01/23/2026
Storm season check: are you ready? 🌧️
As mothers, our first instinct is to protect — and staying prepared gives us peace of mind. 🔒
I came across these tips and had to share.
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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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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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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. ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
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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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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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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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 several days.
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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.
