WINTER STORM & ICE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)

1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
7. Locate your water shut-off valve and breaker box now—not later.
8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.

WATER & PIPE PROTECTION

9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temperatures drop below freezing.
10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtubs with water for flushing and washing.

FOOD & KITCHEN PREP

15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food (peanut butter, tuna, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups).
16. Have a manual can opener available.
17. Buy shelf-stable or powdered milk if needed.
18. Freeze water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
19. Keep a cooler ready to move food outside if temps stay below freezing.
20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.

HEAT & HOME SAFETY

21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
22. If using a fireplace, confirm the chimney is clear and wood is dry.
23. Never run generators or grills inside homes or garages.
24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.

VEHICLE & TRAVEL

27. Avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
29. Keep in your car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
32. Expect flight delays and major highway disruptions (including I-20).

POWER OUTAGE PLAN

33. Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage.
34. Keep a battery radio or weather app for updates.
35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
36. Know where warming centers may be located in your parish/county.
37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
38. Keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case evacuation is needed.

MEDICAL & SPECIAL NEEDS

43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic supplies.
45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
46. Identify a place with power where you could relocate if needed.

PROPERTY PROTECTION

47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
49. Trim trees before the storm—not during.
50. Photograph property for insurance documentation.

DURING THE STORM

51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
52. Treat all downed power lines as live.
53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
54. Check on neighbors—especially older adults—by phone if possible.
55. Report outages to utilities (not 911 unless it’s an emergency).

AFTER THE STORM

56. Walk carefully—ice often refreezes overnight.
57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
58. Discard refrigerated food above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs near downed lines.
60. Be patient—ice storm restoration can take several days.

KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS

• ¼ inch of ice can cause scattered outages.
• ½ inch of ice can cripple travel and power for days.
• Ice storms are often more dangerous than snow in the Deep South.

DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE PREPAREDNESS REMINDERS (ADD-ON)

• If you use power-dependent medical equipment, register with your utility company for medical priority alerts.
• Keep assistive devices (walkers, canes, wheelchairs) in your warmest room.
• Arrange check-ins with a neighbor, family member, or church contact.
• If you receive home health services, confirm storm plans with providers ahead of time.
• Keep emergency contact numbers written down, not just on your phone.

*First published on Facebook, Klondyke-Chadbourn Fire and Rescue’s Post.