01/22/2026
❄️❄️❄️WINTER WEATHER INCOMING❄️❄️❄️
BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️ Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️ Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️ Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️ Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️ Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️ Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️ Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️ Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️ Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️ Have manual can opener available.
❄️Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️ Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️ Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️ Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️ Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️ Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️ Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️ Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️ Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️ Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️ Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️ Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.
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DURING THE STORM
❄️ Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️ Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
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AFTER THE STORM
❄️ Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️ Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️ Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️ Be patient—restoring power after ice can take sever