- A phone power bank
- LED lanterns
- Batteries
- A portable battery power station
- Extension cords
- Propane for a gas grill
- Solar panels
The hidden danger: frozen pipes
John Blackburn, general manager at ARS Restoration Services, says an Arctic storm can also lead to frozen pipes. A damaged water pipe can leave you without water at the worst possible time.
His advice:
- Know where your main water shutoff is and keep a wrench next to it.
- Open the cabinets on exterior walls so heat reaches the plumbing.
- Drip your faucets overnight.
- Shut off outdoor hose bibs.
“The biggest mistake we see after cold snaps is people waiting until water is pouring through the ceiling,” Blackburn said. “If your heat or power fails, check your pipes early and call for help before a freeze becomes a flood.”
Why prepare now?
Supplies tend to sell out once a storm is days away, and the experts’ main point is to act before the weather arrives. A few items bought now cost far less than the repairs and disruption that can follow a long outage or a burst pipe.
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A harsh winter could be heading for 19 states. ❄️ Experts say these supplies are worth getting now, before the storm hits. Full list 👇
