Preparing for a Snowstorm and Cold Snap
Middle Tennessee winters usually keep us on our toes. One week it’s 60 degrees and sunny, the next we’re scraping ice off windshields and watching the forecast like hawks. When a major snowstorm and cold snap roll into Middle Tennessee, preparation makes all the difference—not just for comfort, but for protecting your home and your peace of mind.
Here’s a practical, Tennessee‑specific guide to getting your house ready before the first flakes fall.
1. Protect Your Pipes (This Is the Big One)
Most homes in Middle Tennessee aren’t built for extended deep freezes, which makes frozen and burst pipes one of the biggest risks.
What To Do:
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Shut off exterior water valves if you have them. Use hose bib covers on the faucets.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate.
During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly—especially those on exterior walls.
If you have time, wrap exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, basements, and exterior walls with foam insulation or heat tape.
A burst pipe can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. This is one step you don’t want to skip.
2. Check Your Heating System Before It’s Tested
Cold snaps in Middle Tennessee tend to push HVAC systems to their limits.
What To Do:
Change your HVAC filter so airflow isn’t restricted.
Make sure your thermostat is working properly and has fresh batteries.
If you use a heat pump, remember that auxiliary heat may kick in—this can significantly increase energy usage.
Have a space heater ready only as a backup and use it safely (never unattended and always plugged directly into the wall).
If your heat goes out during a snowstorm, it can quickly turn from inconvenient to dangerous.
3. Prepare for Power Outages
Heavy snow and ice are notorious for taking down trees and power lines across Middle Tennessee.
What to do:
Charge phones, laptops, and battery packs in advance.
Keep flashlights and extra batteries easily accessible (skip the candles if possible).
If you have a generator, test it ahead of time and never run it indoors or in a garage.
Know where your main electrical panel is and how to safely reset breakers if needed.
Even short outages feel longer when it’s cold and dark.
4. Stock Up—But Keep It Reasonable
Grocery shelves in Middle Tennessee empty fast at the mention of snow.
What to do:
Plan for 2–3 days of meals that don’t require much cooking.
Keep bottled water on hand in case of pipe or water pressure issues.
Make sure you have pet food, medications, and baby supplies well ahead of time.
This isn’t about panic buying—it’s about avoiding icy roads when staying home is the smarter choice.
5. Handle Fireplaces and Alternate Heat Sources Safely
Fireplaces are cozy, but only if they’re safe.
What to do:
Have the flue opened and the chimney checked if you plan to use it.
Use seasoned firewood and store it outside, off the ground.
Never use grills or propane heaters indoors.
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
Carbon monoxide is odorless and dangerous—this step protects lives, not just property.
6. Prep the Exterior of Your Home
Snow and ice may not be constant here, but when they arrive, they can be heavy.
What to do:
If time allows, trim weak tree branches near your roof, driveway, or power lines.
Clear gutters so melting snow can drain properly.
Park vehicles away from trees if possible.
Have ice melt and a shovel ready—even if you don’t usually need them.
A little exterior prep can prevent major cleanup later.
7. Plan to Stay Put
Middle Tennessee roads ice over quickly, and snow removal resources can be limited.
What to do:
Assume you’ll be home for at least a day or two.
Bring pets indoors and check outdoor animals frequently.
Let a friend or family member know your plans, especially if you live alone.
Sometimes the safest plan is simply staying home and letting the storm pass.
Final Thoughts
Winter weather in Middle Tennessee may be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. A few proactive steps can protect your home, save you money, and help you ride out a snowstorm with confidence—and maybe even a little enjoyment.
Stay warm, stay prepared, and as always, keep living true here in Nashville.
These tips reflect best practices recommended by local utilities, emergency management agencies, and years of Middle Tennessee homeownership experience. Here are sources for more information:
Emergency Management Agencies (TEMA and FEMA)
Winter weather preparedness, power outages, and home safetyNational Weather Service
Specific winter storm guidance and cold-weather risksAmerican Red Cross
Home heating safety, power outage prep, and cold-weather survivalLocal utility providers (NES)
Power outage prep and safe generator use