What will you do if winter weather hits and the electricity or water is out? Here’s a checklist of important things to do when temperatures drop below freezing and stay. This guide covers safety and preparation for your home, family, pets, plants, vehicle, and utilities—especially in the event of power or water outages. Read the list below.
BEFORE FREEZING WEATHER ARRIVES
🔌 Prepare for Power & Water Outages
- Charge devices and backup power banks in advance.
- Have flashlights with extra batteries ready (avoid candles when possible).
- Stock up on water: At least one gallon per person per day for 3 days.
- Fill large containers with tap water for flushing toilets if water is interrupted.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Include food, water, medication, first aid, extra blankets, and a weather radio.
- Locate your main water shut-off valve in case a pipe bursts.
FOR YOUR FAMILY & NEIGHBORS
👨👩👧👦 Safety and Comfort
- Dress in layers to conserve body heat.
- Use space heaters safely: Keep them 3 feet away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
- Check on elderly neighbors or those with disabilities to ensure they have heat and supplies.
- Designate one room to stay in if heat is limited—use blankets to insulate windows and doors.
FOR YOUR PLUMBING PIPES
🚿 Prevent Freezing and Bursting
- Drip faucets (especially those on exterior walls) to keep water moving.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Wrap pipes in insulation or use heat tape in vulnerable areas like attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots with foam covers.
FOR YOUR PETS & ANIMALS
🐶 Cold Weather Protection
- Bring pets indoors. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
- Provide extra bedding and warmth if they must be outdoors temporarily.
- Check paws for ice, salt, or injuries after walks.
- Ensure fresh, unfrozen water is available at all times.
FOR YOUR PLANTS
🪴 Protection from Frost
- Move potted plants indoors or into a garage or shed.
- Cover outdoor plants with frost cloths, burlap, or old sheets (avoid plastic).
- Water plants before a freeze, as hydrated plants are more resistant to cold damage.
FOR YOUR VEHICLE
🚗 Winter Car Prep
- Check antifreeze levels and ensure it’s rated for freezing temps.
- Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel lines from freezing.
- Inspect tires for proper pressure and tread depth.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car: blankets, flashlight, scraper, jumper cables, snacks, and a phone charger.
- Lift windshield wipers off the glass to prevent them from freezing.
- Start your car occasionally if it’s not being driven daily.
FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY, WALKWAYS & STEPS
🧊 Preventing Slips and Falls
- Apply salt or sand before and after ice forms.
- Use pet- and plant-safe ice melt if needed.
- Shovel snow promptly to prevent it from compacting into ice.
- Watch for black ice especially on shaded areas.
Staying informed during extreme cold is crucial. Monitor local weather alerts and community resources for warming centers, utility updates, and emergency support. Preparedness can make a major difference in safety and comfort during freezing weather.
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