Updated for the 2026 winter season
Ice storms tend to sneak up on us. Freezing rain, falling branches, power outages, and slick roads can turn small oversights into big problems quickly.
This is a simple, practical checklist I use to prepare my home, vehicles, and pets before an ice storm — and to check things afterward. Sharing it here in case it helps reduce last-minute stress or prevent avoidable damage. This is a simple, practical checklist I use to prepare my home, vehicles, and pets before an ice storm — and to check things afterward. Sharing it here in case it helps reduce last-minute stress or avoid preventable damage.
Before the Ice Storm
Power & essentials
- Charge phones, battery packs, and laptops
- Test flashlights and lanterns
- Have extra batteries available
- Keep a small amount of cash on hand in case ATMs are down
Heating & pipes
- Set the thermostat high enough to prevent frozen pipes
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Locate and confirm access to your main water shutoff
Vehicles
- Park cars away from trees and power lines
- Check windshield washer fluid (winter-rated)
- Top off fuel or fully charge EVs earlier than usual
- Keep a blanket, gloves, and an ice scraper in each vehicle
Outside & documentation
- Bring in loose outdoor items
- Clear gutters and drains if possible
- Take quick photos of roof edges, trees, fences, and outdoor equipment in case insurance documentation is needed later
Pets & animals
Ice storms affect pets differently than people, especially during power outages and extended cold.
- Make sure pets have enough food and fresh water for several days
- Keep collars on with up-to-date ID tags
- Prepare medications, special food, or supplies your pet may need
- Wipe paws after going outside to remove ice melt and salt
- Limit time outdoors — ice can cut paws and increase fall risk
- Keep carriers or crates accessible in case relocation becomes necessary
If you rely on powered equipment (heated water bowls, aquarium heaters, medical devices), make sure you have a backup plan for extended outages.
During the Ice Storm
- Avoid unnecessary travel — ice is often more dangerous than snow
- If temperatures drop significantly, let faucets drip slowly
- Keep phones in low-power mode if outages are likely
- Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended
- Maintain familiar routines for pets to reduce stress
- Check in on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable ones
After the Storm Passes
Home
- Inspect exterior faucets and hose bibs for freezing damage
- Check crawl spaces, basements, and ceilings for leaks
- Look for cracked siding, fallen branches, or roof damage
- Replace HVAC filters if the system ran heavily during the storm
Vehicles
- Check tire pressure (cold weather lowers PSI)
- Look for ice damage, fallen debris, or warning lights
- Fully clear ice and snow before driving
Pets
- Check paws for irritation or cracking
- Watch for behavior changes related to stress or cold exposure
- Resume outdoor routines gradually if conditions are still icy
Keeping track year to year
I used to recreate lists like this every winter and still forget something. What’s helped most is keeping notes on what worked, what didn’t, and what needed attention after each storm — so I’m not relying on memory when the weather turns bad again.
That habit is what eventually led me to build iMaintain — a simple way to keep track of home, vehicle, and pet care, along with notes and reminders over time.
If this checklist is useful, feel free to save it or share it. Stay safe out there.