Winter Storm Preparedness for Your Home, Homestead, and Farm Animals

Winter storms don’t just bring pretty snowfalls. They bring power outages, frozen pipes, dangerous travel, and real risks for farm animals if you’re not prepared ahead of time.

For homesteaders and rural families, winter preparedness isn’t optional — it’s part of responsible animal care and protecting your home.

The key is simple: prepare before the first storm hits.

Prepare Your Home Before the Storm

Winter storms often mean losing power and water access. Make sure your home is ready to function without both.

Stock these essentials:

• Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day for 3–5 days)

• Shelf-stable food

• Flashlights + extra batteries

• Candles and matches

• Extra blankets

• Portable phone chargers

• Battery or propane heater (rated for indoor use)

• First aid kit

• Snow shovel and ice melt

• Backup cooking method (propane stove, grill, wood stove)

If you rely on well water, remember: no power = no water. Fill bathtubs and containers before the storm.

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter problems.

• Let faucets drip during extreme cold

• Open cabinet doors under sinks

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Keep your thermostat consistent, even overnight

Prepare Animal Shelters and Coops

Animals don’t need heat as much as they need dry, draft-free shelter.

Check before the storm:

• No roof leaks

• No direct wind drafts at animal level

• Deep, dry bedding (straw works best)

• Doors and latches working properly

• Extra bedding stored and dry

Ventilation is important — moisture buildup is more dangerous than cold.

Stock Extra Feed and Bedding

You may not be able to get to the feed store for days.

Have on hand:

• At least 5–7 extra days of feed

• Extra hay for ruminants (they generate heat by digesting it)

• Loose minerals

• Extra straw or shavings for bedding

Animals burn more calories staying warm. Expect them to eat more than usual.

Water Is the Biggest Challenge

Animals must have access to unfrozen water.

Prepare with:

• Heated water buckets or tank heaters

• Extension cords rated for outdoor use

• Backup plan if power goes out (hauling warm water)

• Rubber tubs (easier to break ice)

Check water multiple times a day during deep freezes.

Specific Animal Tips

Chickens

• Deep bedding in the coop

• Collect eggs often to prevent freezing

• Petroleum jelly on combs to prevent frostbite

• Keep water from freezing

Goats & Sheep

• Draft-free shelter is critical

• Extra hay before nightfall

• Watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, lethargy)

Cattle

• Windbreak access

• Plenty of hay

• Break ice on water sources frequently

Pigs

• Deep straw bedding to burrow into

• Draft protection at ground level

• Extra calories in feed

Rabbits

• Move hutches out of wind

• Add extra bedding

• Cover cages at night while allowing airflow

Plan for Power Outages

If you use:

• Heated buckets

• Well water

• Electric fencing

You need a backup plan.

Consider:

• A generator

• Extra fuel stored safely

• Manual water hauling plan

• Battery packs for small devices

Check Animals More Frequently

During winter storms, check animals morning, midday, and evening if possible.

Look for:

• Ice in water

• Wet bedding

• Signs of stress or cold

• Snow blocking shelter doors

Don’t Forget Yourself

Hypothermia and frostbite are real risks for farmers and homesteaders.

Keep ready:

• Insulated gloves

• Waterproof boots

• Extra socks

• Thermal layers

• Hand warmers

You can’t care for animals if you’re not safe.

Final Thoughts

Winter storms are manageable when you prepare ahead of time. Your animals are counting on you to think ahead, stock up early, and make sure their shelters, water, and feed are ready before the weather turns.

A little preparation now can prevent animal loss, property damage, and dangerous situations later.

Winter doesn’t have to be a crisis — it can simply be another season you’re ready for.