Winter Preparation Tips

Michiganders are all too familiar with the bitter, unrelenting cold that comes during the winter months. While it surely takes serious mental and emotional preparation to acclimate to the changing temperatures, it also takes other considerations, such as winterizing your home, to ensure minimal risk of weather-related damages until the thaw of spring. 

Whether you’re looking for assistance for winterizing your home, concerned about the fluctuation of utility prices during the colder months and what resources are available, or dealing with the aftermath of a winter storm. To help you prepare as the cold weather settles in, the following are a few factors we recommend considering to help take the edge off the winter season. 

Make an Emergency Kit

It’s important to know the risks that come with winter weather and how to determine the best plan of action in an emergency situation. Tuning in for local weather reports will keep you informed of the status of a winter storm, like whether it’s a storm watch (issued between 12-48 hours beforehand) or the hastier storm warning (issued between 12-24 hours beforehand). Consider putting together an emergency kit for your home and car packed with blankets, flashlights, food, water, and portable power banks to help preserve phone battery. For more tips about preparing for Michigan’s weather, visit MIREADY.

Reach Out for Support

211 is available 24/7/365 and always ready to help find resources for residents in need. If you’re struggling to pay the bills, recovering from a recent crisis or are in need of any health or human service, go to Michigan 211 to search the public resource directory of services, dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to reach a specialist for live help.

Specifically during extreme temperatures, communities activate Warming Centers to provide a place to get out of the elements. Search mi211.org for Extreme Cold Warming Centers to locate support in your area.

Revised: 1/23/2026