Prepare for Winter Storms

Emily Fay

January 20, 2026

Lexington is no stranger to winter weather. Unfortunately, this weather can disrupt daily routines and cause frustration and stress. Make life a little easier by preparing for winter weather before it arrives.

At Home and Work

During a winter storm, the primary concerns are losing power, heat, cell service, and running out of supplies. Take a few minutes to double-check your home emergency kit and add winter items like extra blankets. If there is a possibility you may be at work when winter weather arrives, make sure you have supplies to stay safe. No matter where you are, you should have:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
• Extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, and other food that requires no cooking or refrigeration.
• Extra prescription medicine
• Baby items such as diapers and formula
• First-aid supplies
• Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm
• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire
• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms monthly to check that they are working
• Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
• Enough medication for several days

If you lose power and plan to use a generator, read the manual and safety information before doing so. Remember to never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space! Also, make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working to help keep your family safe. Carbon monoxide poisoning is silent but can be deadly. Review these safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning at home.

For Your Car

If you’re driving in snow or cold weather, remember to take it slow in the snow! Black ice is difficult to see and can easily cause any vehicle to lose traction and crash.

The National Weather Service recommends the following Winter Storm Survival Kit items for your vehicles.

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Large empty can to use as an emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Water container
• Candle and matches to provide light and, in an emergency, lifesaving heat.
• Compass and road maps. Don’t depend on mobile devices with limited battery life.

Pets

Bring your pets inside! They get cold, too. Know your pet’s limits in cold weather. Some animals are bred for cold weather and do better than others. The Humane Society has tips to help protect your pets in the winter. Remember to watch your pets when they are outside during winter weather. Find more information on the special care pets may need in the winter.