With a “Super El Niño” forecast, here’s how to protect your home, family, and vehicle before the cold hits
Forecasters are predicting a “very strong” El Niño for the winter of 2026-27, with an 81% chance of sea-surface temperatures rising 2°C or more above average in the equatorial Pacific . For the U.S., this means a heightened risk of extreme cold, heavy snow, ice storms, and widespread power outages .
The message from emergency preparedness experts is clear: winter storms don’t have to be deadly—but preparation makes all the difference . Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe.
Why This Winter Demands Extra Attention
The last “very strong” El Niño in 2015-2016 caused significant disruptions across the globe . While a strong El Niño doesn’t guarantee disaster in every region, it “loads the dice,” making extreme weather events more likely . Combined with record-high global temperatures, this winter could be one for the history books .
The risks are serious:
- Loss of heat, power, and communication during storms
- Hypothermia and frostbite from exposure
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of generators and heaters—dozens of children were treated for this during a January 2026 storm
- Falls and heart attacks from shoveling snow or walking on ice
But with the right preparation, you can dramatically reduce these risks.
Part 1: Preparing Your Home
The CDC emphasizes that winterizing your home before a storm hits is critical for staying warm and safe . Here’s your checklist:
Weatherproof Your Home
- Insulate water lines along exterior walls to prevent freezing .
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to stop drafts .
- Insulate walls and attic to retain heat .
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside .
- Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home .
- Check doors and windows for drafts—use window insulation kits, weatherstripping, or door sweeps for under $10 .
Heating Safety
- Have your chimney or flue inspected each year if you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating .
- Install smoke detectors and battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors near any heating area. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year .
- Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby .
- Have your furnace system checked by a qualified technician each winter .
- Change your furnace filter regularly to keep your HVAC system efficient .
For Older Adults
Place an easy-to-read thermometer where you’ll see it frequently. Our ability to feel temperature changes decreases with age, making older adults more susceptible to cold-related health problems .
Part 2: Building Your Emergency Kit
The American Red Cross recommends having two weeks of supplies for staying at home and a portable “Go-Kit” with at least three days of essentials .
For Your Home: The Stay-at-Home Kit
- Water: One gallon per person per day .
- Food: Non-perishable items that don’t require cooking—dried fruit, nuts, granola bars .
- Flashlights and extra batteries .
- Battery-powered radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred) .
- First-aid kit with any necessary medications .
- Warm clothing and blankets, hats, and gloves—even for indoors .
- Extra prescription medicine .
- Baby items (diapers, formula) if needed .
- Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets .
- Heating fuel—refuel before you’re empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a storm .
- Portable phone chargers—phones become lifelines during emergencies .
Part 3: Getting Your Car Ready
If you must travel during winter weather, a well-prepared vehicle can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation .
Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
Before the first freeze:
- Check antifreeze levels and add as needed .
- Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture .
- Check tire tread and pressure—replace worn tires and fill to proper pressure (typically 30-35 psi) .
- Keep the gas tank near full to prevent ice in the fuel line .
- Check your battery, heater, defroster, brakes, and oil .
The Winter Car Emergency Kit
According to experts, your car kit should address four core problems: loss of heat, loss of traction, loss of power, and delayed help .
Core Items:
- Warm clothing and blankets—pack hats, gloves, thick socks, and thermal blankets. Wool or synthetic fabrics are best; avoid cotton, which loses insulation when damp .
- Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries .
- Flashlight with extra batteries—a headlamp is especially useful for hands-free work .
- Battery-powered radio .
- First-aid kit with medications .
- Non-perishable snacks and water .
- Windshield scraper and snow brush .
- Shovel—a collapsible metal-blade shovel is most effective .
- Traction aids—non-clumping coarse sand, traction pads, or road salt. Avoid standard kitty litter, which turns to clay sludge when wet .
- Jumper cables or portable battery jump starter—cold weather kills batteries .
- Reflective triangles or flares to make your vehicle visible .
- Tire chains if traveling in mountain areas .
- Tow straps or rope .
Extra Gear to Consider:
- Portable tire inflator .
- Hand warmers (chemical or rechargeable) .
- Emergency weather radio with solar and hand-crank power .
- Bright colored flag or “HELP” sign for signaling .
- Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water .
- Personal Locator Beacon for remote travel .
Part 4: What to Do When the Storm Hits
If You Stay Home
- Choose one room to stay in and close the doors to keep warmth inside. Cover windows with curtains or blankets .
- Wear loose layers and a knit hat, even indoors .
- Eat regular snacks and drink warm fluids—your body uses energy to stay warm .
- Never use camp stoves, outdoor grills, or generators inside a home. These produce odorless, deadly carbon monoxide .
- If using a generator, keep it outdoors and far from windows and doors .
- If your home becomes too cold, go to a warming center or public shelter. Call 2-1-1 to find local options .
- Keep cabinet doors open during cold periods so warm air circulates around pipes .
- If water stops flowing, keep the faucet turned on slightly until water flows freely again .
- Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need extra help .
If You Must Travel
- Dress for the weather even if you’re just getting in the car—you never know if you’ll get stranded .
- Share your route and ETA with a trusted contact before departing .
- Keep your phone on power-saving mode and preserve battery for emergency calls .
- If stranded, stay in your vehicle—it provides wind protection and shelter .
Part 5: Protecting Pets and Vulnerable People
- Bring pets indoors if possible. If they must stay outside, provide adequate shelter and ensure they have access to unfrozen water .
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbors regularly—they are especially vulnerable during cold weather .
- Keep an easy-to-read thermometer visible for older adults to monitor indoor temperatures .
Quick Reference: Winter Prep Checklist
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Start now, before the first storm hits—it could save your life.