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Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist
- iHutto
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
Winter storms have a way of turning “we’ll be fine” into “why didn’t we do this sooner?” real fast.
Power outages, icy roads, frozen pipes, empty store shelves, they don’t announce themselves politely. And once a storm hits, it’s already too late to start preparing. That’s why having a Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist isn’t overkill, it’s common sense.
This guide walks you through the essentials you should have before temperatures drop and conditions get dangerous. From emergency supplies and food basics to power, heat, and communication planning, this checklist is designed to help you stay safe, calm, and ready when winter decides to show up uninvited.
Whether you live in a place that sees snow every year or you’re in an area that occasionally gets hit hard, preparation can make the difference between a stressful emergency and a manageable inconvenience.
Let’s get you winter-ready, before the forecast turns ugly.
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 water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps 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 bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
16. Have manual can opener available.
17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
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 AND TRAVEL
27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
29. Keep in the 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. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.
POWER OUTAGE PLAN
33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
PETS AND 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 of evacuation.
MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
PROPERTY PROTECTION
47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.
DURING THE STORM
51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
AFTER THE STORM
56. Walk carefully, ice may refreeze overnight.
57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
60. Be patient, restoring power after ice can take several days.
RESOURCES
Check traffic conditions at https://drivetexas.org/
Sign up to get emergency weather alerts straight to your phone at https://huttotx.info/warn
Warn Central Texas for free emergency alerts
Emergency Services & Support
While not strictly weather shelters, these Hutto-area services can be important during or after extreme conditions (e.g., power outages, storm damage, winter weather freezes):
Ascension Seton Williamson – Hospital / emergency care services near Hutto for urgent medical needs. Ascension Seton Williamson
ServiceMaster CDR – Austin (weather damage restoration) – Emergency restoration services for storm, water, fire, and weather-related damage (not shelter but important cleanup support).
Local Veterinary Emergency Care – If pets need urgent help during extreme weather (important for families):
Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center
Nearby options: PetSmart Veterinary Services and Pointe 183 Animal Hospital & Urgent Care
KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS
A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.
Ice is more dangerous than snow for the Deep South
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