01/23/2026
ICE STORM PREP CHECKLIST
Sharing this now so you don’t have to scramble later.
24–48 HOURS BEFORE IT HITS (TODAY!!)
• Plug in and charge phones, battery packs, tablets, and lanterns
• Fill up your vehicle — power outages can shut down gas stations
• Grab some cash (small bills are best) just in case systems go down
• Refill prescriptions and don’t wait on essentials
• Download movies, books, and maps for offline use
• Pick one room in your home to stay warm if power goes out
• Locate your breaker box and water shut-off before you need them
• Turn fridge/freezer temps a little colder to help food last longer
PROTECTING WATER & PIPES
• Let faucets drip on exterior walls once temps drop below freezing
• Open cabinets under sinks so warm air can circulate
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses
• Cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers or towels
• Know how to shut off water fast if a pipe bursts
• Fill containers or tubs with water for flushing and cleaning
FOOD & KITCHEN PREP
• Stock 3–5 days of easy, no-cook foods
• Make sure you have a manual can opener
• Shelf-stable or powdered milk can come in handy
• Freeze a few water bottles to help keep the freezer cold
• Have a cooler ready if you need to move food outside
• Skip a big fresh-food grocery run right before the storm
HEAT & HOME SAFETY
• Gather extra blankets, layers, and sleeping bags
• If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s safe and stocked
• Never use grills or generators indoors or in garages
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Have flashlights for each person (plus extra batteries)
• Battery lanterns are safer than candles
VEHICLE & TRAVEL
• Avoid driving once freezing rain starts
• Bridges and overpasses freeze first — always
• Keep a blanket, snacks, water, gloves, and a charger in your car
• Replace worn wiper blades and top off washer fluid
• Park away from large trees or power lines if possible
• Expect travel delays — sometimes for days
POWER OUTAGE PLAN
• Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage
• Keep a weather app or battery radio handy
• Use surge protectors where possible
• Know where local warming centers may be
• If using a generator, keep extension cords ready (outdoor use only)
• Keep fridge doors closed as much as possible
PETS & ANIMALS
• Bring pets inside with extra food and water
• Make sure outdoor animals have unfrozen water
• Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters
• Keep leashes and carriers accessible
MEDICAL & SPECIAL NEEDS:
• Write down medications and dosages
• Keep a small first-aid kit handy
• Have backup batteries for medical devices
• Know where you could go if power is required
PROPERTY PREP
• Move vehicles away from trees and lines
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items
• Handle tree trimming before weather moves in
• Take quick photos of property for insurance records
DURING THE STORM:
• Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary
• Treat all downed power lines as live
• Use only safe indoor heating sources
• Check on neighbors by phone if you can
• Report outages to utilities — call 911 only for emergencies
AFTER THE STORM:
• Walk carefully — ice refreezes overnight
• Check pipes once temps rise
• Toss refrigerated food if it warmed above safe temps
• Avoid DIY electrical fixes near lines
• Be patient — ice damage takes time to repair
A SOUTHERN REALITY CHECK:
• A quarter inch of ice can cause outages
• Half an inch can shut things down for days
• Ice is far more dangerous than snow in the South
If you need help:
Leah Barwick State Farm: 803-720-5553
Claims: 855-259-8568
Emergency Roadside: 877-627-5757
Stay safe and take care of each other!! If your property is damaged, call us so we can walk you through what to do!
