Nebraska homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or wall entry. Nebraska's hard winter freeze events can burst pipes. Know your shutoff before any freeze forecast. Test that it operates freely.

Natural gas shutoff

Black Hills Energy serves western NE; Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) serves Omaha; various others serve the rest. Know your utility and the meter shutoff location. Emergency number should be posted at the meter.

Storm shelter / basement

Nebraska has high tornado risk; most Nebraska homes have basements. Know your shelter location. If your home lacks a basement, identify the nearest storm shelter in your community.

Roof inspection after hail events

Nebraska hail events can produce softball-sized hailstones. Inspect the roof after every significant hail event. Nebraska homeowners insurance typically covers hail damage; file claims promptly, within 30 days.

HVAC maintenance

Nebraska's extreme temperature range means the HVAC system works hard in both directions. Service in spring and fall. Replace filters every 1-2 months during peak seasons.

Nebraska's tornado exposure

Nebraska is in Tornado Alley, averaging 50+ tornadoes per year. The Kearney-Grand Island-Hastings corridor is one of the highest-risk zones in the US. Have a NOAA weather radio, know your shelter location, and keep shoes at the shelter.

Roof inspection after winter

Check for hail damage from fall storms and winter ice damage before summer hail season begins.

Freeze prep deadline

By October 15: heating system serviced, pipes insulated in unheated spaces, backup heat confirmed, 7-day supplies stocked. Nebraska's first blizzards can arrive in October.

Panhandle wind and cold prep

Western Nebraska (the Panhandle) experiences extreme wind combined with severe cold, wind chill below -50°F. Ensure all exterior openings are sealed, heating fuel is stocked, and wind-exposed pipes have heat tape.

Basement safety measures

Nebraska tornadoes are among the most powerful in the US (the 2004 Hallam tornado was about 2.5 miles wide at its widest, per the National Weather Service). Your basement is shelter but not invulnerable. Stay away from windows, get under a staircase or heavy workbench, and protect your head.

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles

Nebraska's hail frequency makes Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth the cost premium at re-roofing. Many Nebraska insurers offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofing. They resist hail up to 2-inch diameter without fracture.

Tornado Alley center-point

Nebraska has the highest tornado rate per square mile of any Great Plains state. Have a NOAA weather radio with tone alert. Know your shelter location. Do not shelter in a mobile home. Nebraska EF4-EF5 tornadoes have occurred in every decade on record.

Nebraska blizzards: don't travel

Nebraska blizzards close I-80 and rural roads for days. Stock 7 days of supplies. Never travel during a blizzard warning. Nebraska Power Association cooperatives: vary by area. OPPD (Omaha): 1-800-554-6733.

Shelter immediately: Nebraska tornadoes are severe

Warning = take shelter now. Basement, interior room, away from windows. Nebraska has produced EF5 tornadoes. Treat every warning as potentially catastrophic.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Plumber wait times after extreme cold events: 48-72 hours in Nebraska cities, longer in rural areas.

Spring storm and snowmelt flooding

Do not enter flooded basement if electrical equipment is submerged. Call OPPD (1-800-554-6733), NPPD (1-877-275-6773), or your cooperative to disconnect at the meter. Pump out water, dry immediately.

Blizzard and extreme cold outages

Nebraska blizzard outages in rural areas can last 3-5 days. OPPD: 1-800-554-6733. NPPD: 1-877-275-6773. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Black Hills Energy: 1-888-890-5554. Metropolitan Utilities District: 1-800-732-5864. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Two ways out of every room. Designate a specific outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never go back inside.