Right now
Stay off the roads. Stay inside.
Ice storms make driving nearly impossible and bring down power lines and tree branches. If the power goes out, stay warm and stay put.
Where you are right now
Your situation determines what you do
If you are at home
Stay inside. Ice storms cause widespread power outages that can last days. If the power goes out, close off unused rooms, layer clothing, and use blankets. Do not use a gas oven or stove for heat. If you use an electric space heater, keep it at least three feet from anything that can burn, plug it directly into a wall outlet and never into a power strip or extension cord, and turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Space heaters cause most deaths from home heating fires. Listen to a battery-powered radio for updates.
If you must go outside
Walk carefully on icy surfaces. Take short, shuffling steps. Wear shoes with good traction. Stay away from downed power lines and tree branches coated in ice. Branches can snap without warning under the weight of ice.
If you are driving
Pull over safely and wait. Ice-coated roads are among the most dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive, go extremely slowly, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or steering. Bridges and overpasses freeze first. If you are stopped and running the engine for heat, clear the exhaust pipe of snow or ice first and crack a window. A blocked tailpipe lets carbon monoxide into the car within minutes, and opening a window alone is not enough. Run the engine only about ten minutes each hour.
If the power goes out
Same rules as a winter storm. Generator outdoors only. Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves inside. Carbon monoxide kills. Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. Dress in layers.
After the immediate danger
What to do next
Expect extended outages
Ice storms cause the most persistent power outages of any weather event. Weighted lines and broken poles take days or weeks to repair. Have a plan for staying warm and fed without power.
Watch for falling ice and branches
As temperatures rise after the storm, ice melts and falls from trees, power lines, and buildings. Stay alert when walking or driving near trees and structures.
Check pipes
If the temperature inside drops below freezing, open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air reach pipes. Let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing. If pipes freeze, do not use an open flame to thaw them.
Sources: Ready.gov Winter Weather, NWS Ice Storm Safety, CDC Hypothermia Prevention, NOAA Winter Weather Safety. All safety claims verified against primary sources. Last reviewed August 30, 2026.
This guide is not professional emergency management advice. It is a plain-language starting point for someone in an active hazard right now.