Keeping Pets Safe During Winter Power Outages in Hampton Roads

Keeping pets safe during winter power outages in Hampton Roads is something we should all be thinking about as we go into the weekend. A WINTER STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 7 PM EST MONDAY for Yorktown and other areas of eastern and southern Virginia. Winter storms in Hampton Roads don’t always look dramatic, but freezing rain, sleet, high winds, and coastal weather systems can still knock out power with little warning. When electricity and heat go out, pets rely entirely on us to keep them safe, warm, and comfortable at home. Preparing ahead of time can make a stressful situation far more manageable, for both pets and people.

Why Winter Storms Cause Power Outages in Coastal Virginia

Unlike regions built for heavy snow, Hampton Roads’ infrastructure is more vulnerable to winter storms. Ice accumulation on power lines, strong winds, saturated soil around utility poles, and falling tree limbs are common causes of outages during snow and ice events. Even brief interruptions can affect indoor temperatures quickly, especially in older homes or during overnight lows.

Preparing Your Home and Pets Before a Winter Storm

The best time to think about power outages is before one happens.

Pet parents should prepare by:

• Stocking extra food, medications, and fresh water for several days
• Keeping collars and ID tags on pets
• Saving your veterinarian’s number and emergency clinic locations with pen and paper, in case your phone dies
• Charging phones and portable battery packs ahead of storms
• Setting aside flashlights and replacement batteries (avoid candles when pets are present)

It’s also wise to keep pets indoors long before storms arrive. Changes in pressure, wind, and temperature can make animals anxious and more likely to try to escape.

Keeping Pets Warm if Power or Heat Fails

If your home loses heat, pets, especially seniors, puppies, kittens, and short-haired breeds, can feel the cold sooner than people.

Ways to keep pets warm include:

• Confine pets (and people) to one room together to build/retain body heat
• Add extra blankets or layers under pet beds, and elevate them off cold floors
• Dress dogs in sweaters or coats if they tolerate them
• Encourage cats to snuggle in enclosed spaces like beds or carriers
• Avoid space heaters and heating pads unless they are pet-safe and supervised
• Put lots of blankets in a crate to encourage dogs to lounge inside, where it will become warmer than the room around them

Never use grills, generators, or propane heaters indoors, as they pose serious carbon monoxide risks.

Maintaining Routines During an Outage

Pets thrive on routine, and disruptions can increase anxiety during storms. Even when conditions aren’t ideal, try to keep feeding schedules, medication times, and potty routines as consistent as possible.

For dogs, shorter leash walks may be safer than extended outdoor time during icy or windy conditions. For cats, maintaining litter box cleanliness and access to familiar resting spots can help them stay calm. Never let your dog off leash during a storm, before or after, because it’s not a good time to take a risk.

Keeping Pets Safe During Winter Power Outages in Hampton Roads

When winter weather hits, travel can become unpredictable. Roads may be slick, bridges and tunnels congested, and conditions can change quickly. Pets should never be left at home alone during a weather emergency without a plan. It’s best you stay home with them, or ask a neighbor who is located within walking distance to check in on them if you’re away.

At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, we understand the realities of winter storms in Yorktown and the greater Hampton Roads area. Preparation, communication, and calm decision-making are what keep pets comfortable when the unexpected happens. If your pets are in our care when a storm hits, you can count on us to do all we can to reach them. If we cannot safely do so, we will reach out to your local emergency contact to step in until roads are cleared.

Stay safe out there, friends, and remember, there is no way you can know what’s coming, so the best approach is to prepare. Water, food, and hunkering down at home are a great start!

The Best Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters in Hampton Roads

Hearts at Home Pet Sitting has been the most trusted dog walking and pet sitting service in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, VA, since 2012. Our dog walking, dog sitting, and cat sitting services are tailored to each family and pet’s needs, ensuring your peace of mind and their safety every day and every visit.