Ice Storm Preparedness: What You Need to Do Now

With a predicted ice storm bearing down on us it’s a good time to evaluate your preparedness.  An ice storm can bring heavy ice accumulation, leading to widespread power outages, frozen pipes, difficult travel, and limited access to everyday resources like electricity, water, heat, fuel, and food. At TruPrep, we focus on practical, preparations that address these exact challenges. The supplies and steps below help you maintain safety and comfort when normal systems fail,  and most of these items store indefinitely, ready for the next storm, hurricane, pandemic, or any disruption.

Power Outages and Heat

Power failures are common during ice storms due to ice weighing down lines and trees. Prepare alternatives for lighting, warmth, and cooking.

• Ensure propane tanks are filled and have ethanol-free fuel available for generators to maintain reliable operation in cold conditions.  Service your generator or change the oil now while you have access to needed supplies.  Do not operate generators indoors.
• Stock an alternate heat source safe for indoor use. If you have a fireplace, keep plenty of wood on hand. For portable options, approved indoor propane heaters work well. TruPrep carries the Instafire Vesta space heater/stove, which runs on 6-hour canned heat or other compatible fuels and provide safe indoor heating and doubles as a stove. 
• Have an alternate light source ready. Battery-powered flashlights and lanterns are reliable, and TruPrep stocks several options. We also carry 36-hour survival candles for extended use without batteries. The SOL Rechargeable Venture Light 3000 delivers 220 lumens with up to 14 hours of runtime and includes a 3000mAh power bank for charging phones or other devices. Traditional kerosene lamps provide another dependable choice.  
• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates during outages.

Water Access

Without power, wells stop pumping, and pipes can freeze or burst.

• If on a well, secure a backup water source. Store water or prepare to power the well with a generator. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation, plus extra for tasks like flushing toilets—aim for 3-7 days or more.
• TruPrep carries Alexapure water filters to purify any available water source.  We also carry a large assortment of Reliance water containers and emergency water banks designed to facilitate safe, large-volume storage in bathtubs.
• Even if you are not on a well, you need to make sure you prevent freezing pipes: Leave indoor faucets dripping slowly to keep water moving, or shut off and drain outdoor faucets and hoses. Insulate exposed pipes where possible.

Food and Nutrition

Cooking and refrigeration may not be available.

• If you need to go shopping, don’t wait until the day before the storm.  Demand will be high and availability will be slim.
• Stock non-perishable food for several days per person. Freeze-dried meals from TruPrep are ideal.  They require only adding hot water (easy with an alternate heat source) and provide nutritious, long-shelf-life options.
• Have an alternate way to cook your food.  If you have a propane grill it can work in a pinch.  We also offer a range of indoor and outdoor portable stoves and heat sources, including Jetboil, Esbit, Coghlans folding stoves, camp heat and similar systems.  The Instafire Ember ovens and Vespa heater/stove combo also work well for cooking indoors with alternate fuel sources.
• If you lose power and don’t have a generator for your refrigerator, consider placing perishable goods in a cooler in the shade outside (protected from animals) if the temperature is suitable.  If its a winter storm, it’s likely cool enough to keep everything safe until power is restored.

Vehicles and Mobility

Gas stations may close or lose power, and roads become hazardous.

• Fill vehicle gas tanks fully in advance.
• Limit travel during ice storms unless absolutely necessary.  Georgia roads aren’t maintained like the roads up north.  Its not just about how well you can drive but how well prepped the roads are for ice.
• Prepare a vehicle emergency kit with items like an emergency blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, extra clothing (hats, socks, gloves), first-aid supplies, and traction aids (sand, kitty litter, birdseed).
• If you park on a hill or have a steep driveway, you may want to park somewhere flat for the duration of the storm.
• Keep in mind that wet roads refreeze.  Even if it seems fine during the day, they can refreeze at sunset if the roads are not dry.

Cash and Communication

Electronic systems often fail.

• Keep cash on hand, as credit cards, ATMs, and point-of-sale systems may not function.
• Charge mobile phones and have portable chargers or power banks ready.
• Consider text messaging if networks are limited or congested.

Home and Property Protection

Reduce risks from ice buildup and cold.

• Bring in or secure outdoor items like patio furniture to avoid damage from falling ice or branches.
• Clear gutters of debris to help prevent ice dams.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Identify where your main water shutoff is located in case of burst pipes.
• Have extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing layers for everyone.