Prepping Homes For Extreme Cold

Adam Garrett
Dec 22, 2022
16 min read

Updated: Jan 10

In this article, I wanted to go over what's coming tomorrow, the ways you can still prepare for it for you, your vehicle, & your home, and the ways to do additional preparations in the future for the next time temperatures outside drop to extremes.

Home I Showed w/ Burst Pipes Primarily Due to Freezing Temperatures

In my time as a Realtor, I once performed a showing in Williamsburg where I was representing the buyer & I could hear something unusual as I approached a home with a buyer after dark. I feared the worst, and my fears were realized when I looked inside. The vacant property in one of the nicer homes in Williamsburg had one or more pipes burst. I contacted the listing agent, who quickly came to the home. Thankfully the owners had insurance, and that was a great thing, as I wouldn't be surprised if the bill came to over one hundred if not hundreds of thousands of dollars due to the size and quality of the home (which was priced around $500k I believe).

My Pipes Froze!

Beyond my time as a Realtor, I remember one occasion where my pipes froze when I hadn't prepared specifically to prevent frozen pipes. If I hadn't done anything after the fact to thaw them out, I wonder if my pipes might have burst. See "last minute preparations" below on what to do if your pipes freeze.

Last Minute Preparations for Extreme Cold with or Without Snow Projected

With no snow projected, a power outage is much less likely, so a lot of preparations that would involve snow aren't necessary in its absence. It's not a bad idea to prepare for snow just in case, but with a low statistical likelihood, you're likely better off focusing your efforts on those issues that concern extreme cold.

House:

Take care of your spigots first from freezing if you haven't already gotten them ready for the winter. If you already have frost-proof hose bibbs, fewer steps are warranted here. Here are more details on how to take care of that. There's more to it than just removing the hose and installing a spigot insulator/cover to do it properly.
Keep the interior temperature in finished spaces at 65+ degrees, even if you want to save money because the damage that can be caused by burst pipes can cost a lot more than some energy savings when your furnace is working the hardest it has for a while. For even higher safety levels, despite the cost, you can set your temperature even higher (i.e. 80), especially if you don't have a backup generator in the event of power loss. Your home will go from 65 to 55 a lot faster than it will go from 80 to 55.
If you have a furnace that relies on something other than electricity or direct feed to the house (i.e. oil or propane), or any space heaters that rely on fuel such as propane (& it is important to have a backup source of heat), be sure that you have plenty of it. If using a fueled source for a space heater (i.e. kerosene), be sure there's adequate ventilation (especially depending on the type, as some fueled heaters require much more ventilation than others) & be sure they're not close to combustible items like drapes, furniture, or bedding. Carbon monoxide detectors are highly recommended in these scenarios. Sometimes gas heaters or gas water heaters rely on electricity, so if you have a house battery or generator that is inadequate for your whole house, your top priority should be to keep that going.
With any plumbing pipes that are located in unfinished areas of the house, or close to an exterior wall, make provisions for them, & don't think that all you need to do is to drip them, with debate on the subject of even if dripping is positive, in part due to people dripping too much. If they are located within cabinets, open the cabinets. It's also a good idea to have these pipes located in vulnerable areas drip, as well as the faucet furthest away (WFXRTV) from where water enters your home, as long as you are able to monitor and make sure that there isn't a build-up of ice. Even if you don't go all the way in protecting your spigots, be sure to know where the interior water cut-off is for your home in the event of a worst-case scenario. As mentioned by Brian Adams, consider insulating pipes in cold and drafty areas and using heating tape.
If you find that your pipes freeze, take measures to thaw them immediately (i.e. space heaters/hair dryers), & while it's important not to thaw them too slowly, don't thaw them too quickly (i.e. blow torch WFXRTV). "To prevent water from suddenly gushing from the pipe when thawing it yourself, turn off the water or test the shut-off valve (WFXRTV)." If they burst, shut the water off to the house immediately. Here are more recommendations on thawing frozen pipes.
If you haven't already this year, get your warm-weather gear and blankets out just in case there's an issue with your heat & just in case you need to do anything outside during the cold snap.
If you don't already have a regular regimen of replacing your return filters (& in some cases the filter directly on the unit) or having a professional come once or twice a year to service your HVAC, check your return filters. If they haven't been swapped out in a long time, that's one of the first things you should do, especially if you ever have problems with your HVAC. Clogged filters will exacerbate those problems and you typically don't need a professional to swap them out.
Be sure to have at least a 3-day supply of water in the event that your pipes freeze, & longer if temperatures are projected to remain freezing for longer.
Get wood & other basics for your fireplace if you have a wood fireplace and are low or out of wood. If it's been a long time since you've lit a fire, don't forget about the damper. Whether using a space heater or a wood fireplace, it's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher close by. Be sure to have smoke detectors 10+ to 20+ (depending on who you ask) ft away from the fireplace & other similar heat sources that produce smoke/fumes.
Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
Close your shutters if you have functional shutters as long as you have power. Especially if your windows don't insulate well, consider adding temporary additional insulation, such as plastic from the interior.
Have an internal thermometer within the house that's easy to see or check the thermostat regularly if you feel as though you may not notice a drastic decrease in temperature in the home, especially if you're 65 years old or more.
If you have a swimming pool, run the pool pump when temperatures go below freezing. Be mindful as well of water features that have a pump, especially if live fish or other aquatic animals are present.
See my tips in the event of a power outage.

Vehicle:

Be sure to start your car well in advance of when you need it, both in case it doesn't start and to warm it up. The colder it is, the more time your vehicle will need to warm up. Once you get on the road, be easy on the accelerator. The one time I had an engine seize on me, which totaled my car at the time, was when I wasn't careful enough with extreme cold temperatures. If your oil light turns on, it's a good idea to pull over relatively immediately if possible.
If you don't have a battery-operated jump starter for your vehicle (or snow-removing vehicle like a tractor or lawnmower), consider removing your battery & taking it inside. If you have a diesel engine, consider acquiring & using a glow plug if you don't already use one, so that you won't need to remove the battery as long as you have power.
Especially if in a rural area with no gas stations nearby that are open 24/7, be sure to have plenty of gas in your vehicle just in case you need it.
Even if there's no snow, in extreme cold, there can still be spots that are icy, especially if extreme cold was preceded by rain. Be wary of that when driving, especially after dark down hill on windy roads.
Be sure to have a kit in your vehicle in the event that you do get stuck somewhere, including a blanket/sleeping back rated for cold weather, some water or a hot drink, some food, a first aid kit, etc.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage in Extreme Cold

Even if you don't have snow, high winds during extreme cold can cause a power outage. On 12/23/22, we don't have any projected snow in Smithfield, but my lights still flickered around 1 PM with high winds raging & power going out at my in-laws home in Suffolk.

Last Minute:

Keep charged batteries for any lanterns, flashlights, fuel or battery-operated heat, phones, laptops, etc.
Have plenty of non-perishable food on hand.
If you lose power for an extended period of time in the extreme cold, consider moving frozen foods to the exterior as long as they are secured in a location that won't be under threat from wildlife (especially bears & raccoons). For items in the fridge, consider freezing water or chemical ice packs from the house in freezer bags or tupperware outside and then placing it in the fridge after the power goes out.
Consider alternative sources of heat that might already be in your home as ones available for purchase in the event of a power outage. For instance, do you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace? Do you have a gas stove where you could boil a large pot of water (though keep an eye on it from running out of water; a tea pot that sounds when it is boiled or a self stopping boiled tea pot is superior)? Do you have a gas water heater and large pots or other containers like coolers? Are portable heaters operated by propane or that run on batteries available nearby? If using something that runs on fuel, be mindful of ventilation requirements. Do you have a lighter for starting a fire or for candles? You're not just looking to keep yourself warm; keep in mind your home's plumbing that can freeze. See more on that under "Last Minute Preparations...".
Consider alternative sources of cooking. While the % of homes with gas stoves depends on area within VA, if looking to cook in a location with no gas stove, a camping stove, grill, fire pit (if allowed), power bank, or generator are all viable options. To conserve power, one viable method is a small power bank or generator combined with the low energy consumption of a high-efficiency toaster oven is a viable option. If you are in a location that frequently gets power outages, you might even consider a conversion to a gas stove from an electric one, especially if in a location that has natural gas already available. Propane is a higher-cost alternative.
What warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, etc. do you have on hand in the event of a power outage so that you will remain safe in your home? If you don't have much, consider some shopping if things aren't sold out yet. I particularly like low temperature rated: A. mummy bags, B. boots, C. gloves/mittens, D. hats/scarves E. coats, F. pants, G. socks. Layers are also very helpful; if you find yourself sweating because you're wearing too much, it's important to have options to take off because sweating could cause you to be in worse shape then before.
Worst case scenario, if you've exhausted your resources and still feel unsafe, & even if you no longer have a source to communicate to the outside world even though you don't see a major threat, consider abandoning ship, packing up, and going to a hotel or a friend's place. Your pipes freezing aren't as important as your life. Before you leave, it's a good idea to take steps to winterize your pipes if you haven't already.
Pipes are more likely to freeze without power even if you have space heaters. Pipes freezing are a hazard both to your home and to your ability to have water for yourself. It's a good idea to have plenty of water in the event of a long-term freeze, such as by filling a clean bathtub as long as your water from the tap is safe for drinking.
A manual can opener can also be helpful here if you don't have one.
A battery-powered or hand crank radio & a NOAA weather radio with tone alert is also beneficial.
A tool kit including a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities is helpful.

Long Term:

Having a whole-house battery, a whole-house generator, or something much smaller like a small generator or smaller or medium-sized rechargeable battery charger can be a big help. If the power's already out in your area during extreme cold, the ones available nearby may sell out quickly if they aren't already sold out.

Long-Term Preparations for Extreme Cold

Have a maintenance contract for your HVAC. & replace the filters on a regular schedule beyond what the HVAC maintenance contract takes care of.
If you have a fireplace & use it, or if your fireplace has never been cleaned, getting a chimney sweep to clean it is an excellent idea. Even if it was cleaned 5 years ago and never used since then, sometimes insects and animals can nest within the chimney.
Insulate your home, including ensuring that the floors (if not on a slab), attic, walls, around the windows, around the doors, etc. are well insulated.
Install an emergency release valve in your plumbing system.
If you have a sprinkler system, it's best for it to be winterized, whether by you or by a pro, every year in places like SE VA where below freezing temperatures tend to occur every year.

Vehicle:

Have a battery-charged car starter (I keep one of these around), with plenty of charge each time extreme temperatures are a possibility.
Don't let the tread on your tires get too low and be sure to keep a spare tire around. You wouldn't want to get a flat tire and be stranded in extreme conditions.

How to Prepare Your House for Snow

Clean the gutters if they're not clean or hire someone to do it for you if you have gutters.
Inspect the roof and attic.
Prepare for a power outage, including my tips in the section on the subject.
Be sure to have a snow shovel, snow blower, or other similar tools on hand. If conditions are conducive to ice especially, consider how you'll keep yourself and others from falling, including clearing pathways. It's a best practice to always be able to leave your home if needed in the event of a medical emergency or if you lose power/heat.
While it can be tempting to put salt or other chemical de-icing on your sidewalks & driveway, be mindful of the negative impact of those on pavement & concrete. I typically don't recommend them unless you treat your driveway and sidewalk as directed (i.e. using Saltguard properly before adding salt). Sand, while less effective, can have a positive impact without the harm that salt can have on your concrete or pavement. Tarps & similar removable covers can be very effective on driveways, sidewalks, and steps as long as they're properly secured & as long as you remove snow before re-freezing and high accumulation before putting down again.
Clear the yard, sidewalk approaching your driveway (especially if you use it) & driveway of dead branches and debris. Check to see the health of your trees, and if one is looking like it's close to being on its last leg, if it could fall on top of your house or do other significant damage, consider getting it removed. The same goes for limbs.

How to Prepare Your Vehicles for Snow

If you have a cover for your windshield and side view mirrors on your vehicle, be sure to put it on before the snow starts. If you don't have a cover specifically geared toward it, consider a makeshift cover, like a tarp that you secure.
It's a pricey addition that may not be justifiable in SE VA if you wouldn't use it frequently, but consider all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive if shopping for a replacement vehicle sometime soon.
Keep items on hand to clear your windshield/mirrors etc. as well as gloves to use while you're doing the job.
Have a means of getting out of a snow if your vehicle gets stuck, such as the Go Treads that I keep around for snow and mud.

5. If you can't get out, don't panic. As long as you have the ability to communicate to the outside world, a rescue is possible if needed. If you can't get out and there is no signal or your power is low on your devices to communicate, consider calling for help, whether neighbors, friends, family, or 911.

Additional Preparations on Vacant Properties

1. Consider a full winterization by a professional.

2. If you don't have a winterization, ask a neighbor if they can check on the property regularly (ideally daily+ in the most extreme cases).

3. Periodically check for power outages in your rental property's area if you don't have a neighbor looking out for it. Here's a power outage map of the US, where clicking on a state can get you more detailed information for the state (i.e. VA):

https://poweroutage.us/

In SE VA, you can get even more details from your power company typically. Here's a map of VA showing you what power companies are where. Here's a Dominion Outage Map covering more of SE VA than any other company.

Additional Preparations for Wildlife & Pets

If you have dogs that stay outside, keep birdfeeders, or otherwise, don't forget to have a fresh supply of food & more food than usual for your pets/wildlife.

1. Consider a temporary interior location for domesticated pets (i.e. your garage with a space heater for an outdoor dog that isn't potty trained)

2. Have more food than usual for your pets. They'll need it in extreme cold and it can help them to be warm.

3. If you don't currently have blankets for your pets, consider purchasing one or converting a blanket to be for them.

4. If it snows, make sure that animals are still able to enter/exit their homes (i.e. doghouses & bird houses) & access their food (i.e. snow on birdfeeder).

Additional Preparations for Plants

Like wildlife & pets, some plants are also threatened by extreme temperatures.

1. Know what temperatures your plants can take, being especially careful with young plants and those plants that do best in warmer climates.

Image courtesy Plant House Aesthetic

If you don't know what plants you have, I recommend downloading the app "Plantnet" on your phone.

2.If you keep any plants that don't tolerate extreme cold well:

A. Consider adding insulation or some form of cover like frost cloth or even a tarp over blankets that you don't mind getting very dirty.

B. If it's in a planter, consider moving it indoors near a window (i.e. on tile floor with a catch for water) or into a garage.

C. "Water soil just before sundown to raise overnight air temperature around plants as the water evaporates. Fill gallon jugs or buckets with water and place them in the sun during the day. At night, move them near endangered plants. The water will moderate air temperatures; if it freezes, it will release heat. For greatest effect, paint a few water-holding containers black to maximize daytime heating."

D. Keep air moving such as with an electric fan, & turn on lights with bulbs within 3 feet from plants, but be sure to protect electrical connections from moisture

E. Don't fertilize.

F. "Cut off all dead blooms and foliage, but not until after the plant has been “warm” for at least a month. The plant needs time to regenerate energy, so give it some space." See more tips here on reviving plants after cold temps.

Here are more tips on plants & some of the sources of the above information:

https://bioadvanced.com/cold-snap-care#:~:text=Cover%20Plants%20%E2%80%93%20Protect%20plants%20from,dark%20to%20trap%20warmer%20air.

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/cold-damage-plant-care-tips-36881835

Likelihood of Snow & Snow Maps

In SE VA, we don't get much snow compared to the majority of the nation, with cities like Suffolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, & Norfolk typically getting <6 inches per year, and cities like Richmond & Petersburg getting 6-12 inches per year.

Source

Here are some maps that can be helpful:

Current snow depth (Wunderground)

Snow accumulation projections (i.e. next 3 days, 3-6 days, 6-9 days, etc. Snow-Forecast.com)

More Snow Maps (National Weather Service)

Skiing & Snow Sports Within Reach Without Typical Heavy Snow in SE VA

In SE VA, we don't get much snow, while being around a 3 hour drive in Hampton Roads (around 2 hrs from Richmond) to ski resorts like Wintergreen & Massanutten in the western part of the state that get more snow. A further drive to West Virginia yields locations that get even more snow than those resorts, such as at Snowshoe. I've been to Wintergreen and Massanutten a number of times, and have been to other locations to ski on the East Coast (i.e. drivable Seven Springs in Pennsylvania & flyable Smugglers Notch in Vermont), West Coast (i.e. near Vail, CO as a child and for my honeymoon), & Switzerland (St. Moritz).

Picture of my wife & me dogsledding in Vail, CO, during our honeymoon (the dogs couldn't wait to run with the sled!):

Picture of my wife ice climbing in Vail, CO, during our honeymoon:

What I Can Offer

A. How I can help with borrowed items in these emergency situations:

If you're my neighbor, or if you are my tenant, current or former client & are willing to drive to Smithfield where I'm located or to another closer location if I'll be coming up closer that day, let me know if you'd like any of the following for a one time borrow if none are available for purchase near you due to being sold out. Please return them in the condition that I loan them to you (i.e. full propane tank & charged if electric). One of each of the following is available if not stated otherwise due to limited quantities & the need to assist others:

1. Propane space heater & 4 16 oz propane tanks (I have 3 sets)

2. 3 plug in electric space heaters

3. 3 Lanterns powered by D batteries

4. Warm socks, blankets, and some other clothes

5. Rechargeable car starter

B. How I can help with advice in these emergency situations:

Whether your my current client, former client, friend, or have never spoken to me before, feel free to reach out for advice about how to protect your home and loved ones during a severe weather event like this one. While I'm no expert on the subject, being a former Boy Scout and having experience with cold weather camping & hunting has helped me a lot, as has my roughly 4.5 years living near Chicago.

C. How I can help in marketing your home during snow:

If you're my former client & the snowfall is plentiful in your area, let me know if you'd like me to take aerial photos of your home or of area amenities in the event that you'd like them for yourself or you'd like to include them in marketing your home for rent or for sale.

In most locations I'll be able to shoot them within 48 hrs of a request typically as long as the roads aren't too bad, although that won't be the case near most military installations due to manual FAA authorizations typically taking 72+ hrs in my experience. That said, even in those case, I do have a 30' pole that I can take shots from with no FAA authorization required, which is helpful for especially single story homes. Near SE VA commercial airports FAA authorization typically takes less than a minute unless extremely close to the airport in the flight path.

Sources Cited & Additional Info

Sources cited not cited elsewhere, each of which has additional information not mentioned above:

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/winter-weather-preparedness/

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/preparehome.html

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-winterize-a-house/

https://www.grangeinsurance.com/tips/10-tips-to-winterize-your-home

https://www.iii.org/article/tips-surviving-severe-cold-weather

https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.cloversites.com/ca/cac9c0f3-3f89-416f-ad2c-bd007b810f57/documents/Basic_Emergency_Needs.pdf

If you feel this article is missing anything significant, let me know!