Before December hits, the window to get ahead of winter is closing fast. Cold weather, supply chain shortages, holiday financial strain, and increased emergency risks all converge at the exact same time every single year. Most people? They won’t do a thing about it. But you’re different.

You’re a prepper — or at least someone who cares enough to take action to protect your family, your friends, and your loved ones. Winter isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s one of the most dangerous times of year for exposure, infrastructure failure, and financial pressure. That’s why acting now makes all the difference.

1. Winterize Your Home Before the First Freeze

Your home is your biggest line of defense — but only if it’s ready.

Here’s what to tackle ASAP:

• Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Check the attic for any signs of leaks

• Address roof issues before ice dams form

• Seal drafty windows and doors

• Have your HVAC system serviced or at least cleaned

This saves you money, preserves your heat, and reduces the risk of burst pipes or expensive repairs in freezing temperatures.

2. Increase Your Household Water Storage

Winter makes water emergencies harder to manage.
Frozen pipes, power outages (especially if you're on a well), or city pressure drops can cut your supply instantly.

Bare minimum prepping:
1 gallon of water per person per day.

Better prepping:
14 gallons per person (two weeks of water) — easily done with two 7-gallon aquatainers.

Winter is a terrible time to find out you don’t have enough water.

3. Update Your Emergency Car Kit for Winter

If your car breaks down in the cold, you need to be able to stay safe for up to 12 hours or more.

Include:

• Wool blanket

• Mylar thermal blankets

• Hand warmers

• Ice scraper & brush

• Gloves and beanie

• Tea candles for emergency heat (with ventilation awareness!)

• Extra food and water

If your vehicle isn’t winter-ready, you aren’t winter-ready.

4. Refill Your Propane, Heating Oil, Coal, or Firewood

Fuel costs spike deep into winter. Deliveries get slower. Shortages happen.

Do this now:

• Top off propane tanks

• Refill home heating oil

• Restock coal

• Bring firewood close to the house and keep it covered

Even if your tank is half full, call for a refill before December. You do NOT want to be on a waitlist in January.

5. Update Your Bugout Bag & Get Home Bag for Cold Weather

Your gear for summer is NOT your gear for winter.

Add:

• Beanies

• Gloves

• Extra-thick socks

• High-calorie food (protein bars, emergency rations)

• Rain shell

• Hand warmers

• Fire-starting supplies

If you had to walk several miles in cold weather or spend hours stuck in your car, would you be okay? If not, fix your bag now.

6. Prep for Power Outages

The grid is fragile, and winter storms make that painfully obvious.

Make sure:

• Your generator works

• You have fuel stored safely

• Extension cords and transfer switches are in order

• Flashlights and lanterns have fresh batteries

• Backup lighting is ready

• Power banks are charged

Test everything before temperatures drop.

7. Restock General Winter Emergency Supplies

Winter storms can trap you at home for days.

Restock:

• Space heaters (safe ones!)

• Heated blankets

• Plastic sheeting

• Duct tape

• Lighters & matches

• Candles

• Extra blankets

You know what runs out first? The basics. Stock up early.

8. Prepare Financially for the Holidays

Nobody likes to talk about this, but winter is brutally expensive.

Do this now:

• Set a holiday budget

• Plan for travel

• Buy gifts early while sales are strong

• Keep some cash on hand

• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions (Rocket Money or similar tools help)

Financial stress is a preparedness issue too — and the holidays magnify it.

9. Stock Up on Cold & Flu Medication (Including Behind-the-Counter)

Winter = sickness.
Stock up before you get sick.

Get:

• Real pseudoephedrine (ask behind the pharmacy counter)

• Ibuprofen

• Acetaminophen

• Zinc

• Vitamin D

• Elderberry

• Airborne gummies

• Cough medicine

• Throat lozenges

Shelves get wiped out every winter — don’t be the one stuck driving to the store sick.

10. Check Smoke Alarms, CO Detectors & Fire Safety

With heaters, fireplaces, candles, and holiday decorations, fire risk skyrockets.

Make sure:

• Smoke alarm batteries are fresh

• Carbon monoxide detectors work

• Fire extinguishers are accessible & pressurized

• Space heaters are placed properly

These are simple tasks that save lives every single year.

Final Thoughts

Winter comes every year — and every year, people find themselves unprepared. Let’s not be those people this time. A little bit of planning today will pay off massively when the snow hits, the power goes out, or the budget gets tight.

Be proactive. Protect your home. Protect your family. And make this winter the safest and smoothest one yet.