A winter storm rolls through overnight. Heavy snow weighs down tree branches, winds pick up, and suddenly the lights go out.
If you're home, you can grab a flashlight, check the thermostat, and figure out what needs attention. But what if you're away for the weekend? Or spending the winter somewhere warmer?
For an unattended home, a power outage can create a chain reaction. Heating systems may stop working, sump pumps may lose power, smart home devices may go offline, and indoor temperatures can begin to drop.
In New England, where winter storms can bring snow, ice, and prolonged outages, having a plan matters.
At DCN Property Management, we believe preparing your home means thinking beyond the storm itself. It's about understanding what could happen when the power goes out and knowing who can check on your property if something goes wrong.
DCN’s Storm Preparation Checklist
Here are seven things every homeowner should consider before the next winter storm.
1. Know What Stops Working When the Power Goes Out
Not every homeowner realizes how many household systems depend on electricity.
Even homes with gas or oil heating may need electricity to operate thermostats, circulator pumps, ignition systems, or blowers.
Walk through your home and identify what depends on electricity:
Heating system and thermostat.
Sump pump.
Well water pump, if applicable.
Refrigerator and freezer.
Garage door opener.
Security system and cameras.
Internet router and Wi-Fi equipment.
Smart home sensors and connected devices.
Understanding which systems will stop working helps you prioritize backup plans.
If your home has a generator, know which circuits or appliances it can support. Don't assume it powers the entire house.
2. Protect Your Home Against Frozen Pipes
One of the biggest concerns during a winter power outage is losing heat.
If indoor temperatures fall far enough, water pipes can freeze and potentially burst. The risk is greater in areas with limited insulation, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and plumbing near exterior walls.
Before winter arrives:
Insulate exposed water pipes where appropriate.
Seal drafts around plumbing penetrations.
Know where your main water shutoff valve is located.
Keep interior temperatures at a level appropriate for your home's plumbing and conditions.
Have a plan for checking indoor temperatures during an extended absence.
If you're leaving home for an extended period, don't turn the heat off simply because nobody is there.
A smart thermostat with remote temperature monitoring can provide an additional layer of awareness. Set alerts for temperatures that fall outside your chosen range, and make sure someone can respond if an alert arrives.
3. Don't Forget the Sump Pump
Your sump pump may be working perfectly today, but what happens if the power goes out during a storm?
If your basement is prone to water intrusion, a standard electric sump pump will not operate without electricity.
Consider whether your home needs:
A battery backup sump pump.
A compatible backup power system.
A water-powered backup pump, where appropriate.
A high-water alarm that can alert you if water rises in the sump pit.
Test your existing system according to the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure the discharge line is clear.
If your basement has experienced flooding in the past, this is especially important. Heavy rain, snowmelt, and changing winter temperatures can all contribute to water problems.
4. Have a Backup Power Plan
A generator can be a valuable investment, particularly for homeowners in areas that experience frequent or extended outages.
But not all backup power systems are the same.
Options include:
Portable generators: Can provide power to selected appliances or circuits when used with the appropriate equipment and connections.
Standby generators: Permanently installed systems that can automatically supply power to selected household circuits when utility power is lost.
Battery backup systems: Can provide temporary power to selected devices and equipment, depending on their capacity.
Think about which systems matter most to your home. Heating equipment, sump pumps, refrigeration, and essential communication devices may be priorities.
If you use a portable generator, always operate it outdoors, well away from doors, windows, and attached garages. Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, and never connect it directly to household wiring without an approved transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, too.
Backup power is only helpful when it's installed and used safely.
5. Understand What Happens to Your Smart Home Devices
Smart home technology can be especially useful when you're away, but power outages can interrupt the very systems you're counting on.
Consider what happens to your:
Security cameras.
Video doorbells.
Wi-Fi-connected sensors.
Smart thermostats.
Leak detectors.
Connected lighting.
Some battery-powered devices may continue operating, but devices that rely on household electricity or Wi-Fi may stop communicating.
A few things to check before winter:
Does your security system have battery backup?
Does your router have backup power?
Which devices continue working without Wi-Fi?
Will you receive an alert if a device goes offline?
Do your devices reconnect automatically when power returns?
A small uninterruptible power supply (UPS) may help keep a router or other essential equipment running temporarily, depending on the equipment and battery capacity.
Remember, a device showing as offline doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with your home. It may simply mean the power or internet connection has been interrupted.
6. Prepare for the Aftermath, Too
Getting through the outage is only part of the equation. Once power returns, your home may need a little attention.
Before assuming everything is back to normal, consider checking:
Whether the heating system restarted properly.
Whether the thermostat has returned to its intended settings.
Whether the sump pump is operating.
Whether refrigerators and freezers maintained safe temperatures.
Whether any pipes or plumbing connections show signs of leaking.
Whether smart devices have reconnected.
Whether exterior areas have sustained storm damage.
If your home has a well, septic system, or other equipment that depends on electricity, follow the manufacturer's guidance for restarting and checking those systems.
If you suspect frozen or damaged pipes, electrical problems, or heating system damage, contact the appropriate qualified professional.
A quick check after an outage can help identify problems before they become larger repairs.
7. Have Someone Check Your Home If You're Away
This is perhaps the most important part of your winter preparedness plan.
If you're away when a storm hits, who will know whether your home has lost power? Who can check the temperature, look for water problems, and determine whether something needs attention?
Smart home technology can provide helpful information, but it has limitations. If the power or internet goes down, you may lose visibility into what's happening inside your home.
A trusted local contact or professional home watch service can provide an additional layer of oversight.
At DCN Property Management, our home watch visits include a 21-point property checklist. During visits, we look for visible signs of water intrusion, unusual temperature conditions, storm-related concerns, and other changes that may need attention.
Following each visit, homeowners receive an update so they know what we've observed.
A physical visit won't prevent every problem, and it isn't a substitute for emergency services or qualified contractors. But having someone who can actually check your property when you're away can make a significant difference.
Don't Wait for the First Winter Storm
A little preparation can help protect your home from some of the most common problems associated with winter power outages.
Know which systems depend on electricity. Protect vulnerable plumbing. Test your sump pump and backup systems. Understand the limitations of your smart home devices, and establish a plan for someone to check your property if you're away.
And remember, a winter storm doesn't have to be a major event to cause a problem. Sometimes a few hours without heat or a sump pump is all it takes.
Information and safety tips in MA: Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's Power Outage Safety Tips
Going away this winter? Let DCN help keep an eye on your home.
DCN Property Management provides professional home watch services throughout Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Westford, Massachusetts.
Whether you're away for a few weeks or the entire winter season, we help you stay connected to your property with regular visits, a detailed checklist, and updates while you're away.
Learn more about DCN Home Watch Services
DCN Property Management, LLC | Professional Home Watch & Property Management | MetroWest Massachusetts