01/21/2026
❄️ Winter Weather Prep — A Homeowner & Neighbor Checklist ❄️
Sharing this as your local Realtor — a little prep now can save a lot of stress later.
⏰ Before the Storm (24–48 hours out)
• Charge phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns
• Fill gas tanks in case stations lose power
• Grab some cash in small bills
• Refill prescriptions and essential meds early
• Download movies, books, and maps for offline use
• Pick one warm room to “camp out” if power goes out
• Locate your water shut-off valve and breaker box now
• Set fridge/freezer to colder temps to hold cold longer
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🚰 Water & Pipe Protection
• Drip faucets on exterior walls once temps drop below freezing
• Open sink cabinets to let warm air circulate
• Disconnect garden hoses
• Cover outdoor spigots
• Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts
• Fill jugs, buckets, or a tub with water for flushing
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🍞 Food & Kitchen Prep
• Stock 3–5 days of no-cook foods
• Keep a manual can opener handy
• Consider shelf-stable or powdered milk
• Freeze water bottles as makeshift ice packs
• Have a cooler ready if you need to move food outside
• Avoid overbuying perishables right before the storm
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🔥 Heat & Home Safety
• Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers
• If using a fireplace, confirm the chimney is clear
• Never run grills or generators indoors or in garages
• Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
• Flashlights > candles whenever possible
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🚗 Vehicle & Travel
• Avoid driving once freezing rain starts
• Bridges and overpasses freeze first
• Keep a car kit: blanket, water, snacks, charger, gloves
• Top off washer fluid and check wipers
• Park away from large tree limbs if possible
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⚡ Power Outage Plan
• Unplug sensitive electronics
• Keep a battery radio or weather app for updates
• Use surge protectors
• Know where local warming centers may be
• Keep fridge doors closed as much as possible
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🐾 Pets & Livestock
• Bring pets indoors with extra food and water
• Make sure outdoor animals have unfrozen water
• Add straw or blankets to shelters
• Keep leashes and carriers accessible
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🏥 Medical & Special Needs
• Keep a written list of medications
• Have a basic first-aid kit ready
• Backup batteries for medical devices
• Identify a place with power if relocation becomes necessary
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🏠 Property Protection
• Move vehicles away from trees and power lines
• Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items
• Handle tree trimming before the storm
• Take photos for insurance purposes
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❄️ During the Storm
• Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary
• Treat all downed lines as live
• Use only safe indoor heating
• Check on neighbors (especially elderly) by phone
• Report outages to utilities—not 911 unless it’s an emergency
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☀️ After the Storm
• Watch for refreezing ice
• Check pipes as temps rise
• Toss food if fridge temps exceed 40°F for 4+ hours
• Avoid DIY electrical work near downed lines
• Be patient — ice storms can mean longer restoration times
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⚠️ Southern Ice Reality
• ¼” of ice = scattered outages
• ½” of ice = major travel & power issues
• Ice is often more dangerous than snow in our area
Stay safe, take care of each other, and feel free to share this with anyone who could use it.
