Life Kit – “A snowstorm is on the way. Here’s what to do.”

Host: Marielle Segarra (NPR)
Date: January 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR’s “Life Kit,” hosted by Marielle Segarra, is centered on practical winter storm preparedness. With severe snow and icy weather forecasted across much of the U.S.—even in traditionally warmer southern states—the show brings in Life Kit reporter Andy Tagle and several experts to discuss step-by-step advice for preparing your home, car, and community for disruptive winter weather. The tone is approachable, informed, and community-oriented, encouraging listeners to take action and look out for one another when extreme weather approaches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Weather Alerts and What They Mean

[02:01–03:20]

• Storm Watch = "Heads up, bad weather is likely coming in a few days. Be on alert."
• Advisory / Warning = "Bad weather is expected to happen; start preparing." The difference is about the scale. For example, in Mississippi, an inch of snow might trigger a warning, versus 6 inches in New England.
• Do not underestimate advisories: "Just an advisory can still mean 3 to 4 inches of snow. Just an advisory can still mean ice everywhere." — Michael Hill, National Weather Service ([03:39])
• Forecasts are estimates, not promises. “Prepare like you’re going to receive the worst of it.” — Andy Tagle ([04:02–04:29])

2. Assembling Emergency Supplies

[04:29–05:43]

• Begin gathering supplies early: extra food, water, batteries, and heat sources.
• Plan for power outages: flashlights, matches, candles, and alternative cooking options (propane/charcoal grill, Sternos for indoor use, fireplace cooking, nonperishables).
• “Better safe than sorry,” even with just a few inches of snow. Minor events can still down power lines and create hazards. ([05:27])

3. Winterizing Your Home

[05:50–08:46]

• Sealing Home: Weather-strip doors, insulate windows, close off drafts, and overall winterize.
• Insulating Pipes: Use foam pipe sleeves, heat tape, or even towels/newspapers for pipes in unheated areas (garage, crawl spaces, exterior walls).
• Gutters: Clear them to avoid ice dams and dangerous icicles.
• Renters: Communicate with landlords about responsibilities; stock basic supplies like salt, shovel, and de-icer yourself. ([07:10])
• Applying Salt: “A coffee’s cup worth of salt spread evenly is enough for about 500 square feet of driveway.” — Andy Tagle, citing Salt Smart Initiative ([08:07])
• Fire & CO Poisoning: Ensure furnace maintenance and clean chimneys. Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors before storms.

4. Staying Safe and Warm During the Storm

[08:46–10:17]

• Stay Inside: “I have one really revolutionary tip. Marielle, are you ready? You want to stay inside!” — Andy Tagle, tongue-in-cheek ([08:52])
• If you must go out, minimize trips, keep doors/windows closed, dress in layers, limit exposure, and take warm-up breaks.
• If the heat goes out:
  • Keep everyone in one room to conserve body heat.
  • Never use generators, camp stoves, or grills indoors (even near windows/vents).
  • Check local resources: “You can call 211 in any part of the country for assistance finding warming shelters.” ([10:17])

5. Travel & Car Readiness

[11:07–13:38]

• Ideally, don’t travel during storms. If you must:
  • Keep a 72-hour “Go Bag” with blankets, hats, gloves, snacks, water, shovel, ice scraper, roadside safety kit.
  • Winterize your car: good tires, test battery, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, fill up gas.
  • Carry chains, kitty litter, sand, or rock salt for traction if you get stuck.
  • Memorable Tip: “Pack your car like it’s a shelter.” — Alyssa Provencio ([12:58])
  • If stranded: Stay with your car, put out reflective markers or bright cloths, call for help early.

6. What to Do After the Storm

[13:43–14:40]

• Inspect home and property for damage (pipes, leaks, branches, downed power lines).
• Check appliances, smoke, and CO2 detectors.
• Replenish any emergency supplies used.
• Don’t assume all roads or infrastructure are safe—stay informed via local news.

7. Long-Term Preparedness & Building Community

[14:51–16:32]

• “Preparedness is something that you do year round. Picking up a flashlight at a thrift store, or getting an extra case of water can make a difference.” — Andy Tagle ([14:51])
• “Preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about giving your future self options and saving time and money.” — Alyssa Provencio ([15:16])
• Check in on neighbors, create a sense of community: “The best preparedness is a basket of muffins, because that’s how you get to know your neighbors.” — Alyssa Provencio ([15:44])
• “Think about this as a we problem, not a me problem.” — Marielle Segarra ([16:26])

8. Rapid Recap of Key Steps

[16:38–18:00]

• Know weather terms and take even advisories seriously.
• Prepare supplies (food, light, heat, backup cooking options).
• Winterize home and pipes.
• Avoid travel if possible—if you must, pack accordingly and winterize your car.
• Check for damage post-storm and restock supplies.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Just an advisory can still mean 3 to 4 inches of snow. Just an advisory can still mean ice everywhere. It's just not going to reach that threshold. ... And that's still an issue for people.”
  — Michael Hill ([03:39])
• “It’s really about giving your future self or your family options. ... If you are doing things like clearing your gutters ... then you’re saving yourself a lot of time and money.”
  — Alyssa Provencio ([15:16])
• “The best preparedness is a basket of muffins, because that's how you get to know your neighbors.”
  — Alyssa Provencio ([15:44])
• “Pack your car like it’s a shelter. … And it's easier for rescuers to locate, particularly if there's low visibility due to rain, sleet, snow.”
  — Alyssa Provencio ([12:58])
• “Just tell your friends, tell your neighbors, say, hey, did you know that the weather's gonna be bad this week? Just, you know, empathy and, you know, trying to survive these things. Cause everybody's gonna go through it at some point.”
  — Michael Hill ([16:06])

Useful Timestamps

• Weather Terms Explained: [02:01–04:29]
• Supplies & Power Outage Prep: [04:29–05:43]
• Winterizing Home & Renters’ Tips: [05:50–08:46]
• Salt Application Guidance: [08:07]
• Fire/CO Precautions: [08:36–08:46]
• Staying Warm & Warming Shelters: [08:46–10:17]
• Travel & Go Bag Contents: [11:07–13:38]
• Post-Storm Assessment: [13:43–14:40]
• Preparedness Philosophy/Neighborliness: [14:51–16:32]
• Rapid Recap: [16:38–18:00]

Conclusion

This practical and friendly guide to winter storm preparedness covers everything from decoding weather alerts to making your home, car, and community more resilient. The episode strikes a balance between actionable steps (stock up, winterize, prepare alternatives) and a compassionate call to support one another. The repeated refrain is to “prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and look out for your neighbors”—making resilient communities in the face of winter’s challenges.

For more resources, listeners are referred to other Life Kit episodes on emergency calm and “Go Bag” packing, and reminded to reach out with episode ideas or feedback at lifekit@npr.org.