Nor'easter prep: a day-by-day checklist

Nor'easters bring a mix of wind, heavy snow, coastal flooding and long outages in freezing weather. The days before the storm are when preparation is easy.

Three days out

• Check your 72-hour kit: water, food, batteries, medicines.
• Refill prescriptions that will run low within two weeks.
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms and replace batteries.
• If you're near the coast, check whether your address is in an evacuation zone and plan where you'd go.
• Get cash in small bills.

The day before

• Charge every phone, power bank and power station.
• Fill the car's gas tank and put the winter car kit in the trunk.
• Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture, bins and decorations.
• Clear storm drains and gutters near the house.
• Fill the bathtub for flushing. Turn the fridge and freezer to their coldest settings.
• Move valuables and documents off floors that could flood.
• Put ice melt and a shovel by the door.

During the storm

• Stay off the roads unless you must travel.
• Keep the furnace, dryer and generator exhaust vents clear of snow. Blocked vents can push carbon monoxide inside.
• Keep a NOAA radio on for warnings.
• If the power goes out, follow the first 24 hours.

After it passes

• Stay away from downed lines and report them.
• Clear the car's exhaust pipe before starting it.
• Shovel in short sessions and take breaks. Snow shoveling strains the heart.
• Photograph damage for insurance before cleaning up.
• Restock what you used.