Receive your Epiphany
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BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️ 1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️ 2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️ 3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️ 4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️ 5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️ 6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️ 7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️ 8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️ 9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️ 10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️ 11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️ 12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️ 13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️ 14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️ 15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️ 16. Have manual can opener available.
❄️ 17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️ 18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️ 19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️ 20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️ 21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️ 22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️ 23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️ 24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️ 25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️ 26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️ 27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️ 28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️ 29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️ 30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️ 31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️ 32. Assume flights, and interstate highway travel may be disrupted for days.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️ 33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️ 34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️ 35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️ 36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️ 37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️ 38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️ 39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️ 40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️ 41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️ 42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️ 43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️ 44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️ 45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️ 46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️ 47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️ 48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️ 49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️ 50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.
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DURING THE STORM
❄️ 51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️ 52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️ 53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️ 54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️ 55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
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AFTER THE STORM
❄️ 56. Walk carefull as ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️ 57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️ 58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️ 59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️ 60. Be patient. Restoring power after ice can take several days.
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KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS
❄️ A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
❄️ Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.
❄️ Ice is more dangerous than snow for the Deep South.