How to Prepare for a Winter Storm in an Apartment

When a winter storm is heading your way, having a plan can mean the difference between riding it out comfortably and dealing with frozen pipes, power outages, or worse. Whether you’re facing a blizzard, snow storm, or freezing rain, this complete winter storm preparedness guide will help you protect your apartment and stay safe.

What should I do before a winter storm hits my apartment?

The key to surviving a winter storm is preparation, and that means acting while you still have power, heat, and access to stores. Most apartment winter emergencies happen because renters wait too long to take protective steps, whether they’re preparing for a blizzard or a typical snow storm.

Winter storm preparedness checklist: Essential supplies

Stock up on these items before winter weather hits your area:

Food and water	Power and communication	Warmth and comfort
Non-perishable food for at least 3 days (canned goods, crackers, peanut butter)	Flashlights and extra batteries (don’t rely only on your cell phone)	Extra blankets and sleeping bags
One gallon of drinking water per person per day	Battery-powered radio for weather updates	Warm clothing and extra layers
Manual can opener	Portable phone charger or power bank	First aid kit and any prescription medications
Extra snacks that don’t require cooking	Keep your cell phone fully charged	Fire extinguisher (check expiration date)

Protect your apartment from damage

Pipe protection (Do this first)

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach water pipes
• Let faucets drip slightly (just a pencil-thin stream) when temperatures drop below freezing
• Find your main water shut-off valve, usually near the water heater
• Wrap exposed pipes with towels or newspaper if needed

Heat retention

• Close all curtains and blinds to create an air barrier
• Stuff towels against drafty doors and windows
• Add weather stripping around windows and doors if you haven’t already
• Close doors to unused rooms and focus heat where you spend time
• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F. NEVER let it drop below this, even to save money

Final preparations

• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Bring in outdoor plants and any patio furniture that high winds could damage
• Contact property management about any heating concerns
• Know where warming centers are located in your area

How do you stay safe during a blizzard or winter storm?

Once the winter weather arrives, your focus shifts from preparation to active safety management. The biggest risks during winter storms are carbon monoxide poisoning, frozen pipes, and losing your primary heat source.

Monitor your apartment

Keep a close eye during the storm, focusing on temperature control and safety. 

Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature and don’t let it fluctuate. If you lose power, gather in the warmest room with extra blankets and layer warm clothing instead of cranking up a space heater. Conserve body heat by staying active and eating warm foods. 

Watch for danger signs throughout the storm: if indoor temperatures drop near 40°F, run faucets slightly to prevent frozen pipes. Never use camp stoves, grills, or generators indoors, as they produce deadly carbon monoxide. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave immediately and call from outside. Keep walkways to exits clear of snow and ice so you can safely evacuate if needed.

If the power goes out

Immediate steps to take:

• Use flashlights instead of candles (fire hazard)
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food
• Dress in layers and use extra blankets for warmth
• Gather in one room to conserve body heat

Safety first

• Never use a space heater as your primary heat source during power outage
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk. Ensure proper ventilation if using any fuel-burning device
• Listen to your battery-powered radio for emergency updates
• Conserve phone battery for emergencies only

When to call for help

Contact property management immediately if:

• Your heating system stops working
• You suspect burst pipes or water damage
• You smell gas or detect carbon monoxide
• Your apartment temperature drops dangerously low despite your efforts

What should you check after a winter storm passes?

The end of a winter storm doesn’t mean the danger is over. Many apartment problems (like burst pipes and water damage) become apparent only after temperatures start rising and ice begins to thaw.

Check for damage

Inspect your apartment

• Look for signs of frozen pipes or water damage
• Check that your heating system is working properly
• Test all faucets. If nothing comes out, you may have frozen pipes
• Document any damage with photos for insurance purposes

Check outside

• Clear snow and ice from walkways near your unit (check lease for responsibilities)
• Remove any debris that may have blown onto your balcony or patio
• Check that outdoor vents aren’t blocked by snow or ice

When pipes freeze or burst

If you discover frozen pipes:

1. Shut off water at the main valve immediately
2. Call property management right away
3. Don’t try to thaw pipes yourself with heat sources
4. Contact your renters insurance company if there’s water damage

If pipes have burst:

1. Turn off electricity to affected areas if there’s standing water
2. Move belongings away from the damage
3. Take photos for insurance claims
4. Don’t attempt repairs yourself, this is a job for professionals

Restocking and recovery

Replenish your emergency supplies as soon as it’s safe to go out. Replace any food or water you used during the storm, and recharge all electronic devices and battery packs while power is restored. Check expiration dates on batteries and replace if needed, then restock first-aid supplies and medications that may have been used or are running low.

Prepare for next time by reflecting on your experience while it’s still fresh. Note what worked well and what you wish you’d had available during the storm. Consider upgrading your emergency supplies based on your experience: maybe you needed more flashlights, different types of food, or additional blankets. Check weather stripping and insulation for any damage that may have occurred, and schedule maintenance with property management if you discovered any issues with your heating system or apartment infrastructure.

How does renters insurance protect you from winter storm damage?

Even the best preparation can’t prevent every type of winter weather damage. When frozen pipes burst or power lines fail, your personal belongings and living situation can be seriously affected, and that’s where renters insurance becomes essential.

What renters insurance typically covers

Storm-related damage

• Personal belongings damaged by burst pipes
• Electronics damaged during power outages
• Water damage from roof leaks or ice dams

Through Loss of Use coverage, if your apartment becomes uninhabitable due to winter weather damage, renters insurance often covers:

• Temporary hotel stays
• Restaurant meals while you can’t cook
• Storage costs for damaged belongings

What’s not usually covered

• Damage from flooding (requires separate flood insurance)
• Preventable damage from negligence (like letting pipes freeze when heat was available)
• Normal wear and tear
• Damage to the building itself (that’s the landlord’s responsibility)

Steps to take after winter damage

1. Document everything with photos before cleaning up
2. Contact your renters insurance company immediately
3. Keep receipts for temporary living expenses and emergency purchases
4. Work with property management to coordinate repairs
5. Don’t throw away damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them

Pro-tip: The best time to get renters insurance is before you need it. Winter storms are unpredictable, but being financially protected doesn’t have to be.

Stay prepared, stay protected

Winter storms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By following this three-phase approach you’ll be ready for whatever the winter season brings. 

While you can winterize your apartment and stock up on emergency supplies, you can’t control everything that severe weather might throw at you. That’s where renters insurance makes the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a financial disaster, covering water damage to your belongings and temporary housing if your apartment becomes uninhabitable. 

Ready to protect your apartment and belongings this winter season? Get a renters insurance quote in just a few minutes and make sure you’re covered before the next storm arrives.

Winter storm FAQs

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.