Snow and ice storms in East Tennessee may not happen often, but when they do, they can cause disruptions and damage. Unlike northern states, our area isn’t always ready for extended winter weather, which leads to concerns like power outages, icy roads, frozen pipes, and fallen trees.
Getting your home ready before a storm hits can help protect your property, lower repair costs, and keep your family safe and comfortable. Here are practical steps every East Tennessee homeowner should take before a snow or ice storm.
- Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
Frozen pipes can be a costly and common problem during winter storms, especially in homes with crawl spaces, basements, or plumbing along exterior walls.
Steps to take:
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves or heat tape.
- Pay attention to pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics, and outside walls.
- Disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain them completely.
- Shut off and drain exterior faucets if your home allows.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- During extreme cold, let faucets drip slowly to prevent pressure buildup.
East TN tip: Many homes in this area have crawl spaces instead of basements, so make sure crawl space vents are closed, and the area is properly insulated.
- Prepare for Power Outages
Ice storms can lead to downed trees and power lines in East Tennessee. It’s possible to lose power for several hours or even days.
Be ready by:
- Charging all phones, tablets, laptops, and battery packs.
- Keeping flashlights and extra batteries handy (safer than candles).
- Having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates.
- Setting your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting before the storm arrives.
- Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage.
If you have a generator:
- Test it ahead of time.
- Store fuel safely outdoors.
- Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, or near windows.
- Stock Up on Emergency Essentials
Icy roads can make it tough to leave your home, even for short trips.
Recommended supplies include:
- Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food and easy-to-prepare meals
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Pet food, litter, and medications
- Rock salt or ice melt for steps and walkways
- Extra blankets, gloves, hats, and warm layers
- Prepare the Exterior of Your Home
Snow and ice put weight and stress on trees, roofs, and outdoor structures.
Before the storm:
- Trim weak or overhanging tree branches near your home or driveway.
- Clear gutters and downspouts to stop ice dams and water backup.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture, planters, décor, and trash cans.
- Park vehicles away from trees if possible to prevent damage from falling limbs.
- Check your roof for loose shingles or flashing that could be harmed by ice.
- Set Your Thermostat and Seal Your Home
Keeping your home warm helps prevent frozen pipes and eases strain on your heating system.
Best practices:
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 65°F, even if you’re away.
- Don’t turn the heat down too low at night.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows with weather stripping, door sweeps, or draft blockers.
- Close blinds and curtains at night to help hold in heat.
- Open blinds during sunny days to take advantage of natural warmth.
- Prepare Your Heating System
Your HVAC system will work harder during cold weather.
Before the storm:
- Replace air filters to ensure proper airflow.
- Make sure heating vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.
- If you use space heaters, follow safety guidelines and keep them away from flammable materials.
- Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected if you plan to use them.
- Don’t Forget About Pets and Animals
Winter storms affect pets and livestock just as much as people do.
- Bring pets inside and limit their time outside.
- Make sure outdoor animals have proper shelter, dry bedding, and unfrozen water.
- Increase food supply for outdoor animals to help them stay warm.
- Keep pets away from ice melt products that may harm their paws.
- Know Your Emergency and Insurance Information
Preparation also means being ready to respond if something goes wrong.
Take time to:
- Save your utility company’s outage number.
- Know how to shut off your home’s main water valve.
- Review your homeowner’s insurance coverage for winter-related damage.
- Take photos or videos of your home and belongings for documentation.
- Keep important documents in a waterproof, easily accessible place.
Final Thoughts
While snow and ice storms in East Tennessee can be unpredictable, preparation can make a big difference. Taking steps now can help avoid costly repairs, keep your family safe, and provide peace of mind during winter weather.
Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or getting ready to buy or sell a home, being ready for winter is key to protecting your investment year-round.
Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared.