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Weather and seasonal readiness

Prepare safe snow and ice supplies before the first storm

Snow and ice can block exits, hide trip hazards, overload unsafe access routes, and create pressure to improvise during a storm.

Homeowner guidance with clear stop points

When it usually needs attention

Timing follows the local season

Prepare before the reviewed local snow/freeze season and respond to current official alerts rather than a universal date.

When this guide applies

Applies when the household confirms recurring snow, roof ice, or icy walkways.

What to do

Follow local alerts, identify the exits and ground-level paths that must stay usable, stage safe hand tools and surface-approved traction or ice-control material, and arrange help for roofs, heights, or heavy accumulation.

Applies when: Applies when the household confirms recurring snow, roof ice, or icy walkways.

Who should handle it: Residents handle only authorized ground-level paths within their ability; owners, associations, municipalities, and qualified providers control shared areas, roofs, structures, and local snow duties.

Tools

  • Current local weather and emergency alerts
  • Ergonomic snow shovel or push tool suited to the user
  • Flashlight

Parts and supplies

  • Traction aid or surface-approved ice-control product
  • Visible marker for an unsafe area

Safety gear

  • Warm layered clothing
  • Water-resistant gloves
  • Slip-resistant insulated footwear

Before you start

  • Keep exits usable
  • Plan help for lifting, cold exposure, mobility, or medical limits

Power, water, or fuel shutoffs

  • Know how to avoid buried utilities, heated surfaces, and powered equipment before clearing

Cleaner or chemical limits

Use no cleaner or improvised chemical; choose an ice-control product only after checking its label, the walking surface, drainage, pets, plants, and local rules.

Stop and get help when

  • Do not climb onto a snowy or icy roof, use an improvised ladder, work under falling ice, touch a downed line, or continue through chest pain, dizziness, breathing trouble, or dangerous cold
  • Stop for structural sagging, blocked combustion exhaust, inaccessible exits, or emergency travel warnings

Who to call: Use emergency services for immediate danger, the utility for lines, and qualified snow, roofing, structural, or accessibility help for unsafe access or loading.

Reviewed sources