How to Prepare Your Home and Household for Freezing Temperatures

When freezing temperatures hit the Triangle, it is rarely the “snow” that causes the How to Prepare Your Home and Household for Freezing Temperatures in Raleigh

Freezing temperatures are expected across the Triangle, and while winter weather in central North Carolina is often short-lived, it can still cause real disruptions. Power outages, icy roads, and frozen pipes are all more likely when temperatures drop below freezing. A little preparation now can help protect your home and make the next few days more comfortable and less stressful.

Below is a simple guide to what households should prepare ahead of a cold snap.

Protect your home first

Plumbing and pipe protection

Freeze issues usually show up in predictable places: exterior faucets, crawl spaces, garages, and plumbing on exterior walls.

• Disconnect hoses and drain them. Leaving a hose connected can trap water in the spigot and raise the risk of a freeze.

• Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers.

• If you have a crawl space or unfinished area, check for exposed pipes and insulate anything vulnerable.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls at night so warmer indoor air can circulate.

• If the forecast calls for a prolonged hard freeze, a slow drip on one or two faucets can help keep water moving. This matters most in older homes or homes with plumbing close to exterior walls.

  
  

One tip many homeowners only learn after a problem: locate your main water shutoff now. If a pipe fails, shutting off water quickly can dramatically reduce damage.

Keep the house warm in a steady, safe way

Heating and indoor comfort

A steady interior temperature can help protect plumbing and keep the home comfortable without overworking your system.

• Keep your thermostat consistent overnight rather than letting the house get too cold.

• Close blinds and curtains at night, especially on older windows, to reduce heat loss.

• If you use a fireplace, confirm basics ahead of time: clean airflow, dry wood, and working carbon monoxide detectors.

  
  

If the power goes out, avoid using unsafe indoor heating methods. The fastest way a cold snap turns into an emergency is trying to heat the home with equipment meant for outdoor use.

Stock household supplies you actually end up needing

If roads ice over, it is not always dramatic, but it can be inconvenient enough that you do not want to run errands. Aim to be comfortable for two to three days.

Pantry and water

• Simple, easy meals: soup, chili ingredients, pasta, rice, oatmeal

• Shelf-stable snacks

• Bottled water, plus extra if you are on well water or rely on electric pumps

• Manual can opener

  
  

Household basics

• Paper products and trash bags

• Dish soap and hand soap

• Salt or ice melt, plus a stiff broom or shovel for steps and walkways

• A few extra chargers and cords for devices

  
  

Prepare for a power outage the practical way

Most outages in the Triangle are short, but they feel longer when it is below freezing.

• Charge phones, laptops, and power banks before the cold sets in.

• Put flashlights where you will actually find them quickly.

• Keep extra batteries on hand.

• If you have a garage fridge or freezer, keep it closed during an outage. It holds temperature longer than people expect.

• If you use a generator, test it before you need it and store fuel safely.

  
  

A helpful habit during winter weather is to keep one main living area ready to be your “warm room” if the power goes out. Gather blankets and layered clothing there so you are not scrambling in the dark.

Health and emergency items worth checking now

This is the part people skip, then regret.

• Refill prescriptions if anything is running low.

• Make sure you have a basic first aid kit, thermometer, and common cold and fever meds.

• Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, especially if you plan to use a fireplace.

• Keep a battery-powered radio or a way to get updates if internet goes down.

  
  

If anyone in the household relies on equipment that needs electricity, confirm backup power options and have a plan for where you would go if needed.

Vehicle readiness if you might need to drive

A lot of winter driving trouble here is not snow. It is black ice on bridges, shaded roads, and early mornings.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full.

• Keep a blanket, flashlight, phone charger, bottled water, and snacks in the car.

• If you must drive early, give roads time to warm up and be cautious on bridges and overpasses.

  
  

A simple 24-hour checklist

If you only do a few things, do these:

1. Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor faucets.

2. Charge devices and set out flashlights.

3. Stock two to three days of easy meals and water.

4. Locate the water shutoff and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

5. Prep walkways with salt or ice melt and keep a shovel or broom handy.

   
   

Freezing temperatures happen every year, but the stress is optional. A little prep now can help protect your home and keep the next few days comfortable.