ask
How is this different from a government checklist?
Government checklists try to cover every possible situation. They are long and hard to scan. This planner shows only the tasks that match your home and storm type. It also includes a food safety timer, which most checklists skip.
Can I use this during a power outage?
Yes, if your device still has battery. The timer and checklist work without internet. You can also print everything ahead of time and keep a paper copy in your emergency kit.
What if I live in an apartment?
Toggle off features like basement and sump pump. The checklist will adjust. Focus on tasks like securing windows, charging devices, and knowing your building's emergency plan.
How do I know if frozen food is still safe?
If food still has ice crystals or is below 40°F, it can be refrozen. When in doubt, throw it out. The timer helps you track how long the freezer has been off, but use a thermometer if you have one.
Why does the checklist change when I pick a different storm?
Different storms bring different risks. A blizzard checklist includes clearing roof vents and testing snow blowers. A hurricane checklist adds boarding windows and securing outdoor furniture. The planner filters tasks so you do not waste time on steps that do not apply.