01/20/2026
We know everyone is seeing the forecasts for this weekend. The amount of ice being projected is unprecedented, and a long amount of time without power, especially with extreme cold temperatures can create issues in your home. Here are a few tips that can save you from some serious issues during the expected winter storm:
If you lose power, drip your water pipes inside the house while the temperatures stay cold. Some of the costliest claims we see are caused by frozen/broken pipes. If you are going leave your house during the event, turn your water off where it enters your home while you are away.
Make sure any device you use to heat your home does not produce Carbon Monoxide. This is a good time to consider a carbon monoxide detector if you do not have one. Get one with a battery backup, so it will work with the power off. Also use caution with candles and fires to avoid burning your home down.
If your power goes out, limit the number of times you open your refrigerator and freezer. This will help hold the cold in for longer. Fill a cup with water and place it in your freezer, then when it freezes, place a coin on top of the ice. After the power comes back on, you can look at your cup, and the coin will show whether the freezer thawed or not.
Make sure you have batteries, flashlights and ways to light your home. Fill your car up with gas. You can use the chargers in your car to charge your small electronic devices if the power is out. Just do not sit in a running car to get warm!
Hopefully the forecast is wrong, but it is a good time to be prepared.
Be safe!