01/23/2026
Lasher Construction Winter Storm Survival List ❄️
Ice storms aren’t snowstorms. Snow is inconvenience. Ice is damage: falling limbs, frozen pipes, downed power lines, multi-day outages.
Use this checklist to protect your family, home, and property.
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✅ 1) 24–48 HOURS BEFORE IMPACT (DO THIS FIRST)
❄️ Charge everything: phones, tablets, power banks, rechargeable lanterns
❄️ Fill vehicles with fuel (stations lose power fast)
❄️ Pull cash ($20s, $10s, $5s)
❄️ Pick up prescriptions + OTC basics (Tylenol, ibuprofen, cough meds)
❄️ Download offline entertainment + maps
❄️ Choose one “warm room” to camp in if power fails
❄️ Locate NOW: water shutoff, breaker panel, gas shutoff
❄️ Turn fridge/freezer colder (buys time if power drops)
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✅ 2) PIPE / WATER PROTECTION (PREVENTS THE BIG LOSSES)
❄️ Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots
❄️ Cover exterior faucets with insulated caps (or towels + tape)
❄️ Open sink cabinet doors to let warm air circulate
❄️ When temps drop below freezing: drip faucets on exterior walls
❄️ Fill bathtub / jugs with water for flushing + washing
❄️ Know how to shut water off fast if a pipe bursts
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✅ 3) GUTTERS + ROOF DRAINS + FLAT ROOFS (PROPERTY DAMAGE PREVENTION)
❄️ Clear leaves/debris from gutters & downspouts before freezing rain hits
❄️ Make sure roof drains / scuppers are clear (ice damming = interior flooding)
❄️ Watch for drifting snow on flat roofs (loads stack unevenly)
❄️ If snow exceeds ~15 inches on a flat roof, loads can become dangerous — don’t guess
🚨 Do NOT climb on icy roofs. If you’re unsure, call a pro.
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✅ 4) POWER OUTAGE PLAN (ASSUME YOU WILL LOSE POWER)
❄️ Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, computers) to avoid surge damage
❄️ Flashlight per person + spare batteries
❄️ Battery lanterns in bathrooms & kitchen
❄️ Battery radio / weather updates ready
❄️ Keep refrigerator closed — every opening dumps cold air
❄️ Extension cords ready ONLY if running generator outside
🚨 Never run generators/grills inside garages, basements, or near windows (CO poisoning).
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✅ 5) FOOD + KITCHEN (EASY MODE)
❄️ 3–5 days no-cook food: tuna, peanut butter, crackers, bread, protein bars
❄️ Manual can opener
❄️ Shelf-stable / powdered milk
❄️ Freeze water bottles as freezer “ice blocks”
❄️ Cooler ready (use outdoor temps if below freezing)
❄️ Avoid over-buying perishables right before impact
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✅ 6) HEAT + HOME SAFETY (NO POWER = HIGH RISK)
❄️ Blankets + sleeping bags ready (layering wins)
❄️ If using fireplace: confirm chimney is clear + dry wood on hand
❄️ Test smoke detectors + carbon monoxide detectors
❄️ Use lanterns over candles when possible
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✅ 7) VEHICLE + TRAVEL (ICE IS A TRAP)
❄️ Avoid driving once freezing rain starts
❄️ Bridges + overpasses freeze first
❄️ Car kit: blanket, water, snacks, gloves, charger
❄️ Top off washer fluid + replace old wipers
❄️ Park away from large limbs and power lines
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✅ 😎 PETS + FAMILY (THE PART PEOPLE FORGET)
❄️ Bring pets inside + extra food/water
❄️ Bedding/blankets for animals
❄️ Leash/carrier ready if evacuation happens
❄️ Check elderly neighbors by phone
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✅ 9) DURING THE STORM
❄️ Don’t drive unless emergency
❄️ Treat downed lines as LIVE
❄️ Stay in your “warm room” setup and conserve heat
❄️ Report outages to utility company (911 for emergencies only)
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✅ 10) AFTER THE STORM
❄️ Ice refreezes overnight — walk like it’s glass
❄️ Check pipes as temps rise (small leaks become floods)
❄️ Toss fridge food if above 40°F for 4+ hours
❄️ Don’t touch fallen lines or attempt DIY electrical repairs
❄️ Photograph damage for insurance
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Lasher Construction Emergency Services
If you have:
• frozen / burst pipes
• roof leaks
• ice-related structural damage
• gutters/downspouts failing
• flat roof overload concerns
📞 Call Lasher Construction Emergency Services: 856-375-2372
