The following guide will help you prepare, respond — and recover — from a winter storm:

Preparation Before a Winter Storm

  • Maintain Home Temperature. Set your home temperature to at least 65 degrees to prevent water damage caused by frozen pipes bursting.
  • Vehicle Readiness. Ensure your vehicle is prepped for winter. Fill the gas tank and windshield wiper reservoir and check tire pressure. Schedule a vehicle tune up for optimal performance in cold conditions.
  • Create an Emergency Kit. Assemble a 72-hour emergency supply kit with essentials, such as flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries.
  • Ice Melting Solutions. Purchase rock salt or an eco-friendly alternative to melt ice on driveways, walkways and porches.
  • Snow Equipment Preparation. Ensure snow shovels, blowers and necessary equipment are ready. Stock up on gas for snow blowers.
  • Heating and Power Backup. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, stock up on firewood. Have additional blankets, lanterns and flashlights ready in case of power outages. Ensure that home power generators are in proper working order, fully fueled, and properly exhausted when in use.
  • Home Maintenance. Winterize your furnace and change filters; have your fireplace and chimney checked for soot buildup, proper ventilation and other potential safety hazards.
  • Non-Perishable Food. Keep non-perishable foods that don't require cooking available for emergencies.

Actions During a Winter Storm

  • Stay Indoors. Avoid unnecessary travel. Wear proper footwear with traction and layered clothing if you must go outside.
  • Safe Snow Handling. Refrain from lifting heavy snow. If necessary, lift using your legs to avoid strain on your back.
  • Community Check-in. Keep an eye on older family members or neighbors for their safety.

Post-Winter Storm Safety Measures

  • Await Official Clearance. Wait for local authorities to confirm conditions are safe before venturing outside.
  • Road Conditions. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Dress warmly and ensure your vehicle is prepared for icy conditions. Avoid unplowed roads and beware of black ice.
  • Home Maintenance Aftermath. Keep drains and gutters clear to prevent water blockages and consider installing roof snow-melt systems to avoid ice accumulation.
  • Power and Heat Loss Solutions. If experiencing a power outage without heat, consider seeking shelter with neighbors or family members who have power or alternative heating sources.

For an additional resource, view our Winter Storm Checklist.

Contact a HUB Private Client Risk Advisor to learn more about how to protect your home from winter weather.

Comptroller.Texas.Gov “Winter Storm Uri 2021 - The Economic Impact of the Storm, 2021.