01/20/2026
Preparing for an ice storm
Everyone is intently watching to see what the weather will bring this weekend. Let's talk about being prepared. Here is a list of some things to have on hand, some things to prep for outside and some things to not do once the ice gets here. If you have any thing to add to the list be sure to comment below!
Things to have on hand:
Several gallons of water or fill up one bathtub.
Non perishable foods that have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare or eat straight out of the can
bread, milk (powdered milk)
powerades, gatorades, etc
10 days worth of meds
have a way to prepare food outside: bbq pit, camp stove, etc and the fuel needed for them
firewood
emergency kits for home and your car
first aid kits for home and your car
female products
batteries, flashlights, lanterns, battery packs, solar packs etc
fuel for generators
extras blankets
a big tent- if it gets too cold everyone can pile into the tent inside the home with blankets to conserve body heat
bags of salt to salt walk ways and steps
home insurance cards
medical insurance cards
emergency phone numbers posted close by
charge up all electronics
cover windows with curtains, blinds or even blankets to help keep cold air out
sheets of bubble wrap taped to single pane windows will also help to insulate
fuel up your vehicles
weatherstrip around doors that lead outside of the home
make sure to change your ac filter
Check batteries for fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
If you plan to use any type of fuel or fire heating in your home please purchase and use a carbon monoxide detector.
Outside:
insulate pipes- insulation, towels, blankets and newspaper work as insulation
disconnect hoses and insulate or cover hose bibs
Wrap around raised homes even if only with visqueen
Sweep and clean off debris on walkways and steps and then salt down.
Clean out gutters to keep rain from being trapped and becoming heavy ice that will pull your gutters down or cause roof leaks.
Set up cooking stations and generators away from the home and Keep exhaust fumes pointing away from the home-
never bring fuel heaters into home do due improper ventilation carbon monoxide poisoning kills fast.
Pets need to be brought inside or placed somewhere warm and covered.
Farm animals should be placed in barns with plenty of hay, food and water.
Trim any dead tree limbs now or they will fall later ice is heavy!
Turn off and drain down your sprinkler system
Insulate all piping on outside tankless water heaters
Know exactly where your water meter and home water shut off valve is and they are free of debris and easy to access
Once the storm arrives:
Drip your faucets on a low stream for hot and cold especially if you do not have a lot of insulation in your attic or under your home and any piping on an outside wall facing north.
Don't go out to play - hypothermia, injuries and accidents can happen fast - if roads are closed due to ice emergency vehicles may not be able to get to you.
If you must go out dress in multiple layers and do not stay out for long.
Watch out for falling ice, tree limbs, and powerlines.
Do not drive unless you have four wheel drive and are familiar with driving in ice and only if it is an emergency.
If your pipes do freeze open all faucets to full blast and let them dethaw slowly. Shut the water off at the main as well. Do not turn the water back on until the water has dethawed and flowed out.
If your pipes do freeze but you still have electricity -open all cabinet doors and attic access and turn your heater up to slowly dethaw piping. Shut the water off at the main until all water has flowed out of the system.
Even sewer lines can freeze if they have standing water inside- be sure to place excess tissues in waste baskets if you already have sewer issues on a normal basis
If you are going to be away from home it is best to turn the water off at the meter and drain the water from your system, be sure to turn off your water heater as well.
The Dollar tree is a great place for batteries, paper and bubble wrap.
Lastly if you have kids be sure there are plenty of games, books and activities to keep them entertained when there is no internet or electricity.
It's a long list, so don't wait till the last minute. It's better to be prepared then not prepared at all.
Now let's all pray we miss the worst and that you don't need to call us, but if you do we will be here.
