Brooklyn Winter Prep — 12-Item Checklist

Brooklyn declares snow emergencies when significant snow is forecast. Your car MUST be moved off designated snow emergency routes or it will be towed ($150-300+ impound + daily storage fees). Sign up for city snow emergency alerts.

During snow emergencies, many Brooklyn streets switch to odd/even parking — park on the odd-numbered side on odd dates and vice versa. Check your block's specific rules.

Schedule an annual furnace/boiler inspection before winter hits ($100-200). Technicians book up fast — schedule in September or October. Replace the filter ($5-20) and check the thermostat battery.

For home: flashlight, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, portable phone charger. For car: ice scraper, snow brush, jumper cables, blanket, sand/kitty litter for traction.

Check: antifreeze levels, tire tread depth (minimum 2/32"), battery health, windshield washer fluid (winter rated), wiper blades. Consider snow tires if you drive in heavy snow.

Buy BEFORE the first storm — stores sell out fast. Get an ergonomic shovel ($20-40) and 25 lbs of ice melt ($10-15). In most cities, you're legally required to clear your sidewalk within 24 hours of snowfall.

Apply weatherstripping to drafty windows and doors. Use window insulation kits ($3-5 per window) for single-pane windows. This can cut heating bills by 10-25%.

In Brooklyn, property owners/tenants are typically required to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. Fines for unshoveled sidewalks range from $25-250. Clear the full width of the sidewalk.

Subscribe to Brooklyn's emergency notification system for snow emergency declarations, school closings, and winter storm warnings. Most cities offer text, email, and app alerts.

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas (basement, crawlspace, garage). During extreme cold: open cabinet doors under sinks, let faucets drip slightly, and keep your thermostat above 55F even when away.

Winter means more use of heating systems — carbon monoxide risk increases. Test all detectors, replace batteries, and ensure you have a CO detector on every level of your home.

After shoveling out your car, some Brooklyn residents use chairs or cones to save their spot. Know the rules in your neighborhood — in some cities this is accepted, in others it's removed within 48 hours.