Winter Storm Preparedness: Power, Pipes, and Safety Essentials
Winter Storm Uri in 2021 left millions without power for days and caused $196 billion in damage. Most of the destruction came from frozen pipes that burst when water systems were not winterized. Here is how to prepare your home, protect your pipes, stock emergency supplies, and stay safe when the grid goes down.
Protect Your Pipes
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap pipes in unheated areas (attics, crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls) with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. A $5 roll of pipe insulation can prevent $10,000+ in water damage. Focus on pipes closest to exterior walls.
Drip Faucets During Extreme Cold
When temperatures drop below 20°F, let faucets on exterior walls drip slightly. Moving water is harder to freeze. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.
Know Your Main Water Shut-Off
If a pipe bursts, you need to shut off water immediately. Locate and label your main shut-off valve now. Test it to make sure it turns. Keep a wrench nearby if it requires one. Every household member should know where it is.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Disconnect and drain all garden hoses. Close interior shut-off valves for outdoor spigots and open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water. Insulate outdoor faucets with foam covers ($3 at any hardware store).
Power Outage Preparation
Portable Power Station
Battery-powered generators (Jackery, EcoFlow, Bluetti) safely run indoors. A 1,000Wh unit powers phones, lights, a CPAP, and a small heater for 8 to 24 hours. Charge before the storm. Price: $500 to $1,500.
Gas Generator (Outdoor Only)
Traditional generators provide more power but produce lethal CO gas. Run them outside, 20+ feet from the house, with the exhaust pointing away. Never refuel while hot. Store fuel safely in approved containers. Price: $400 to $2,000.
Alternative Heating
If your heating is electric, plan for backup. Propane buddy heaters (Mr. Buddy) are indoor-safe with tip-over protection. Wood stoves or fireplaces work if maintained. Layer clothing and blankets. Close off unused rooms to conserve heat.
Lighting and Communication
Stock LED lanterns and headlamps (avoid candles which cause house fires). Charge all devices fully before the storm. A hand-crank/solar weather radio (Midland ER310) provides NOAA alerts without power.
Emergency Supply Checklist
- 3 to 7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- 3 to 7 days of non-perishable food (canned goods, peanut butter, crackers)
- Manual can opener
- Prescription medications (7-day supply minimum)
- First aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries (LED lanterns preferred)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Portable phone charger (fully charged)
- Warm blankets, sleeping bags, and extra layers
- Rock salt or sand for icy walkways
- Snow shovel and ice scraper
- Carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries
- Full tank of gas in your vehicle before the storm
During the Storm
Stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress in layers: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, waterproof outer layer. Cover extremities. Frostbite can set in within 10 minutes at wind chills below -20°F. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow, which is a leading cause of heart attacks during winter storms. If power is out, eat foods that require no cooking. Open your refrigerator as little as possible (food stays safe for 4 hours; a full freezer holds for 48 hours if the door stays closed).