Winter storms can hit suddenly and with force, bringing freezing rain, snow, ice, dangerously low temperatures, power outages, and travel hazards. These intense weather conditions can lead to car accidents, water damage inside and outside homes, frostbite, power outages, ice damming, and even heart attacks from shoveling snow out of the way. Additionally, the deadly blackouts in February 2021 left millions of Texans without power for days in sub-freezing temperatures. Although the Texas power grid appears to be much better prepared for the current winter season compared to the previous years, residents are still advised to take measures to conserve energy and prepare for possible winter weather. That being said, both winter storms and blackouts don’t have to be a tragedy if you’re adequately prepared. Winter storm preparedness can help protect your home, family and future when severe weather strikes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to winter storm preparedness to help you build resilience into your home, vehicle and family routines so you stay safe and comfortable through winter’s worst.
Create a Disaster Plan
A key part of winter storm preparedness is creating a plan for you and your family before a winter storm strikes. Will you need to evacuate or stay in place, and what’s the evacuation route if necessary? How will you communicate with each other? What if the power goes out? What will you do with your pets? All of these questions should be part of your plan. Think of every possible outcome of a winter storm and include it in the plan.
Know the Risks and Stay Informed
Know your local winter weather alerts. Winter Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories are issued by the National Weather Service and can give you crucial lead time before conditions deteriorate.
Sign up for emergency alerts with local authorities or systems like NOAA Weather Radio, TXANS in Texas, or community alert services.
Monitor forecasts regularly as storm timing, severity, and impacts can change.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Building an emergency supply kit is an essential part of winter storm preparedness, as resources can be difficult to access during severe weather.
- Water: At least 1 gallon per person (and pet) per day for several days.
- Food: Non-perishable items like canned meats, granola bars, peanut butter, dried fruit, and soup.
- Flashlights and extra batteries (avoid relying on candles for light).
- Portable battery-powered radio for weather and emergency broadcasts.
- Warm blankets and clothing, especially for infants, elderly family members, and pets.
- First-aid kit and at least a week’s worth of prescription medications.
- Fuel for heating (if you use propane or other safe indoor heating sources).
Tip: Keep a “stay-home kit” with 2 weeks of supplies and a “go-bag” ready in case you must evacuate.
Winterize Your Home for Winter Storm Preparedness
- Protect Your Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes in attics, garages, and near exterior walls to help prevent freezing. - Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and cover outdoor faucets.
Consider letting faucets drip slightly when temperatures plunge. - Heating Safety
Check heaters and fireplaces are safe and clean. Check the insulation throughout your house to make sure it’s thick enough. Install carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries. CO poisoning risk increases when using generators or alternative heat sources indoors. Never use outdoor grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors. - Insulate and Seal
Weather-strip doors and windows to keep warm air in and cold air out. - Close curtains or blinds at night to add insulation.
Buy blackout curtains for the windows, or even in a pinch, some bubble wrap, because covering up the windows will block any cold drafts or get a draft blocker for the bottom of your front door - Trim your Trees
This is especially important if you live in a wooded area or a spot with a lot of old trees. The wind from winter storms can knock branches down, which can damage your home. Be sure to walk around your property to check for any branches that have the potential to fall on your house. If you see any, save yourself the trouble later and cut them down now.
Make Sure Your Car Is Winter Storm Ready
Winter storms often make travel hazardous or impossible, so it’s important to prepare before severe weather arrives. Make sure your gas tank is full, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials such as blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, an ice scraper and first-aid supplies. You should also check that your tires, antifreeze, windshield wipers and defrosters are in good working condition. Whenever possible, avoid traveling during extreme winter weather to help keep yourself and your family safe.
Be Ready for Potential Power Outages
Winter storms can damage power lines and strain energy grids. In the event of a power outage, you should:
• Make sure that phones and backup chargers are fully charged.
• Use generators safely outdoors and far from windows.
• Keep extra blankets and multiple warm clothing layers accessible. If you have hardwood or concrete in your house, grab some blankets or rugs and throw them down on the floor to trap the heat in the room.
• Heat rises. Try heading upstairs if you have a second level.
• If you have a fireplace, use it! Just be sure the flute is open, so the smoke doesn’t billow into your house. If you don’t have a fireplace, light some candles.
• Close doors to rooms you aren’t using.
• If you don’t have heat in your house, go sit in your car and turn up the heat. It’s incredibly important to only do this in a well-ventilated area, which will allow the fumes from the car to escape and not impact you.
• Report any outages to your local utility.
Don’t Forget Pets and Vulnerable Neighbors
Bring pets indoors and ensure they have food, water, and warm bedding.
Check on elderly or medically fragile neighbors and help them prepare.
Maintaining Solar Panels
Heavy snow and ice accumulation on solar panels can block sun rays from reaching the photovoltaic cells and can be difficult to remove, reducing the efficiency of the system. In these cases, a heated panel system or a special coating can be applied to help melt snow and ice faster to ensure that the panels remain clear for the system to operate at maximum efficiency. Snow and ice accumulation, low temperatures, cloud cover, and the angle of the sun can all play a role in decreasing efficiency, but these effects can be alleviated with proper installation and maintenance of the solar panels.
After the Storm
Once the storm passes:
• Stay off roads until crews work dangerous conditions.
• Check on your home for damage and hazards like burst pipes or downed lines.
• Use caution with stored food if refrigeration was lost.
Why Winter Storm Preparedness Matters
Winter storm preparedness can make all the difference in how you weather a winter storm. Start early by building emergency kits, winterizing your home, preparing your vehicle and staying informed. In the end, proactive planning helps keep you safe, comfortable and resilient during severe winter weather.
