Ice storm
QUICK ANSWER · START HERE
Avoid travel on icy roads and keep away from ice-laden trees and power lines. Prepare for a long outage using safe heat and battery lights. Stay indoors until conditions improve unless your shelter is unsafe.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
Downloads open without signup. External references are published material, not live instructions. Save them before an outage.
In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Postpone travel
Even thin ice can make roads and sidewalks unsafe.
- 02
Avoid falling hazards
Stay clear of branches, wires and roofs shedding ice.
- 03
Use safe backup heat
Keep combustion equipment outdoors and maintain working CO alarms.
- 04
Check vulnerable people
Plan safe transport to a warm location if heat or essential medical power fails.
Next steps.
Use footwear with traction for necessary movement and do not enter areas beneath damaged trees.
Watch for.
Never touch or approach a fallen wire, even if it appears inactive.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. Recheck official instructions during an active event.