When winter storms roll into our area, they don’t always come with fluffy snow and cozy scenes. More often, they bring ice—thick, heavy ice that can knock out power, shut down roads, and turn everyday tasks into real challenges. A little preparation ahead of time can make a big difference, especially for families juggling kids, pets, and busy schedules.
Here’s how to get ready in a way that’s practical, not panic-inducing.
Start Preparing Early (24–48 Hours Out)
Before the storm arrives, focus on the basics: power, communication, and mobility. Make sure phones, tablets, power banks, and rechargeable lanterns are fully charged. If you rely on your vehicle, fill the gas tank early—fuel stations may lose power or close temporarily.
It’s also smart to grab some cash in small bills and pick up prescriptions or essential medications ahead of time. Download movies, shows, books, and maps so entertainment and navigation still work offline if internet service goes down.
Inside your home, identify one room where everyone can gather if the power goes out. Smaller spaces are easier to keep warm. Take a few minutes now to locate your breaker box and water shut-off valve—you don’t want to be hunting for them in the dark.
Protect Pipes and Water Access
Frozen pipes can cause damage long after the storm ends. When temperatures dip below freezing, drip faucets on exterior walls and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate. Disconnect garden hoses, cover outdoor faucets, and make sure you know how to shut off water quickly if needed.
It’s also wise to store extra water—jugs, pitchers, or even a filled bathtub—for flushing toilets and basic washing if water service is disrupted.
Plan for Easy Food and Meals
Aim for a few days’ worth of no-cook or low-effort food. Think peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, crackers, bread, fruit cups, and shelf-stable milk. A manual can opener is a must.
Freezing a few water bottles ahead of time can help keep freezer items cold longer. If outdoor temperatures stay below freezing, a cooler can even act as backup cold storage. Try not to stock up on lots of perishables right before the storm.
Stay Warm and Safe Indoors
Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, hats, and warm layers for everyone in the house. If you plan to use a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clear and you have dry wood ready.
Avoid candles when possible—battery-powered lanterns and flashlights are safer, especially with kids and pets. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and remember: generators and grills should never be used indoors or in garages.
Think Ahead About Travel
Once freezing rain begins, it’s best to stay off the roads. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas freeze first and can look deceptively clear.
If you must travel, keep a small emergency kit in the car: blankets, water, snacks, gloves, and a phone charger. Park vehicles away from large trees or power lines when possible, and expect that flights and major highways could be disrupted for several days.
Have a Power Outage Plan
Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges. Keep one reliable way to get updates, such as a weather app or battery-powered radio. Know where local warming centers are located, just in case.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible—cold air lasts longer than you think.
Don’t Forget Pets and Special Needs
Bring pets indoors and stock extra food and water for them. Outdoor animals need unfrozen water and added insulation like straw or blankets. Keep leashes, carriers, and supplies easy to grab.
If someone in your household relies on medical devices or refrigerated medications, make sure you have backup batteries and a plan for relocating temporarily if power is lost.
During and After the Storm
During the storm, avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Treat all downed power lines as live, and report outages to utility companies—not 911 unless there’s an emergency. Check on neighbors, especially older adults, by phone if you can.
After conditions improve, watch for refreezing ice, check pipes for leaks, and discard refrigerated food that’s been above 40°F for more than four hours. Be patient—ice storms often cause damage that takes days to fully repair.
A Southern Reality Check
In our region, ice is often more dangerous than snow. Even a quarter inch can cause outages, and half an inch can shut things down for days. Preparing ahead doesn’t mean expecting the worst—it means giving your family a safer, calmer way to get through whatever comes.
A little planning now can turn a stressful storm into a manageable one. Stay safe and stay warm. ❄️
Portions of this article were developed with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI-powered writing tool.
