Ice Storm Preparedness: How to Protect Your Home Before the Big Freeze
With a major ice storm barreling toward us tonight, now is the time to act. Ice storms bring freezing rain that can coat roofs, create dangerous ice dams, freeze pipes, and turn walkways into hazards—all while heavy ice buildup risks roof collapse and power outages. According to Marshfield Insurance’s Home Protection Guide: Snow and Ice Storms, winter weather causes an average of $1.2 billion in property damage across the U.S. each year. The good news? A few targeted steps taken right now can dramatically reduce your risk of costly repairs and liability claims.
Here’s your quick, practical checklist to prepare your home before the ice starts falling.
1. Assess Your Roof and Clear Ice/Snow Buildup Risks
Ice dams are one of the most common—and destructive—issues during ice storms. They form when uneven heat loss melts snow on the roof, only for the water to refreeze at the colder eaves, trapping water that can back up under shingles and leak into your attic, ceilings, and walls.
Immediate actions you can take tonight:
- Use a long-handled snow rake (from the ground—never climb on a slippery roof) to clear snow about 3 feet above the gutters. This creates a drainage path so melting ice can run off safely.
- If you have electric heating cables or chemical de-icers, deploy them now to keep meltwater moving.
- Check for roof vulnerabilities: Look for sagging areas, new leaks, doors that stick, or cracks in drywall—these are early warning signs of overload.
- Remove debris from gutters and downspouts so ice doesn’t block drainage.
Pro tip: If your roof slope is gentle (less than 4:12 pitch), it’s especially prone to ice buildup. Consider hiring a professional snow-removal contractor immediately—DIY roof work during an ice storm is extremely dangerous.
2. Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes
Frozen pipes are messy, expensive, and one of the top winter claims. Water expands as it freezes, and pipes along exterior walls or in unheated areas are most at risk.
Do this before temperatures plunge:
- Keep your thermostat set at at least 50–55°F (day and night—don’t turn it down when you go to bed or leave the house).
- Open interior doors so heat circulates to pipes in exterior walls.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets under sinks to expose pipes to warmer air.
- Let faucets drip slightly during the coldest hours—this relieves pressure.
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape if you haven’t already.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets.
- Keep your garage door closed if you have water lines there.
- Have a backup generator ready—power outages are the #1 cause of frozen pipes.
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out: Shut off the main water valve immediately, keep the faucet open, and gently apply heat (hair dryer, heating pad, or hot towels). Still no luck? Call a licensed plumber right away.
3. Minimize Ice Dam Formation
- Seal attic air leaks (plumbing vents, hatches, junction boxes).
- Ensure your attic is well-insulated (12–24 inches of insulation) and ventilated.
- Consider an energy audit or adding a secondary moisture barrier if you’re planning future roof work.
4. Address Liability Risks Before Ice Coats Your Property
Slips and falls on icy walkways are a leading source of winter liability claims. If someone gets injured on your property, you could be held responsible.
Tonight’s priorities:
- Shovel or rake snow and ice from driveways, sidewalks, and stairs as soon as the storm ends (or during lulls if safe).
- Apply commercial-grade salt, sand, or de-icer immediately after clearing.
- Inspect outdoor stairs for cracks, loose handrails, or tripping hazards and add bright exterior lighting.
- Trim any low-hanging tree branches that could snap under ice weight and damage property or injure someone.
5. Quick Insurance and Emergency Prep
- Confirm your policy covers ice-dam and frozen-pipe damage (many standard policies do, but some require riders).
- Contact your Marshfield Insurance broker today or first thing tomorrow for a quick coverage review.
- Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a battery-powered radio in case of extended outages.
Final Checklist from Marshfield Insurance’s Home Protection Guide
Answer these yes/no questions now to spot any last-minute gaps:
| Topic | YES | NO |
|---|---|---|
| Is the slope of your roof significant enough to shed snow and ice? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Have you cleaned debris from your roof and drainage systems? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Are your pipes properly insulated? | ☐ | ☐ |
| During particularly cold weather, do you: open your faucet / maintain thermostat / open cabinets / keep garage door closed? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Before leaving your home for an extended period, do you keep thermostat ≥55°F and have someone check the house? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Do you promptly remove snow and ice from driveways, walkways and stairs following a storm? | ☐ | ☐ |
Winter storms are unpredictable, but preparation is not. Taking these steps tonight can save you thousands in repairs and protect your family and neighbors from injury.
If you’re unsure about your home’s vulnerabilities or insurance coverage, reach out to the team at Marshfield Insurance Agency today. We’re here to help you weather any storm—big or small.
Stay safe out there, and stay warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Storms
What exactly is an ice dam and why is it so dangerous?
An ice dam forms when snow on your roof melts from heat escaping the house, then refreezes at the colder eaves. The trapped water can back up under shingles and leak into your attic, ceilings, and walls, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
What should I do if my pipes freeze?
Turn off the main water valve, keep the faucet open, and gently thaw the pipe with a hair dryer, heating pad, or hot towels. If water flow doesn’t return, call a licensed plumber immediately.
Is it safe to clear snow and ice from my roof myself?
Only from the ground using a long snow rake. Never climb onto an icy roof. Hiring a professional snow-removal contractor is the safest option during an active storm.
Will my homeowners insurance cover ice storm damage?
Most standard policies cover damage from ice dams and frozen pipes, but it’s best to confirm your coverage with your Marshfield Insurance broker before the storm hits.
What’s the best way to prevent slips and falls on my property?
Clear snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and stairs as soon as it’s safe, then apply salt or sand. Also check that handrails are secure and add outdoor lighting.
What should I do if the power goes out during the storm?
Use your backup generator (if you have one), keep the thermostat above 50°F, and avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer unnecessarily. Have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio ready.