As you've likely heard, a major winter storm is bearing down on much of the United States this weekend, from Texas to the Northeast. This system could bring dangerous ice accumulation, heavy snow, and life-threatening cold temperatures to nearly half the country.
Please share this post with your neighbors so as many people as possible can prepare.
What to Expect
According to the National Weather Service and recent forecasts, this weekend's storm will bring:
- Dangerous ice accumulation of up to half an inch in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina
- Heavy snow with potential totals of 5-8 inches across Oklahoma and northern Arkansas, and up to 16 inches in parts of the Mid-Atlantic
- Extreme cold with temperatures plunging into single digits across much of the South, with wind chills as low as -45°F in some areas
- Widespread power outages that could last for days due to ice-laden trees and power lines
- Treacherous travel conditions making roads impassable in many areas
Multiple states including Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Maryland have declared states of emergency.
👀 Stay Informed
💚 Check on Your Neighbors Using #stormhelp
It's critical that we look out for one another during this dangerous weather event. Extreme cold and ice storms are especially dangerous for older adults, neighbors with disabilities, people who are sick, and people who live alone.
How to start a #stormhelp post on Nextdoor:
Step 1: Click this link.
Step 2: In the box that says "What is on your mind, neighbor," type a message like: "I am checking to make sure everyone is safe and warm during the extreme cold. Reply here to check in or let neighbors know what you need."
Step 3: Follow prompts and select "Post."
When you check on neighbors, make sure they have:
- 🔥 Working heat
- 🍽 Enough food and water
- 💊 Medications they need
If someone needs medical attention, call 911.
🏠 Home & Property Preparation
- Charge phones, medical devices, and backup batteries now
- Stock up on food, water, medications, and pet supplies for several days
- Move vehicles away from trees and power lines, if possible
- Clear gutters and drains
- Bring in all outdoor items that could become projectiles or wash away
📷 Document Your Property
Take photos of your possessions and property before the storm:
- Photograph furniture, electronics, heating and cooling systems, and valuables
- Store digital copies of essential documents in the cloud
- Check your insurance declarations and talk with your agent about coverage
- Consider flood insurance if you don't already have it (note: you cannot change or add insurance once a weather watch or warning is issued)
🧊 How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Set thermostats slightly higher, keep them the same day and night, and never below 55°F
- Keep faucets running at a slight drip
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
- Make sure you know how to shut off your home's water supply
🔥 Power Outage & Heating Safety
- Expect that outages may last longer, especially in wooded or rural areas
- Use flashlights instead of candles when possible to reduce fire risk
- Never use grills, camp stoves, or gas ovens/stovetops to heat your home
Carbon Monoxide Safety
- Make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms on every floor and test them by holding the test button
- Check that furnace and dryer exhaust vents are clear of snow and ice
🔌 If You Are Using a Space Heater
- Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet
- Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people and pets
- Use a model with an automatic shut-off if it tips over or overheats
- 🚫 Do not use an extension cord or power strip
- 🚫 Do not plug anything else into the same outlet as your space heater
For more heating and space heater safety information, visit: National Fire Protection Association
⚡ Generator Safety Tips
- If you're using a generator during power outages, follow these critical safety rules:
- Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet from all doors, windows, and vents
- Place generators so exhaust fumes cannot enter the home through windows, doors, or other openings
- Connect appliances to the generator with heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use
- Make sure you have battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup
- 🚫 Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open
- 🚫 Do not fuel your generator while it is running — spilled gas on a hot engine can cause a fire
- 🚫 Do not stand or sit downwind of the generator exhaust — if you can smell exhaust, you are inhaling it, and it is toxic and deadly
- 🚫 Do not back-feed the generator by plugging it into an outlet — this is extremely dangerous and can seriously injure or kill line workers
🌳 During the Storm
- Stay indoors and off the roads unless it's an emergency
- Keep a safe distance from trees and branches weighed down by ice
- Stay far away from downed power lines — always assume they are live
- If the power goes out, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to protect food
🧣 If You Must Go Outside
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive
- Dress as though you will be outside for an extended period, even for short errands
- Wear multiple layers of loose, warm clothing, plus a hat, gloves, and waterproof footwear
🚙 If You Have to Drive
- Avoid driving if at all possible — many roads and bridges may not be treated or plowed
- Ask yourself: "Do I have what I need to stay warm if my car breaks down or I get stuck?"
- Pack blankets, extra hats and gloves, water, snacks, and a charged phone or power bank in your vehicle
- Assume bridges, overpasses, hills, and shaded roads will ice first
- If you must travel, let family or neighbors know where you're going and when you expect to arrive
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in case you get stuck or detoured
📱 Make a Communications Plan
- Ensure everyone in your family/household has each other's phone numbers saved in their phones
- Identify out-of-town contacts and store their numbers on everyone's phones
- Determine where everyone will meet if you get separated
- Remember: Texting is best during emergencies, as phone lines may be tied up
🙋 Need Help or Want to Lend a Hand?
You can ask for and offer help with things on Nextdoor such as:
- Running errands and getting supplies
- Securing outdoor items
- Giving or getting a ride to a shelter
- Checking on isolated neighbors
Click this link to create a post.
Additional Resources
💪 We're Stronger Together
By checking on neighbors, sharing this information, and using #stormhelp, you can help keep your community safe, warm, and connected during this extreme weather event.
A few minutes of preparation today can make a big difference for you and your neighbors. Stay safe, take care of each other, and please share this post widely.
For more weather safety tips and emergency preparedness information, visit ready.gov or your local emergency management website.
