Though it’s now firmly in the rearview mirror, the winter of 2025-2026 may prove hard to forget for millions of people across North America. Marked by particularly cold temperatures and considerable snowfall in many parts of the continent, the winter of 2025-2026 has undoubtedly prompted countless individuals to wonder what they can do to prepare to make future winters a little more manageable.
No one knows for certain if a winter will be mild or marked by extended periods of chilly temperatures and heavy snowfall. But preparing for harsh weather can make life a little easier if such conditions prevail. As another winter approaches, these winter storm prep tips can make it easier to navigate inclement weather.
• Test your home heating system. Mid-Atlantic Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessment reports that winter temperatures in the mid-Atlantic were two to four degrees below normal for the entire region during the winter of 2025-2026. Faced with such chilly conditions, many people leaned heavily on their home heating systems to stay warm. Prior to this winter, it can be beneficial for homeowners everywhere to conduct a home heating system audit to ensure a heater is working at peak capacity. A professional HVAC technician can run a battery of tests to assess an existing system. Such an audit can catch any issues before the cold weather arrives, and a tuneup can make sure the heater works efficiently, which can save homeowners lots of money on energy bills.
• Inspect your tools and replace them, if necessary. Items that help make life outside more manageable in winter also should be assessed prior to the arrival of cold weather. The winter of 2025 2026 was snowier than usual in some parts of North America, while other areas received considerably less snowfall than they’re accustomed to. For example, the Blue Hill Observatory reported a much snowier and stormier winter in the northeastern United States in 20252026. So chances are residents in areas that experienced heavy snowfall put their snow blowers to good use a year ago. In advance of this winter, inspect snow blowers to ensure they’re operational and capable of handling another potentially stormy winter. If not, replace the items or repair parts that need fixing. It’s also good to examine snow shovels prior to the season. Doing so in advance of winter ensures the tools will be fixed and ready to go once the first snowfall occurs.
• Gather some nonperishable provisions. The American Red Cross urges people to gather food, water, and medicine if a storm is in the forecast. Stores might be closed once the storm approaches or touches down, so gather these items well in advance. Include bottled water among the provisions as some storms can knock out access to drinking water. The Red Cross recommends keeping a one-month supply of medications and medical supplies on hand just in case a storm makes it hard to leave home or prevents access via delivery
• Keep some supplies in a vehicle. Even if a storm does not prevent travel, that does not mean a vehicle will find the roads smooth sailing. Prepare in advance for potential car troubles by keeping emergency supplies in the vehicle. Blankets, an extra sweater, and a hat for each person who routinely travels in the vehicle, and a small but wellstocked first aid kit, can help should drivers find themselves stranded on the road during a winter storm.
Winter storm preparation should include actions that ensure the safety of residents both inside and outside the home.
