Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms: 3 Essential Items to Have on Hand

Protect your home and avoid costly damage with these must-have emergency tools.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:31pm

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After experiencing two floods in her new Brooklyn condo due to burst pipes during a winter storm, the author shares three essential items she wishes she had on hand to better prepare for and respond to weather-related home emergencies: a moisture meter to detect water damage, a smart security system to monitor for leaks, and a smart thermostat to remotely control heating and avoid frozen pipes.

Why it matters

With extreme weather events becoming more common, it's crucial for homeowners to be proactive in protecting their homes from potential damage. These three items can help detect issues early, alert residents to problems, and provide remote control over home systems to mitigate the impact of burst pipes, flooding, and other winter-related disasters.

The details

The author's new condo in Brooklyn experienced two floods in the first year due to burst pipes when temperatures dropped during a winter storm. A plumber identified issues with the unfinished exterior of the building that led to the pipe bursts. The author realized she should have had an emergency kit prepared, including a moisture meter to quickly assess water damage, a smart security system to detect leaks and alert authorities, and a smart thermostat to remotely monitor and control the heating system to prevent frozen pipes.

  • Temperatures in New York City are expected to stay below freezing for the next few weeks.

The players

Miska Salemann

The author of the article, a New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter who covers lifestyle and consumer topics.

Google Nest

A smart thermostat that can monitor HVAC systems in real-time and be controlled remotely through a mobile app.

SimpliSafe

A smart home security system that can detect motion, sound alarms, and dispatch emergency services if needed.

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What’s next

With NYC temperatures expected to stay below freezing for the next few weeks, now is the time to prepare your home for emergencies by investing in a moisture meter, smart security system, and smart thermostat.

The takeaway

Extreme weather events are becoming more common, so it's crucial for homeowners to be proactive in protecting their homes. These three essential emergency preparedness items can help detect issues early, alert residents to problems, and provide remote control over home systems to mitigate the impact of burst pipes, flooding, and other winter-related disasters.