Ensure your household is ready for winter emergencies:

• Create a Home Winter Emergency Kit:
  • Water and non-perishable food for three days.
  • Flashlights and extra batteries.
  • Medications and first aid supplies.
  • Warm clothing and blankets.
• Create a Vehicle Winter Emergency Kit
  • Water, blankets, warm clothes
  • Flashlight + batteries
  • Snacks + water
  • Phone charger/power bank
  • Shovel, sand/kitty litter
  • Jumper cables
  • First aid kit
• Plan for Power Outages:
  • Have a backup heat source, such as a propane heater or fireplace.
  • Use generators safely outdoors and away from windows.
  • Charge devices and keep extra battery packs on hand.

For more tips, visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Winter Storm Preparedness Guide and American Red Cross Winter Storm Guide.

Winter storms can change quickly. Having a plan ahead of time reduces stress and helps keep everyone safe.

Make a Family Plan

Before the weather hits, talk through:

• Where you will go if your home loses heat or power
• Who you will contact if you can’t reach each other
• How you will get updates if internet or cell service is unreliable

Have a “Check-In” Plan

• Check on older adults, neighbors living alone, and families with young children
• If you rely on medical equipment, make a backup plan for power outages
• Keep extra supplies for medications, baby items, and pet needs

Charge Devices & Prepare for Outages

• Charge phones, battery packs, and rechargeable flashlights before the storm arrives
• Keep a flashlight available — avoid using candles
• If you lose power, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible

Stay Informed

Use official sources for real-time updates:

• Shelbyville Alerts: Sign up for emergency notifications via text, email, or call.
• NOAA Weather Radio: Stay tuned for real-time updates.
• Indiana Travel Advisory Map: Check county travel statuses and restrictions 
• Local News Outlets: Follow reliable news channels for Shelbyville-specific updates

The Shelbyville News | Shelby County Post/GiantFM  | Fox 59 | WTHR | WISH

Fresh Fire Bible Church 

^{(Available evenings through January 31, 2026)}

• Address: 120 S Vine Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176
• Hours: Doors open 24 hours daily
• Contact: Pastor Jeremy Barrett via phone 317-991-6983
• Donate: CashApp ($FreshFireIndiana)

Sunshine House Day Center 

^{(Available evenings through February 2, 2026)}

• Address: 267 E Washington Street Shelbyville, IN 46176 (Red Barn)
• Monday- Saturday: 6p-9a; Sundays 12:00 pm (noon)-9:00 am
• Contact: Dyan Current, Executive Director 
  • Phone: 317-431-0863 | Email: dyan@sunshineinc.org | Facebook
• Volunteers Needed:
  • Full and Partial Shifts
  • Contact Dyan to schedule a time that works for you!
• Donations Needed: _{(may drop off during any shelter nights + day time hours 10a-2p Tuesdays & Thursdays)} 
  • Financial (Donate online)
  • Food/Meals
    • Can be homemade, store bought, or ordered online and someone from Sunshine House can pick it up from a restaurant
  • Handwarmers
  • Men/Women Underwear
  • Bottled water  (individual & Gallon+)

If you need help, use the resources below. In an emergency, always call 911.

Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

Shelby County EMA helps coordinate emergency response and preparedness efforts during severe weather events.

• Shelby County EMA: 
  • Director: Denis Ratekin 
  • Facebook (real time updates)
  • Phone: 317-392-6308
  • Email: scema@co.shelby.in.us
  • Website: https://www.in.gov/counties/shelby/emergency-management/

Shelbyville Police Department

For non-emergency police needs, contact the Shelbyville Police Department.

• Shelbyville Police Department: 
  • Phone: 
    • 317-392-5106 (Administration)
    • 317-392-5108 or 317-392-2511 (Dispatch)
    • 9-1-1 (Emergency)
  • More Information: shelbyville.in.gov/police

Shelbyville Fire Department

For non-emergency fire-related questions or support, contact the Shelbyville Fire Department.

• Shelbyville Fire Department: 
  • Phone:
    • 317-392-5119 (Non-Emergency)
    • 9-1-1 (Emergency)
  • For more information: shelbyville.in.gov/fire

Emergency

• For emergencies, dial 911.
  This includes medical emergencies, fires, carbon monoxide concerns, and situations where life or property is at immediate risk.

To minimize the environmental impact of salt removal from snow and ice:

• Shovel First: Remove as much snow as possible before applying salt.
• Apply Sparingly: Use only the necessary amount of salt and apply it evenly.
• Sweep Up Excess Salt: After the ice melts, sweep up any remaining salt to prevent further runoff.
• Consider Alternatives:
  • Magnesium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate: Less harmful to plants and the environment.
  • Sand or gravel: Provides traction without the same level of contamination.

Key Environmental Impacts:

• Excess Salt Runoff: Impacts aquatic life by altering water chemistry and disrupting ecosystems. Stormwater runoff carries these contaminants into local waterways, including streams and rivers, potentially affecting our drinking water sources and aquatic habitats. Learn more at shelbyville.in.gov/ms4 and shelbyville.in.gov/wrrf.
• Soil Damage: Salt can leach into the soil, damaging plants and altering soil pH levels.

• Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature (day and night). Turning the heat down too low can increase the risk of frozen pipes.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks (especially on exterior walls) to help warm air circulate.

• Seal drafts around doors and windows with towels, weather stripping, or plastic window film.

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and cover exterior spigots if you have insulated covers available.

• Know where your water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe breaks.

Freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipes. Protect your home with these tips:

Before Freezing Weather:

• Insulate all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas (garages, attics, basements, crawlspaces, etc.).
• Cover foundation vents.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate faucets (Styrofoam covers can be purchased at home improvement stores).
• Winterize irrigation systems during the winter to prevent freezing and damage.
• Ensure water meter lid is properly seated and covering the meter box.

In Sub-Freezing Weather:

• Keep your home temperature set no lower than 55 degrees.
• Let water drip slowly from inside faucets, especially if the sink is adjacent to an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors underneath sinks to expose the plumbing to room temperature.
• Close garage doors.
• If a washing machine is in an unheated area, shut off water to the machine.

When No One Will Be in a Building for Several Days or Longer:

• Leave heating system on a low setting (no lower than 55 degrees).
• Open cabinet doors underneath sinks to expose the plumbing to room temperature.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate faucets.

If You Suspect Your Pipes Are Frozen:

• Use a hair dryer or rags soaked in hot water to thaw lines; do NOT use open flame.
• Water is usually available in at least one faucet; check other faucets for running water.

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from blankets, furniture, curtains, and anything flammable.

• Never leave a space heater running unattended or while sleeping.

• Only plug space heaters directly into the wall — avoid power strips and extension cords.

• If using a fireplace or wood stove, make sure vents and chimneys are clear and functioning properly.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless and dangerous. During winter storms, CO risks increase due to alternative heating sources.

• Make sure you have a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector

• Replace batteries if needed and test alarms regularly

Prepare Your Vehicle:

• Check tire tread and pressure.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Stock an emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, snacks, and a phone charger.

Drive Safely:

• Reduce speed and increase following distance.
• Avoid sudden braking or accelerating.
• Be aware of black ice on bridges and shaded areas.

For road condition updates, visit IN.gov Travel Information.

Pets

• Bring pets indoors whenever temperatures drop to unsafe levels.
• If your pet must go outside, keep trips short and supervised.
  • Above 45 degrees- Generally safe (Most dogs are fine with normal playtime & walks)
  • 32-45 degrees- Up to 30-60 minutes (Small, short-haired, or elderly dogs should wear a coat; watch for shivering)
  • 20-32 degrees- About 15-30 minutes  (Risk of hypothermia for smaller breeds)
  • 0-20 degrees- 10-15 minutes max (Only heavy-coated breeds (like Huskies) should be out; monitor closely)
  • Below 0 degrees- Only quick potty breaks as needed (Dangerous for all breeds; frostbite can occur in minutes)
• Make sure pets have fresh, unfrozen water at all times.
• Wipe paws after walks to remove salt/ice melt that can irritate skin or be harmful if licked.
• Keep pets away from space heaters, cords, and open flames during power outages.

Livestock & Outdoor Animals

• Provide access to shelter from wind and moisture (wind is often the biggest danger).
• Ensure animals have dry bedding and a place to stay off frozen ground.
• Check water sources frequently to prevent frozen troughs or bowls.
• Stock extra feed — animals may need more calories to maintain body heat.
• If you use heat lamps, use them safely and securely to reduce fire risk.

• Wind Chill Temperature: How cold people and animals feel when outside. Wind increases heat loss from the body, making it feel colder than the actual temperature.
• Winter Storm Outlook: Winter storm conditions possible in the next two to five days. Stay tuned to local media for updates.
• Winter Storm Watch: Winter storm conditions possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Review your winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
• Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous but not life-threatening if you are cautious.