Winter Weather
Winter storms can bring extreme cold, ice, heavy snow, and high winds — cutting off heat, power, and travel for hours or days. Whether severe weather is on the way or already here, your safety comes first. Here's how to get your home, your household, and yourself ready for the cold.
Watch, warning, or advisory?
Knowing what an alert means tells you how fast to act. Sign up for free alerts from your local emergency management agency and the National Weather Service.
Advisory
Winter weather is expected to cause inconvenience and may be hazardous. Use caution.
Watch
Severe winter weather is possible in the next day or two. Be prepared and stay informed.
Warning
Severe, life-threatening winter weather is happening or starts soon. Take action now.
Build your winter kit
Stock enough to stay safe at home for several days without power, heat, or a trip to the store.
Water
One gallon per person per day — aim for at least a three-day supply.
Food
Non-perishable food that needs no cooking, plus a manual can opener.
Medications
At least a one-week supply of prescriptions, plus a basic first aid kit.
Light & power
Flashlights, extra batteries, and a backup battery or charger for your phone.
Stay informed
A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for updates if the power's out.
Warmth
Extra blankets, warm layers, hats, and gloves. Add supplies for kids, pets, and seniors.
Protect your home and pipes
A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing frozen and burst pipes — one of winter's most common and costly home claims.
- Insulate exposed pipes and disconnect outdoor hoses.
- Know how to shut off water at the main valve.
- Let faucets drip slightly during extended freezes.
- Open cabinet doors so warm air can reach pipes under sinks.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors; add weather stripping to cut heat loss.
- Have your heating system and chimney serviced before the cold sets in.
- Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through it.
- Trim branches that could snap under ice and hit your home or power lines.
If a pipe freezes
Keep the faucet open and warm the pipe gently — with a hair dryer or warm towels, never an open flame. If a pipe bursts, shut off water at the main valve right away and call our 24/7 claims line.
Heat your home safely
Space heaters, generators, and fireplaces cause many of winter's most serious emergencies. A few rules keep your household safe.
Carbon-monoxide & fire safety
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, and plug them straight into the wall — never a power strip.
- Turn space heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Never use a stove, oven, or outdoor grill to heat your home.
- Run generators outdoors only — at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents.
- Install and test smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors with battery backups.
- Never leave candles, lanterns, or a fire unattended.
Stay safe when it's cold
- Stay indoors and limit travel during ice and heavy snow.
- Dress in warm layers and stay dry.
- Monitor weather updates and follow guidance from local authorities.
- Check on older neighbors, relatives, and anyone who lives alone.
- If you must drive, keep your tank at least half full and pack a car kit.
- Use flashlights for light, and keep devices charged.
Frostbite
Numbness and skin that looks white, grayish, or waxy — often on fingers, toes, ears, or nose. Move somewhere warm and warm the area gently; don't rub it.
Hypothermia
Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, or drowsiness. Get the person warm and dry, and call 911 — it's a medical emergency.
Once the weather clears
- Assume any downed power line is live — stay far back and report it.
- Take it easy shoveling; heavy snow and cold can strain the heart.
- Watch for ice dams and heavy snow load on your roof.
- Check pipes for leaks once everything thaws.
- Document any damage with photos or video before making repairs.
- Keep receipts for any emergency expenses.
Filing a claim
Your safety always comes first. When you're able, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage — like shutting off water if a pipe bursts or covering a broken window. Document all damage with photos or video before making repairs.
Have your policy information handy when reporting a claim whenever possible. Our claims team is available 24/7.
Quick questions
My pipes froze — what should I do?
Keep the faucet open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or warm towels (never an open flame). If a pipe bursts, shut off water at the main valve right away and call our 24/7 claims line.
How much water and food should I keep on hand?
Plan for at least three days: one gallon of water per person per day, plus non-perishable food that needs no cooking and a manual can opener.
How do I get weather alerts?
Sign up for free alerts from your local emergency management agency and the National Weather Service, and keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio handy in case the power goes out.
What does my policy cover?
Coverage depends on your policy and the circumstances. Log in to the Member Portal to review your coverage, or reach out and we'll walk you through it.
TRUE Property Insurance is closely monitoring conditions and stands ready to support you before, during, and after the storm. We're here to help.
General preparedness guidance adapted from Ready.gov, FEMA, NOAA/National Weather Service, the CDC, and the American Red Cross. For your specific coverage, review your policy or contact TRUE.