01/21/2026
Ready for Winter Storm Fern? Pre-Winter Storm Checklist
Weathering the Winter Storm: Essential Property, Heat, & Prep Tips for Nashville and Surrounding Areas 🏠
Friends and Neighbors,
Here is a quick "Pre-Winter Storm Checklist" covering everything from protecting your property to essential supplies.
☂️ Patio & Exterior
Heavy snow, ice, and wind can wreak havoc on outdoor furniture. Prioritize securing these items before the weather turns.
Patio and Patio Furniture: Secure loose items that could blow away. Stack chairs and move cushions into a shed or garage if possible.
Umbrellas: Lower and tie down all patio umbrellas. Ideally, remove them from tables and store them flat to prevent wind damage.
Pools: If you have a pool cover, ensure it is securely in place. If the pump is running, check that the water level is appropriate to prevent freezing in the skimmer.
Exterior Faucets: Disconnect all hoses, as they can contribute to heat loss at the hose bibb when connected. If your exterior hose bibbs are not frost-proof, be sure to cover them.
Sloped Driveways: If your driveway is steep, consider moving your vehicles to a flat alternative location (like the bottom or top near the street) before the ice hits to prevent sliding or getting stuck. Do not place it in a location that hinders snow plows or may damage your vehicle, and locate your windshield ice scraper.
❄️ Snow & Ice Clearing
Pre-Treat Surfaces: If you have ice melt, sprinkle it on your steps and walkways before the snow starts. This helps prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, making it much easier to shovel later.
Buy Early: Pro Tip: If you see ice melt at the store, buy it immediately. In our area, supplies are often limited and sell out instantly once the forecast hits.
Clear Mechanical Exterior Vents: If snow piles up, ensure your furnace and dryer vents on the exterior of your house are clear to prevent carbon monoxide from building up indoors.
🔋 Power & Heat Safety
If the power goes out, keeping warm and protecting your home's systems is the top priority.
Refrigerators & Freezers: Fill empty space in your freezer with water jugs or bottles now. This creates "thermal mass," keeping the unit colder longer if power fails. During an outage, you can move a frozen jug to the refrigerator to act as an ice block for perishables. Remember to leave a little space when filling, as the water expands.
Alternative Heat (Gas Logs): Remember that many natural gas log fireplaces do not require electricity to ignite. Check your owner's manual—this can be an excellent source of emergency heat if the power fails.
Protect Your Pipes: If you lose heat, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. Let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing and bursting.
Garage Doors: Locate the manual release cord (usually a red handle) on your garage door opener now. Ensure you know how to use it so you aren't trapped if the power fails.
Surge Protection: Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, computers) to protect them from damage caused by power surges when power is restored.
Heat Loss: Close off unused rooms to consolidate heat. Use towels to block drafts under doors and keep blinds/curtains closed at night to insulate windows.
Generators: Test it now! Perform a pre-maintenance check and test start your generator to ensure it runs smoothly. Verify you have ample fresh fuel on hand before you need it. Safety First: NEVER run a generator (or grill) indoors or in a garage; keep it at least 20 feet from the house to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
🥫 Stocking the Essentials
Finally, make sure your pantry is ready. If the roads become impassable, aim to be self-sufficient for at least 3 days.
Food: Stock up on non-perishable items that don’t require cooking (canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter). Don't forget a few "comfort foods" like chocolate or cookies—morale helps!
Water: The rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and sanitation.
Medications: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of any necessary prescriptions.
Pet Care: Stock up on extra pet food and ensure you have plenty of supplies for your furry friends (don't forget Fido and Fluffy!).
Check on your aging neighbors.
Stay Safe! Please stay off the roads once the winter storm starts so crews can do their work. Remember, you may be capable on Nashville streets after ice, but many others are not! 😬
Stay warm and safe,
Amy Remke, Weichert Realtors - The Andrews Group 615-642-6644
Amy Remke - Weichert Realtors, The Andrews Group
