01/22/2026
โ๏ธโ๏ธThe more you knowโ๏ธโ๏ธ
BEFORE THE STORM (24โ48 HOURS AHEAD)
โ๏ธ1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
โ๏ธ2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
โ๏ธ3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
โ๏ธ4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
โ๏ธ5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
โ๏ธ6. Identify one warm room in the house to โcamp outโ if power fails.
โ๏ธ7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
โ๏ธ8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
โ๏ธ9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
โ๏ธ10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
โ๏ธ11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
โ๏ธ12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
โ๏ธ13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
โ๏ธ14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
โ๏ธ15. Keep 3โ5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
โ๏ธ16. Have manual can opener available.
โ๏ธ17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
โ๏ธ18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer โice packs.โ
โ๏ธ19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
โ๏ธ20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
โ๏ธ21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
โ๏ธ22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
โ๏ธ23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
โ๏ธ24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
โ๏ธ25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
โ๏ธ26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
โ๏ธ27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
โ๏ธ28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
โ๏ธ29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
โ๏ธ30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
โ๏ธ31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
โ๏ธ32. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
โ๏ธ33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
โ๏ธ34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
โ๏ธ35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
โ๏ธ36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
โ๏ธ37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
โ๏ธ38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
โ๏ธ39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
โ๏ธ40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
โ๏ธ41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
โ๏ธ42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
โ๏ธ43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
โ๏ธ44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
โ๏ธ45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
โ๏ธ46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
โ๏ธ47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
โ๏ธ48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
โ๏ธ49. Avoid trimming trees during the stormโdo it beforehand.
โ๏ธ50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.
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DURING THE STORM
โ๏ธ51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
โ๏ธ52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
โ๏ธ53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
โ๏ธ54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
โ๏ธ55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless itโs an emergency.
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AFTER THE STORM
โ๏ธ56. Walk carefullyโice may refreeze overnight.
โ๏ธ57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
โ๏ธ58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40ยฐF for more than 4 hours.
โ๏ธ59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
โ๏ธ60. Be patientโrestoring power after ice can take several days.
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(Canโt find the original author to tag)
