01/22/2026
Read this before Friday afternoon to be ready for the icy weekend
1. Charge all phones, battery packs, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
2. Fill up your car with gas in case gas stations lose power.
3. Keep some cash in small bills in case cards do not work.
4. Pick up prescriptions and important medicines early.
5. Download movies, books, and maps so you can use them without internet.
6. Choose one warm room at home where everyone can stay if power goes out.
7. Find your water shut off valve and breaker box now, not during an emergency.
8. Turn your fridge and freezer colder so food stays cold longer.
WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
9. Let faucets drip if they are on outside walls when it is below freezing.
10. Open the cabinets under sinks so warm air can reach the pipes.
11. Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
12. Cover outdoor faucets with an insulated cover or a towel.
13. Know how to shut off the main water fast if a pipe breaks.
14. Fill containers or the bathtub with water for flushing toilets and basic washing.
FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
15. Keep 3 to 5 days of no-cook food, peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups, cereal.
16. Keep a manual can opener.
17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if you need it.
18. Freeze a few water bottles to help keep the freezer cold.
19. Keep a cooler ready in case you need to move food.
20. Do not buy a lot of fresh food right before the freeze.
WARMTH AND HOME SAFETY
21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothes.
22. If using a fireplace, make sure it is safe and you have dry wood.
23. Never use a generator or grill inside the house or garage.
24. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus extra batteries.
26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
TRAVEL AND CAR SAFETY
27. Plan to stay off the roads once freezing rain starts.
28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas freeze first.
29. Keep in your car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
30. Replace old wiper blades and fill washer fluid.
31. Park away from large tree limbs if you can.
32. Expect delays and cancellations for travel.
ELECTRICITY AND UPDATES
33. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges.
34. Keep one battery radio or a weather app for updates.
35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
36. Know where warming centers might be near you.
37. If you use a generator outside, have extension cords ready.
38. Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible.
PETS AND ANIMALS
39. Bring pets inside and have extra food and water.
40. For outdoor animals, make sure they have water that is not frozen.
41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
42. Keep leashes and carriers easy to grab in case you must leave.
MEDICAL READINESS
43. Keep a written list of medicines and doses.
44. Keep a small first aid kit, thermometer, and basic medicines.
45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
46. Know a place you could go if you need power and heat.
OUTDOOR ITEMS AND PROPERTY
47. Move cars away from trees and power lines if possible.
48. Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture and light items.
49. Do not trim trees during the storm. Do it before.
50. Take photos of your property early for insurance, just in case.
DURING THE ICE EVENT
51. Do not drive unless you truly have to.
52. Treat downed power lines as live and dangerous.
53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
54. Call or text neighbors, especially older adults, to check on them.
55. Report outages to your utility company. Call 911 only for emergencies.
AFTER THE ICE EVENT
56. Walk carefully because ice can refreeze overnight.
57. As it warms up, check for pipe leaks.
58. Throw away fridge food if it was above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
59. Do not do electrical repairs near downed lines.
60. Be patient. Ice damage can make power restoration slow.
Even a small layer of ice can cause scattered power outages. More ice can shut down travel and cause longer outages. In the South, ice often causes more problems than snow.
credits:CaptKylePatriot X
Shaji K Daniel
Agape Hospice Care
Agape Day Center for Adults
