01/22/2026
OHIO SNOW & ICE STORM PREP GUIDE (100-POINT CHECKLIST)
1. STRATEGIC PRE-STORM PLANNING (72–24 HOURS OUT)
1. Monitor National Weather Service Cleveland/Wilmington forecasts and radar.
2. Identify storm type: lake-effect snow, sleet, freezing rain, mixed events.
3. In Ohio, expect ice + wind to cause outages more than snow depth.
4. Check county Snow Emergency Levels (Level 1–3) via ODOT.
• Website: https://ohgo.com
5. Expect rural roads and hills to be treated last.
6. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
7. Communicate plans with family, tenants, or employees.
8. Establish a daily check-in time with a trusted contact.
9. Move vehicles and equipment before precipitation starts.
10. Prepare for multi-day disruption — not just overnight inconvenience.
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2. OHIO & AKRON AREA — EMERGENCY CONTACTS (SAVE THESE)
11. 911 — Life-Threatening Emergencies (Fire, Medical, Police).
12. Ohio 211 — Community help (shelters, utilities, food, housing).
• Dial: 211 or 330-376-6660 (Summit/Medina Counties) (211 Summit)
• Website: https://211summit.org/
13. Summit County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) — Local storm coordination.
• Phone: (330) 643-2558 (co.summitoh.net)
• 24/7 Emergency Operations Center paging: (330) 643-2181 (co.summitoh.net)
• Website: https://co.summitoh.net/departments/Emergency-Management-Agency.html
14. Ohio Emergency Management Agency (State) — disaster resources and info.
• Website: https://ema.ohio.gov/ (ema.ohio.gov)
15. City of Akron Non-Emergency Services — non-urgent issues (storm debris, street closures).
• 3-1-1 (City services) or local city website: https://www.akronohio.gov/
16. Ohio EPA (Environmental) — report non-emergency environmental hazards.
• Hotline: 1-800-686-6330 (Ohio EPA)
• https://epa.ohio.gov/
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3. POWER & COMMUNICATION RESILIENCE
17. Charge phones, tablets, power banks, radios, lanterns, and tool batteries.
18. Enable low-power mode and limit apps.
19. Keep car chargers and 12-volt adapters accessible.
20. Screenshot utility account numbers and outage reporting info.
21. Unplug sensitive electronics before outages.
22. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
23. Identify circuits you may power with a generator (if you have one).
24. Only use outdoor-rated, heavy-gauge extension cords.
25. Place generators at least 20+ feet from doors and windows.
26. Keep a battery-powered weather radio tuned to NWS alerts.
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4. HEAT MANAGEMENT & HOME SAFETY
27. Designate one “heat core” room for outages.
28. Close doors and vents to unused rooms.
29. Hang blankets over doorways to reduce heat loss.
30. Wear layers — insulation conserves heat.
31. Wear hats and socks indoors.
32. Set ceiling fans clockwise on low.
33. NEVER use grills, ovens, or propane heaters indoors.
34. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
35. Keep fire extinguishers accessible.
36. Avoid alcohol — it increases heat loss.
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5. WATER, PIPING & FREEZE PROTECTION
37. Disconnect all outdoor hoses.
38. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers.
39. Drip faucets along exterior walls below ~25°F.
40. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
41. Shut off water to unused fixtures if possible.
42. Know and label the main water shut-off.
43. Fill bathtubs or containers for flushing and washing.
44. Drain irrigation systems if not winterized.
45. Keep towels, buckets, and a shop vac ready.
46. If on a well/sump pump, confirm backup power plans.
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6. FOOD, REFRIGERATION & SANITATION
47. Stock 3–5 days of no-cook, shelf-stable food.
48. Prioritize calories, protein, and simplicity.
49. Keep a manual can opener accessible.
50. Freeze water bottles to stabilize freezer temps.
51. Group freezer items tightly.
52. Keep fridge/freezer doors closed as much as possible.
53. Know food safety thresholds (40°F fridge / 0°F freezer).
54. Use paper goods to conserve water.
55. Stock trash bags for delayed pickup.
56. Keep a cooler available if food must be moved outside.
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7. VEHICLE & TRAVEL SAFETY (ODOT REALITY)
57. Fuel vehicles early and keep tanks above half.
58. Avoid driving once freezing rain starts.
59. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
60. Keep emergency kits in each vehicle (blanket, water, snacks, etc.).
61. Clear ice/snow from exhaust before starting vehicles.
62. Fold windshield wipers up before icing.
63. Carry traction aids (salt, sand, kitty litter).
64. Park away from trees and power lines.
65. Back vehicles into driveways for easier exits.
66. Expect road closures and delays during ice storms.
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8. MEDICAL, HEALTH & PERSONAL NEEDS
67. Refill prescriptions early.
68. Keep written medication lists and dosages.
69. Maintain a stocked first-aid kit.
70. Stock fever reducers, pain relievers, cold meds.
71. Have backup power for medical devices.
72. Stock hygiene supplies (wipes, sanitizer, trash bags).
73. Protect skin, lips, and eyes from dry air.
74. Pace physical activity to prevent cold stress.
75. Identify alternate shelter with power if needed.
76. Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.
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9. PETS, LIVESTOCK & ANIMALS
77. Bring pets indoors with food, water, and medications.
78. Protect paws from ice-melt chemicals.
79. Keep pets away from heaters and flames.
80. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
81. Add straw/insulation to outdoor shelters.
82. Elevate bowls to slow freezing.
83. Increase feed for livestock during prolonged cold.
84. Check fencing and shelters for ice damage.
85. Keep leashes, carriers, and ID tags ready.
86. Store spare bedding in case existing bedding becomes wet.
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10. DURING & AFTER THE STORM
87. Treat all downed power lines as live and dangerous.
88. Report outages to your utility’s phone or online service.
• FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison): Report outage by phone 1-888-544-4877 or text OUT to 544487 (FirstEnergy Corp.)
• AEP Ohio: Report outage by phone 1-800-672-2231 (AEP Ohio)
89. Use Ohio 211 (dial 211) for warming centers and assistance.
90. Check on neighbors when safe — especially elderly or vulnerable.
91. Walk carefully — ice refreezes overnight in Ohio.
92. Inspect pipes and walls during thaw cycles.
93. Discard spoiled food immediately.
94. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around power lines.
95. Expect restoration delays after ice storms.
96. Document damage with photos for insurance claims.
97. Stay informed via local news and weather radio.
98. Update your emergency plan after the storm.
99. Rest — storm fatigue is real.
100. Share what you’ve learned with neighbors and family.
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IMPORTANT OHIO REALITY CHECK
• Ice storms in Ohio can cause widescale outages and long delays
• Wind + ice = tree and power line damage
• Preparation turns emergencies into manageable event
