What hazards follow an ice storm?
Ice-coated limbs and power lines can fall without warning for days after the storm, and ice can slide off roofs and trees as it warms. Downed lines may be live even when they look dead. Roads and walkways stay slick, and falls are a common cause of injury.
Stay well away from downed lines and report them to the utility. Do not walk under heavily loaded trees. Be careful with chainsaws and cleanup on slippery ground.
Wait until the ice begins to melt and fall before you assume the danger is over, since the thaw can be when the heaviest branches drop.
- Treat all downed lines as live
- Keep clear of ice-laden branches
- Watch for ice sliding off roofs
- Use traction aids and move slowly
How do you cope with a long power outage?
Ice storms can cause outages that last days or longer, since crews must clear roads and repair lines. Keep warm using safe methods and stay in one room if needed to conserve heat. Never bring a generator, grill or camp stove indoors, and keep fuel-burning devices vented to the outside according to their instructions, using carbon monoxide alarms.
Check regularly on people who are older, ill or alone. If someone depends on electric medical equipment, contact your health provider and your utility about options early in the outage.
Keep a printed list of phone numbers for your utility, a neighbor, your veterinarian and emergency services, because a dead phone and no internet makes saved contacts hard to reach.
How do you protect water and food?
Pumps and heaters may fail, and pipes can freeze. Open cabinet doors under sinks and drain systems only if you know how, and ask a plumber if unsure. For food safety, keep refrigerators and freezers closed and use county health department or USDA guidance on how long food stays safe without power.
Do not drink water of doubtful safety. If a well was affected or power has been out for long, ask your county health office about water safety.
How do you look after animals?
Free animals from hazards such as fallen wire and trees. Provide dry shelter, extra bedding, feed and unfrozen water. Animals may be stressed or injured by falling limbs or ice-damaged fences. Check them often, but be careful of your own footing and of overhead hazards while you do.
If power is out, you may need to hand-pump or haul water, so plan for the extra time and effort. Call your veterinarian about any injured or sick animal.
If fences are down, secure animals in a safe area first, then repair. Loose animals on icy roads are a danger to themselves and to drivers.
How do you clean up trees and debris safely?
Cleanup after an ice storm is dangerous. Branches under tension can snap back, and trees tangled in power lines are best left to professionals. Consider hiring a qualified, insured tree service for large work, and ask neighbors or local agencies about community cleanup help. Avoid unlicensed contractors who arrive unasked and ask for money up front.
Wear protective gear if you do manage small jobs, work with a partner, and take frequent rests. Exhaustion and cold increase the risk of accidents.
Make a habit of looking up before you step under any tree or line. Ice-loaded limbs can drop without any sound when the temperature or wind shifts slightly.
- Use professionals for trees near lines or buildings
- Wear eye, ear, head and leg protection with chainsaws
- Never work alone
- Take breaks and stay warm
What about damage records and assistance?
Photograph damage before cleanup, keep receipts and contact your insurer. Report widespread damage to your county emergency management office, since assistance is sometimes available after declared disasters. The local USDA Farm Service Agency and NRCS offices may know about programs for farm losses, such as damaged trees or fences. Rules and deadlines vary, so ask them directly.
Farmers.gov and Ready.gov are good places to start for general information.
How do you look after yourself?
Recovery is physically heavy and emotionally draining. Eat, hydrate, rest and ask for help. Watch for signs of hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion, and seek fresh air and emergency help at once.
If the stress of the situation becomes overwhelming, you can call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Keep your phone charged with a car charger or battery pack, and let family know you are fine even if you have no heat.
Key takeaways
- Treat downed lines as live and stay out from under loaded trees.
- Never use generators or fuel-burning devices indoors; watch for carbon monoxide symptoms.
- Use professionals for tree work near lines and buildings.
- Document damage, contact insurance and ask local offices about aid.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.