With a major winter storm approaching Maryland, preparation is key. This checklist is designed to help you protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind before, during, and after the storm.
❄️ BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns
Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power
Get cash in small bills if card systems go down
Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early
Download movies, books, and maps for offline use
Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails
Locate your water shut-off valve and breaker box now
Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer
❄️ WATER & PIPE PROTECTION
Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots
Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels
Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts
Fill jugs, buckets, or a bathtub with water for flushing and washing
❄️ FOOD & KITCHEN PREP
Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food (peanut butter, tuna, crackers, canned foods, fruit cups)
Have a manual can opener available
Buy shelf-stable or powdered milk if needed
Freeze water bottles to use as freezer “ice packs”
Keep a cooler ready if you need to move food
Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm
Power outage tip: If outdoor temperatures stay below 40°F, store sealed food items in coolers or storage totes on a porch, deck, or garage to help keep food fresh longer.
❄️ HEAT & HOME SAFETY
Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers
If using a fireplace, confirm the chimney is clear and wood is dry
Never run generators or grills inside homes or garages
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries
Use battery-powered lanterns instead of candles when possible
❄️ VEHICLE & TRAVEL
Avoid driving once freezing rain or snow begins
Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first
Keep emergency supplies in your car (blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves)
Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid
Park away from large tree limbs when possible
Expect travel delays or cancellations
❄️ POWER OUTAGE PLAN
Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage
Keep a battery radio or weather app for updates
Use surge protectors for TVs and computers
Know where local warming centers may be located
Keep extension cords ready if using a generator outdoors
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
❄️ PETS & LIVESTOCK
Bring pets indoors with extra food and water
Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water
Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters
Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation
❄️ MEDICAL & SPECIAL NEEDS
Keep a written list of medications and dosages
Have a small first-aid kit ready
Stock backup batteries for medical devices
Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed
❄️ PROPERTY PROTECTION
Move vehicles away from trees or power lines
Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items
Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand
Take photos of your property for insurance before conditions worsen
❄️ DURING THE STORM
Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary
Treat all downed power lines as live
Use only safe indoor heating methods
Check on elderly neighbors by phone if possible
Report outages to utility companies (not 911 unless it’s an emergency)
❄️ AFTER THE STORM
Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight
Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise
Discard refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours
Avoid DIY electrical repairs near downed lines
Be patient—restoring power after ice storms can take time
Be Safe out there and go play in the snow a little!
👷♂️ Home Inspector Credit& Recommendation
This checklist was provided by Sergio Barajas, Owner/Operator of Always Welcome, Home Inspections LLC.
If you ever need a trusted home inspector—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply want peace of mind—Sergio is a great local resource.
Houseplants do more than just brighten a room — they make a house feel like home. In honor of National Houseplant Appreciation Day, here are a few simple care tips to keep your plants thriving and your home feeling fresh all year long.
🌱 1. Light Matters More Than You Think
Not all plants love direct sunlight.
Bright light plants: near windows
Low-light plants: snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants
Know what your plant prefers and place it accordingly.
💧 2. Don’t Overwater
One of the biggest mistakes is watering too often. Most houseplants prefer:
Soil that dries slightly between waterings
Good drainage to prevent root rot
When in doubt — wait one more day.
🌡️ 3. Keep Them Comfortable
Houseplants like consistency.
Avoid cold drafts
Keep them away from heating vents
Normal indoor temperatures are perfect
🌿 4. Clean Leaves = Healthier Plants
Dust blocks sunlight. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to help plants breathe and grow.
🏡 5. Plants Make Homes Feel More Inviting
Healthy houseplants:
Add warmth and life
Make spaces feel brighter
Help buyers emotionally connect to a home
Thanks for stopping by today and while your here, take a look around my website…
Everything homeowners should do to prep their house for the winter months
✔️ EXTERIOR PREP
Clean gutters and downspouts
Check for loose/missing shingles
Remove roof debris (leaves, branches)
(A roof tune-up covers all the above.)
Stock up on ice melt/salt
Check and replace snow shovels
Add traction mats for icy steps
Check exterior lighting
Seal cracks in siding/foundation
Check for air leaks around windows/doors
Ensure water drains away from the home
✔️ HEATING & ENERGY
Replace furnace filters
Schedule furnace/HVAC tune-up
Clear all vents and registers
Test heating system
Clean chimney and fireplace
Check flue opens/closes
Stock up on firewood
Add weatherstripping to doors & windows
Insulate exposed pipes
Check attic insulation
Seal drafts around outlets/baseboards
✔️ PLUMBING FREEZE PROTECTION
Insulate exposed pipes
Disconnect and drain garden hoses
Shut off/winterize outdoor spigots
Locate main water shutoff valve
Open cabinet doors during extreme cold
Let faucets drip slowly during deep freeze
✔️ INDOOR WINTERIZATION
Clean windows for max sunlight
Add insulated/thermal curtains
Seal gaps with caulk or foam
Test smoke detectors
Test carbon monoxide detectors
Replace batteries
Clean dryer vent
Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise
✔️ WINTER STORM READINESS
Shovels + ice melt
Snow brush + ice scraper
Flashlights + extra batteries
Portable phone chargers
Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Blankets & warm clothing
First aid kit
Extra pet supplies
Portable heater with auto shutoff
Backup candles/lanterns
Keep fridge closed during outages
✔️ CAR & DRIVEWAY PREP
Check tire pressure
Top off winter washer fluid
Keep gas tank half full
Store shovel + small emergency kit
Pre-salt driveway before storms
✔️ SAFETY ITEMS
Do NOT use power strips for heaters
Keep heaters 3+ feet from anything flammable
Clean chimney & vents
Install/test CO detectors
Keep emergency contacts handy
✔️ COZY WINTER TOUCHES
Add blankets to living areas
Stock up on hot cocoa, tea, coffee
Use warm lighting
Add boot trays at the entryway
Use draft stoppers at doors
Thanks so much for stopping by today, please hit the link below and download your free Winter Home Maintenance Checklist, click the link below. Also why you are grabbing the checklist, take a look around my website, MarylandHomesByLynn.com
