Extension experts share tips, resources to prepare for winter weather
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Jan. 22, 2026
Fast Facts:
- Protect home from ice, snow to avoid costly damage, stressful emergencies
- Start with pipes and water systems inside and outside the home
- Protect outdoor plants by watering ahead of a hard freeze
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LITTLE ROCK — As Arkansans brace for a winter storm this weekend, extension experts say it’s critical to be proactive in preparing your home for potential snow, ice and power outages.
According to the National Weather Service, the potential for a winter storm to affect Arkansas is increasing between Friday, Jan. 23, and Sunday, Jan. 25. As of Jan. 22, there is a 40-60 percent chance of more than 4 inches snow over central and northern Arkansas, with lower amounts expected over southern parts of the state, which faces a mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow.
“Being proactive can prevent costly damage and stressful emergencies,” said Sherri Sanders, White County extension agriculture agent for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Frozen pipes, power outages and heat loss often happen quickly once temperatures drop, and many of those issues are much harder to manage after the fact.
“Taking simple steps ahead of time can protect homes, reduce repair costs and help families stay safe and comfortable during winter weather events,” Sanders said. “Having flashlights, batteries and a safe backup heat plan in place before a winter event can also reduce stress if power is lost.”
For pets and livestock, Sanders said people should ensure access to unfrozen water, adequate bedding and shelter from wind and moisture during extreme cold.
Protect your pipes
Sanders recommended starting with pipes and water systems, both inside and outside the home.
“Outdoor faucets should be disconnected and insulated, and any exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages and exterior walls should be wrapped or insulated,” Sanders said. “During prolonged freezes, allowing both hot and cold water to drip can help prevent pipes from freezing by keeping water moving. It’s also important to know where your main water shut-off is located, in case of an emergency.”
According to the National Weather Service, faucets should be set to trickle when temperatures are below freezing.
“Open cabinet doors for heat to reach pipes under the sink,” said Laura Hendrix, extension professor of personal finance for the Division of Agriculture. “Keep your thermostat at 55 degrees and above. Keep an eye on the weather and turn off faucets when temperatures reach above freezing.”
For people who are concerned about water access during a potential freeze or power outage, Sanders said water from faucets left to drip can be caught and reused as a “helpful and practical approach.”
“Catching dripping water in a clean container and reusing it for flushing toilets, watering plants or cleaning helps conserve water while still protecting pipes,” Sanders said. “Planning ahead by filling jugs, tubs or containers before a freeze can also provide peace of mind if water service is interrupted.”
Keep warm air in, cold air out
Sanders also shared the following effective, low-cost ways to keep warm air inside and cold air out:
- Use weather strips to seal doors and windows.
- Install a door sweep on exterior doors to block out cold air.
- Insulate windows using thermal curtains to retain heat.
- Place a rolled-up towel at the bottom of a door to prevent cold air from coming through.
“I also recommend checking attic access points, sealing gaps around windows and doors with caulk and making sure vents and exhaust fans are properly closed when not in use,” Sanders said. “These small improvements can make a noticeable difference in maintaining indoor temperatures and reducing heating costs.”
Protect your plants
Sanders said that protecting your garden from ice and snow depends on plant type and maturity. Ahead of a hard freeze, gardeners should first thoroughly saturate the soil around their plants.
“Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, and that moisture acts as insulation around plant roots during frigid weather,” Sanders said. “Tender plants should be covered with frost cloths, sheets or lightweight blankets before temperatures drop, making sure covers reach the ground to trap heat.”
Plants in containers should be moved closer to the house or into protected areas like garages or porches.
“Mulching around plants also helps insulate roots, and it’s important to remove covers during the day once temperatures rise to prevent overheating,” Sanders said. “After a freeze, gardeners should wait before pruning damaged plants, as stems and foliage can continue to protect living tissue until new growth begins in spring.”
To learn more, visit this extension blog post about protecting plants during freezing temperatures.
From preparation to peace of mind
In a new publication on emergency readiness, Hendrix and her co-authors recommend putting together a “stay bin” to be kept at home with at least a two-week supply of basics, including water, nonperishable food and first aid supplies.
“The contents of your stay bin can help ensure your household can remain safe and comfortable if cut off from outside help,” Hendrix said. “By preparing now, you give your family peace of mind and the ability to weather an emergency with confidence.”
Visit the Arkansas Emergency Preparedness Resources page on the Cooperative Extension Service website to browse other resources.
For more information about preparing for winter weather, visit the Winter in Arkansas page on the extension website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @arkansas.extension. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Rebekah Hall
rkhall@uada.edu
@RKHall_
501-671-2061