Fillable checklist

Winterizing Home Checklist: Freeze and Storm Prep (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable fall-to-winter form for outdoor faucets, pipe insulation, heat, detectors, and generator CO safety. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Maintenance Fillable form · 8 sections · 54 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against Ready.gov, FEMA, ENERGY STAR, CPSC, Red Cross · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is owner fall-to-winter close-up for a US house: pipes, heat, outdoor water, and generator or CO safety. It is not the year-round seasonal list, not a full home inspection, and not a substitute for OEM procedures or a licensed technician.

  • 8 sections
  • 54 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property and winterization dates

Record the house and the last service dates before you walk the stations. Mark outdoor-water and freeze lines N/A in a climate that does not freeze. Local forecast, not a national freeze temperature on this form, decides when those lines apply. This is a maintenance template, not a licensed inspection.

13 fields
Property and winterization dates

Inspection station

Outdoor water and freeze shutoff

Do these lines before freeze weather. Mark the whole section N/A in a year-round warm climate. Mark sprinkler, pool, or hydrant lines N/A when that system is not installed. Indoor pipe insulation stays in the next section.

8 items
Outdoor water and freeze shutoff

Garden hoses disconnected, drained, and stored

Ready.gov WinterReady and Red Cross: remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses in a garage or shed. An attached hose can trap water in the bib. Home Depot: disconnect hoses as part of outdoor winterizing.

Garden hoses disconnected, drained, and stored: Done, Skip, or N/A

Indoor shutoff valves for outdoor bibs closed

Red Cross and InterNACHI: close the inside valves that supply outdoor hose bibs, then drain. Home Depot: close cutoff valves and drain the faucets. Mark N/A if a bib has no indoor shutoff.

Indoor shutoff valves for outdoor bibs closed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor faucets opened so remaining water drains

Red Cross: open the outside hose bibs after the indoor valve is closed so water can drain. Ready.gov WinterReady: turn off and drain water from outdoor spigots.

Outdoor faucets opened so remaining water drains: Done, Skip, or N/A

Drained outdoor bibs left open so leftover water can expand

Red Cross: keep the outside valve open so any water still in the pipe can expand without breaking the pipe. This is the drained-bib setting, not an invitation to leave the indoor supply open.

Drained outdoor bibs left open so leftover water can expand: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor faucet covers installed if you use them

Home Depot: after cutoff valves are closed and bibs are drained, faucet covers can add protection. Mark Skip if you do not use covers. Covers are not a substitute for shutting off and draining a standard bib.

Outdoor faucet covers installed if you use them: Done, Skip, or N/A

Sprinkler or irrigation lines drained per installer

Red Cross: drain water from water-sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer or installer. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. InterNACHI: sprinkler systems are vulnerable; purge remaining water. Mark N/A if there is no irrigation.

Sprinkler or irrigation lines drained per installer: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pool supply lines drained per manufacturer

Red Cross: drain swimming-pool supply lines following manufacturer or installer directions. Do not put antifreeze in those lines unless directed. Mark N/A if there is no pool.

Pool supply lines drained per manufacturer: Done, Skip, or N/A

Unused outdoor showers, hydrants, or hose reels drained

Same Red Cross outdoor-water rule as hose bibs: remove hoses, shut off the supply from inside if a valve exists, and drain. Mark N/A if none of these fixtures are installed.

Unused outdoor showers, hydrants, or hose reels drained: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Indoor pipes and freeze watch

These lines are indoor plumbing and the freeze watch. Outdoor hose and irrigation shutoff stays in the previous section. This form does not set a national outdoor freeze temperature as Pass or Fail. Mark drip and cabinet lines Skip when the forecast is not unusually cold.

11 items
Indoor pipes and freeze watch

Main water shutoff located and household knows how to use it

FEMA Ready.gov: know how to shut off water valves if a pipe bursts. NWS: know where and how to shut off the main water supply. Home Depot: if a pipe is broken, shut the main supply and call a plumber.

Main water shutoff located and household knows how to use it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Exposed pipes insulated in attic, garage, crawl space, and basement

Red Cross, FEMA, InterNACHI, and Home Depot: add insulation on exposed water pipes in unheated spaces. This form does not invent a required sleeve thickness. Mark N/A if those spaces have no water lines.

Exposed pipes insulated in attic, garage, crawl space, and basement: Done, Skip, or N/A

Both hot and cold lines in unheated spaces insulated

Red Cross: both hot and cold water pipes in garages and under kitchen or bathroom cabinets should be insulated. NWS: insulate supply lines in basement, crawl space, attic, garage, under cabinets, and along exterior walls.

Both hot and cold lines in unheated spaces insulated: Done, Skip, or N/A

UL-listed heat tape or heat cable used only as the maker allows

Red Cross: consider UL-listed heat tape, heat cable, or a pipe sleeve on exposed pipes, and follow the product directions. Home Depot: install heat tape or cables according to the manufacturer. Mark N/A if you do not use heat tape.

UL-listed heat tape or heat cable used only as the maker allows: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cracks near pipes in exterior walls or foundation sealed

NWS: seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes. Home Depot: caulk cracks that let in cold air, especially where pipes pass from inside to outside.

Cracks near pipes in exterior walls or foundation sealed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Plan to open sink cabinets in unusually cold weather

Red Cross, NWS, and CDC: open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warmer air can reach the plumbing. Move cleaners out of a child's reach. Mark Skip if weather is not that cold on this visit.

Plan to open sink cabinets in unusually cold weather: Done, Skip, or N/A

Garage doors kept closed if water lines run through the garage

Red Cross: keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Mark N/A if the garage has no water lines.

Garage doors kept closed if water lines run through the garage: Done, Skip, or N/A

Drip plan for faucets on exposed lines in unusual cold or a heat outage

FEMA: allow faucets to drip or trickle during unusually cold weather or if power and heat are out. Red Cross and CDC say the same for very cold weather. This is not a year-round instruction and not a national outdoor temperature score. Mark Skip when the weather is not that cold.

Drip plan for faucets on exposed lines in unusual cold or a heat outage: Done, Skip, or N/A

Thermostat held at one setting day and night during severe cold

Red Cross: keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night in very cold weather so pipes are less likely to freeze. ENERGY STAR still wants a comfortable occupied setting. Mark Skip when the weather is not that severe.

Thermostat held at one setting day and night during severe cold: Done, Skip, or N/A

Heat left on if away, no lower than 55 F

Red Cross and NWS: if you leave during cold weather, leave the heat on, set no lower than 55 F. That is an away setting from those two sources, not a national outdoor freeze Pass or Fail. Mark N/A if the house stays occupied.

Heat left on if away, no lower than 55 F: Done, Skip, or N/A

Thaw plan uses warm air or towels, never an open flame

Red Cross and CDC: if a faucet only trickles, keep it open and apply heat with a heating pad, hair dryer, or warm towels. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal, or other open flame. Call a licensed plumber if you cannot reach the freeze.

Thaw plan uses warm air or towels, never an open flame: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Heat, weatherstripping, and air sealing

Complete these lines at the heating changeover. Chimney, combustion, and heat-exchanger work is licensed. Space-heater and detector lines stay in the alarms section. Mark wood or oil lines N/A when that fuel is not used.

10 items
Heat, weatherstripping, and air sealing

Heating system professional check done or scheduled

ENERGY STAR: have a contractor check the heating system in the fall before winter. Ready.gov, CPSC, CDC, and FEMA: a qualified professional should inspect fuel-burning heat, chimneys, flues, and vents each year.

Heating system professional check done or scheduled: Done, Skip, or N/A

HVAC filter inspected, cleaned, or replaced

ENERGY STAR: check the filter monthly, especially in heavy-use months. Replace it when dirty, or at least every 3 months. Record the date in the header.

HVAC filter inspected, cleaned, or replaced: Done, Skip, or N/A

Door weatherstripping checked or replaced

Ready.gov and Red Cross: prepare the home with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. ENERGY STAR Seal and Insulate: weather stripping on doors is a simple fall fix.

Door weatherstripping checked or replaced: Done, Skip, or N/A

Window, door, and penetration air leaks caulked

Ready.gov and FEMA: caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. ENERGY STAR: look for holes around the attic hatch, plumbing vent, chimney or flue, and heating or cooling ducts. NWS: make exterior windows and doors airtight.

Window, door, and penetration air leaks caulked: Done, Skip, or N/A

Attic hatch, plumbing vent, chimney, and duct holes sealed

ENERGY STAR fall tips: when sealing, pay close attention to the attic hatch, plumbing vent, chimney or flue, and heating or cooling ducts. Bigger attic insulation jobs are not this owner walk.

Attic hatch, plumbing vent, chimney, and duct holes sealed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Chimney, flue, or heating vent professionally inspected

CPSC and FEMA: have fuel-burning heating systems, fireplaces, wood stoves, chimneys, flues, and vents inspected each year. Ready.gov WinterReady: clean and inspect heating equipment and chimneys each year. Mark N/A if there is no fuel-burning vent.

Chimney, flue, or heating vent professionally inspected: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor furnace or fuel-appliance vents kept clear of snow

CPSC: clear snow away from outside vents for fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces so carbon monoxide does not build up indoors. Mark N/A on an electric-only house with no outdoor combustion vent.

Outdoor furnace or fuel-appliance vents kept clear of snow: Done, Skip, or N/A

Window air conditioners removed and stored

InterNACHI winterization: remove and store window air conditioners when they are no longer needed. Cold air can damage the unit and leak in around the sash. Mark N/A if there is no window unit.

Window air conditioners removed and stored: Done, Skip, or N/A

Window coverings planned: open in sun, close at night

Ready.gov WinterReady: keep blinds or curtains open in the day for sun heat, then close them at night. If windows leak, use weather stripping, caulk, or a window insulation kit. CDC: close draperies or cover windows at night if you are conserving heat.

Window coverings planned: open in sun, close at night: Done, Skip, or N/A

Heating fuel, pellets, or firewood supply checked

NWS: make sure you have sufficient heating fuel. InterNACHI: if the furnace has an oil or propane tank, the tank should be full. Mark N/A on electric or utility-gas heat with no on-site tank.

Heating fuel, pellets, or firewood supply checked: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Roof, gutters, and walkways from the ground

Stay on the ground. InterNACHI Standards of Practice inspect roof covering, gutters, downspouts, eaves, and fascia from ground level or the eaves. Walking the roof is not part of this owner form. Hire a roofer if you see missing covering or a sag.

6 items
Roof, gutters, and walkways from the ground

Gutters cleaned after leaf drop

FEMA: clear rain gutters. InterNACHI: debris left in gutters can freeze and help form ice dams. Record the date in the header. Do not climb if you cannot reach them safely from the ground or a stable ladder you already use.

Gutters cleaned after leaf drop: Done, Skip, or N/A

Downspouts clear and sending water away from the house

InterNACHI SOP: inspect gutters and downspouts from the ground. FEMA wants water to leave the roof without ice backup. Confirm extensions or splash blocks send water away from the foundation.

Downspouts clear and sending water away from the house: Done, Skip, or N/A

Roof covering checked from the ground

InterNACHI SOP: inspect the roof covering from ground level or the eaves. InterNACHI winterization: replace missing shingles. FEMA: repair roof leaks and check that the roof can handle snow and ice. Do not walk the roof for this form.

Roof covering checked from the ground: Done, Skip, or N/A

Fascia, eaves, and trim checked from the ground

InterNACHI SOP: inspect eaves, soffits, and fascia from the ground. Look for open joints, staining, or wood that is pulling away. Soft or open wood is a roofer or carpenter, not a checklist remainder.

Fascia, eaves, and trim checked from the ground: Done, Skip, or N/A

Branches that could fall on the house trimmed; utility notified for lines

FEMA: cut away tree branches that could fall on the house or a neighboring structure. If branches interfere with power lines, notify the utility. Do not cut those branches yourself.

Branches that could fall on the house trimmed; utility notified for lines: Done, Skip, or N/A

Snow shovel and ice melt staged for steps and walkways

Red Cross: have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep walkways safe. CDC: keep steps and walkways as free of ice as possible. FEMA: keep pathways and driveways clear between storms. Overexertion while shoveling is a medical risk.

Snow shovel and ice melt staged for steps and walkways: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Detectors, space heaters, and indoor heat safety

Test alarms on this visit. Space-heater lines are N/A if no portable heater is used. Generator placement stays in the next section. A sounding CO alarm is an emergency: get to fresh air and call 911.

10 items
Detectors, space heaters, and indoor heat safety

Smoke alarms on every level, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms

CPSC: install smoke alarms on every level and inside each bedroom. Ready.gov and Red Cross: install and test smoke alarms with battery backups.

Smoke alarms on every level, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms: Done, Skip, or N/A

CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas

CPSC: CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, not in an unused attic or basement unless someone sleeps there. Ready.gov and FEMA: working CO detectors on every level, battery-operated or with battery backup.

CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas: Done, Skip, or N/A

Smoke and CO alarms tested this visit

CPSC and Red Cross: test monthly. Record the date in the header. If an alarm sounds for CO, CPSC and FEMA: move to fresh air and call 911.

Smoke and CO alarms tested this visit: Done, Skip, or N/A

Batteries replaced if due, or sealed 10-year cells confirmed

CPSC: replace batteries at least once a year, or use sealed 10-year batteries. Ready.gov often says twice a year unless 10-year lithium. This form does not pick one interval as law. Follow the alarm maker for replacing the whole unit.

Batteries replaced if due, or sealed 10-year cells confirmed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Combustibles kept 3 feet from heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves

CPSC, Red Cross, Ready.gov WinterReady, CDC, and NWS: keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from portable heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or candles.

Combustibles kept 3 feet from heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves: Done, Skip, or N/A

Space heaters plugged into a wall outlet, never a cord or strip

CPSC: plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip, and never run the cord under rugs. Ready.gov WinterReady: plug into an outlet and check that the cord is not damaged. Mark N/A if no portable heater is used.

Space heaters plugged into a wall outlet, never a cord or strip: Done, Skip, or N/A

Space heaters off when sleeping or leaving the room

CPSC: turn off heaters when sleeping, and do not leave a portable heater running unattended in a confined space. Red Cross: turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Mark N/A if no portable heater is used.

Space heaters off when sleeping or leaving the room: Done, Skip, or N/A

Space heater on a stable, level floor, cord not a trip hazard

CPSC: place the heater on a stable, level surface where it will not be knocked over. CDC: never place a space heater on furniture or near water, and do not run the cord under carpets. Mark N/A if no portable heater is used.

Space heater on a stable, level floor, cord not a trip hazard: Done, Skip, or N/A

Oven, range, grill, or charcoal not used to heat the house

Ready.gov, Red Cross, FEMA, CDC, CPSC, and NWS: never heat the home with a cooktop, oven, grill, camp stove, or charcoal. Those devices also produce carbon monoxide.

Oven, range, grill, or charcoal not used to heat the house: Done, Skip, or N/A

Battery flashlights staged instead of candles

CPSC, CDC, and Red Cross: use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles during an outage. If you do use candles, never leave them unattended.

Battery flashlights staged instead of candles: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Generator, CO, and storm supplies

Mark generator lines N/A if no generator is on site. Detector placement already sits in the alarms section; this section is placement, cords, and the stay-home kit. Follow the generator OEM for weather covers and load.

9 items
Generator, CO, and storm supplies

Generator used outdoors only, never in a garage, porch, or carport

CPSC: never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, porch, or carport. Opening doors or windows is not enough ventilation. Ready.gov and CDC: outdoors only, away from windows.

Generator used outdoors only, never in a garage, porch, or carport: Done, Skip, or N/A

Generator at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, exhaust away

Ready.gov, CPSC, FEMA, and CDC: keep the generator at least 20 feet from windows, doors, vents, and attached garages, with exhaust pointed away from the house. Close nearby windows.

Generator at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, exhaust away: Done, Skip, or N/A

Generator cool before refueling, and kept dry

Ready.gov and CPSC: let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel on hot parts can ignite. Ready.gov and CDC: keep it dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator can shock you.

Generator cool before refueling, and kept dry: Done, Skip, or N/A

Appliances connected with heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords

Ready.gov and CDC: connect appliances with heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Do not backfeed a wall outlet. Transfer-switch work is licensed electrical work.

Appliances connected with heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords: Done, Skip, or N/A

Stay-home kit: water, food, medicine, batteries, and a radio

Ready.gov: gather supplies if you may stay home several days without power, including medication and pet needs. Red Cross: a stay-at-home kit with at least two weeks of supplies, and at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. FEMA: at least three days of food and water as a floor.

Stay-home kit: water, food, medicine, batteries, and a radio: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household signed up for local winter alerts

Ready.gov and FEMA: pay attention to winter watches and warnings, and sign up for your community warning system. NOAA Weather Radio and the FEMA app are extra channels, not a substitute for local alerts.

Household signed up for local winter alerts: Done, Skip, or N/A

Backup warm location identified if the house loses heat

FEMA: identify a nearby place where you can warm up if you lose heat. Red Cross and Ready.gov WinterReady: a friend's house, library, or community warming center if the house becomes too cold.

Backup warm location identified if the house loses heat: Done, Skip, or N/A

Fire extinguisher on hand and household knows how to use it

FEMA: keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them. This is a household readiness line, not a fire-code inspection.

Fire extinguisher on hand and household knows how to use it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Grills, camp stoves, and charcoal stay outdoors and away from windows

Ready.gov, Red Cross, FEMA, CDC, and CPSC: never use a grill, camp stove, or charcoal indoors, in a garage, or near windows. CPSC: burning charcoal indoors can produce lethal carbon monoxide.

Grills, camp stoves, and charcoal stay outdoors and away from windows: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Service log and sign-off

Write what you finished, set the next dates, then sign. If a frozen pipe, gas odor, CO alarm, or roof damage needs a license, pick Licensed technician needed instead of Winterization complete.

10 fields
Service log and sign-off

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

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References

  1. Insulation, caulk, weather stripping, smoke and CO, generator 20 feet - Ready.gov
  2. Outdoor spigots and hoses, 3-foot heat clearance, heating check, window kits - Ready.gov WinterReady
  3. Insulate pipes, drip faucets in unusual cold, water shutoff, gutters, CO 20 feet - FEMA winter storm how-to
  4. Hose bibs, pipe insulation, 55 F when away, drip, no open-flame thaw - American Red Cross
  5. Stay-home kit, insulation and weather stripping, 3-foot clearance, no oven heat - American Red Cross
  6. Heating contractor in fall, monthly filter, replace when dirty or every 3 months - ENERGY STAR
  7. Weather stripping on doors and caulk around windows - ENERGY STAR Seal and Insulate
  8. Fall air sealing at attic hatch, vents, and ducts; filter monthly in heavy use - ENERGY STAR
  9. Smoke and CO placement, space heater 3 feet, wall outlet, yearly heating inspect - CPSC
  10. Generator outdoors 20 feet, exhaust away, never porch or carport, snow off furnace vents - CPSC
  11. Portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet from homes - CPSC CO center
  12. Test smoke and CO monthly, batteries at least yearly, placement by room - CPSC
  13. Leave heat at least 55 F when away, drip faucets, open cabinets, shutoff - NWS New York
  14. Drip taps, open cabinets, 3-foot heaters, generator 20 feet, no oven heat - CDC
  15. Shut off and drain exterior pipes, insulate exposed lines, gutters, missing shingles - InterNACHI
  16. Inspect roof covering, gutters, downspouts, eaves, and fascia from ground or eaves - InterNACHI SOP
  17. Disconnect hoses, close cutoff valves and drain bibs, faucet covers, pipe wrap - Home Depot

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.