How do I keep water from freezing?
Frozen water is the most common winter chore. Check waterers daily, and plan for how you will supply water if systems freeze. Insulate pipes where appropriate, drain lines that are not in use and keep tools for thawing safely.
Use only equipment designed for the purpose, and follow its instructions, since improvised heating near animals and bedding can start fires. A licensed electrician should handle any wiring.
Know where your shutoff valves are and how to operate them. If a pipe does freeze, a quick shutoff limits damage, and a plumber can advise on safe thawing and repair.
- Check water sources at least daily
- Protect pipes and drain unused lines
- Use only approved equipment, installed safely
- Have a backup supply in case of a freeze
What do animals need in cold weather?
Animals need dry shelter, wind protection, clean bedding and plenty of feed, since they use more energy to stay warm. Ventilation still matters, because damp air causes problems. Check animals daily for signs of cold stress, injury or illness.
Call your veterinarian if an animal looks unwell, and ask your vet what is normal for your species in cold. Disease reporting and biosecurity rules vary by state, so ask your state veterinarian or extension.
Use the quiet season to look at feed quality and storage as well. Damp or moldy feed can make animals ill, so ask your vet or extension how to check what you have.
How do I stay safe heating and traveling?
Use heating equipment according to its instructions and local rules, keep combustibles away and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Never run engines or fuel-burning equipment in enclosed spaces. Have chimneys and heaters inspected by qualified professionals.
On snow and ice, wear good footwear, clear paths and use extra care around steps, ramps and ladders. Tell someone where you are going, carry a charged phone and keep winter supplies in the vehicle.
Keep a shovel, sand or traction material and a spare set of dry gloves near the door. Small preparations make early morning chores safer on slick mornings.
- Test alarms and keep an extinguisher accessible
- Keep fuel-burning equipment outdoors or properly vented
- Clear and treat walking paths
- Carry winter supplies in the vehicle
What if the power goes out?
Have a plan before it happens. Keep flashlights, batteries, a radio and enough water, food and medications for several days. Know how you will keep animals watered and sheltered without power.
If you use a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions, operate it outdoors and away from windows, and have a qualified electrician install any connection to the house. Report outages to your utility and follow National Weather Service alerts.
Practice your outage routine once. Walk through how you would water and feed animals by hand, and note what is missing before you need it.
How can I use winter for planning and maintenance?
Winter is a good time to review records, plan the garden, order seed, repair tools and equipment, and study. Schedule a soil test if the ground allows, and ask extension about winter classes and workshops.
Review your budget, insurance and emergency lists, and do the annual family and community check-in. Planning in winter makes spring less rushed.
Make a seed list, check germination of seed you saved, and read what your extension office publishes about the coming season. Winter research pays off in spring.
How do I look after myself?
Dress in layers, eat well and rest. Short days and isolation can affect mood, so stay in touch with friends and neighbors, and see a doctor if you feel low for a long time.
Check on neighbors who live alone or are older. A short call or visit during a storm matters, and community connection is one of the best winter tools.
If winter brings long stretches indoors, keep a regular schedule for meals, sleep and outdoor time. Daylight matters for mood, and a short walk outside each day helps many people, so protect it even on busy days.
Key takeaways
- Check water daily and use only approved, safely installed heating tools.
- Give animals dry shelter, windbreaks and extra feed, and watch for illness.
- Test alarms, ventilate fuel-burning equipment and treat icy paths.
- Prepare for power outages with supplies and a safe generator plan.
- Use the slow season for planning, repairs and check-ins.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.