- Home
- Government
- Emergency Management
- Awareness, Preparedness & Safety Education
- Severe Weather Preparedness
- Winter Weather Preparedness
Winter Weather Preparedness
When Temperatures Drop, Preparation Counts
Winter storms can bring snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures that cause power outages, unsafe roads, and limited access to supplies. By preparing your home, vehicle, and emergency kit ahead of time, you can reduce risks and stay protected when severe weather strikes. Know what to do before, during, and after a storm to keep your family and the community safe.
- Before a Storm
- Before a Storm: Home Winterization
- Before a Storm: Vehicle Winterization
- During a Storm: Extreme Cold Safety
- During a Storm: Winter Driving Safety
- Cold-Related Health Risks
Prep & Restock to Weather the Storm
A prepared household can stay stable during disruptions and support nearby neighbors if needed. Keep your home stocked with essentials and have a clear plan in place.
Restock Your Emergency Kit
Keep a three- to seven-day supply of nonperishable food and at least one gallon of water per person per day. Remember supplies for pets as well.
Winter Essentials to Add
- Rock salt or eco-friendly ice melt for walkways
- Sand for traction
- Snow shovels and other removal tools
- Heating fuel or dry, seasoned firewood for wood stoves or fireplaces
Residents are encouraged to secure heating supplies early in case deliveries are delayed during severe weather.
Family Communication Plan
Winter storms can separate household members. Set a meeting place, pick a communication method, and assign responsibilities before severe weather arrives.
Get Your Home Winter-Ready
Preparing your home before winter storms can help reduce damage, frozen pipes, and heating problems. Taking steps early helps protect people, pets, and property during extreme cold, snow, or ice.
Insulation and Weatherproofing
- Insulate walls, attics, and exposed pipes.
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
- Use storm windows or plastic coverings to block cold air.
- Have a professional check your roof for heavy snow or ice concerns.
Roof, Gutters, and Trees
- Clear gutters to help prevent ice dams and water damage.
- Fix roof leaks before winter weather arrives.
- Trim weak or overhanging branches that could fall during snow or ice.
Heating Safety
House fires increase in winter when unsafe heating methods are used. Follow basic safety steps to reduce risk.
- Have chimneys and heating systems inspected each year.
- Vent fuel-burning equipment to the outside and keep vents clear.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible and review how to use them.
Learn More About Heating Safety Now
Plumbing and Water Protection
- Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip during extreme cold.
- Running water helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Know how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts.
Structures and Outbuildings
Winterize barns, sheds, and shelters by sealing openings, improving insulation, and protecting roofs from snow and ice buildup.
Prepping Your Vehicle for Cold Weather
Cold weather can make driving harder and increase the risk of breakdowns. Preparing your vehicle before winter storms can help reduce delays and improve safety on the road.
Floor Mats
Use rubber mats during slushy weather. Make sure mats fit properly and are secured so they do not interfere with pedals.
Safety Features
Know how your brakes work in winter. With ABS, apply steady pressure. Without ABS, gently pump the brakes if wheels lock.
Battery
Cold weather weakens batteries. Have the battery and charging system checked. Electric and hybrid vehicles may lose range, so keep them charged.
Tires
Check tire pressure often. Cold temperatures lower pressure. Inflate tires to the level listed in your owner’s manual or door frame.
Lights and Wipers
Test all lights. Refill winter wiper fluid and replace worn blades for better visibility.
Fluids
Check antifreeze and other fluids. Look for leaks and have hoses inspected if needed.
Emergency Supplies
Keep basic emergency items in your vehicle:
- Ice scraper, shovel, broom
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Jumper cables, flashlight, reflectors
- First aid kit, blankets, water, food, medicine
- Cell phone and charger
Fuel and Charging
Keep your gas tank at least half full. For electric and hybrid vehicles, maintain a full charge during very cold weather.
What to Do During Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Extreme cold, ice and snow can create dangerous conditions. When possible, stay indoors, conserve heat, and watch for signs of cold-related illness. If your home loses power or heat and becomes too cold, go to the nearest public shelter.
Cold Weather Protection Outdoors
- Dress in loose, warm layers and remove wet clothing right away.
- Wear a hat and cover your mouth and nose to protect your lungs.
- Watch for frostbite (numbness, pale skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech). Seek medical help if symptoms appear.
Be Alert for Outdoor Hazards
- Avoid downed or ice-covered power lines and assume they are live.
- Stay clear of trees or branches weighed down by ice or snow.
- Walk carefully on icy sidewalks and driveways.
Indoor Safety Tips
- Keep water, medicine, and flashlights nearby.
- Close off unused rooms to help conserve heat.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible and review how to use them.
- If traveling, leave heat set to 55°F or higher to help prevent frozen pipes.
- If pipes freeze, open faucets and warm pipes slowly with towels and warm water.
Know how to shut off your main water supply.
Use Heat Safely
- Operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.
- Follow safe heating practices.
Learn More About Heating Safety Now
Protect Food and Supplies During Power Outages
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to hold cold longer.
- Use shelf-stable food if outages last several hours.
Stay Connected
- Use a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or local news for updates.
- Monitor outage alerts from your utility provider.
Navigating Winter Roads: From Black Ice to Blizzards
Avoid travel during winter weather when possible. Snow, ice, and freezing rain make roads dangerous and increase crash risk. Preparing ahead, adjusting how you drive, and knowing what to do in an emergency can help reduce risk.
Driving Basics
- Never drive distracted, impaired, or without a seat belt.
- Slow down on slick roads and increase your following distance.
- Give snow plows plenty of space and pass with caution.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Slow down and avoid braking while crossing.
Plan Your Route
Check weather and traffic updates before leaving. Delay nonessential trips until conditions improve. If travel is necessary, allow extra time and share your route with someone.
If Your Vehicle Begins to Slide
- Ease off the gas pedal.
- Steer gently in the direction of the slide.
- Avoid locking the wheels, which can increase loss of control.
If You Are Stranded
- Stay with your vehicle unless help is nearby.
- Make your vehicle visible using hazard lights or bright markers.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to reduce carbon monoxide risk.
- Run the engine only briefly and crack a window for airflow.
- Conserve battery power by limiting lights, heat, and radio use.
- Use coats, mats, or seat covers for warmth and stay together.
From Shivers to Serious: Health Risks of Extreme Cold
Cold weather can affect the body quickly. Knowing the warning signs of cold-related illness can help you respond sooner and reduce risk.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when body temperature drops below 95°F. It can become serious quickly, especially for children, older adults, and people exposed to cold for long periods.
- Warning signs: Shivering, confusion, exhaustion, slurred speech, fumbling hands, and drowsiness.
- What to do: Move the person to a warm place. Remove wet clothing and warm the chest, neck, head, and groin first using blankets, coats, or skin-to-skin contact.
- Get help: Offer warm, non-alcoholic drinks if the person is awake and seek medical care right away.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when skin and tissue freeze. It often affects fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks, and chin. Severe cases can cause lasting damage.
- Warning signs: Numbness or tingling followed by loss of feeling. Skin may appear white, pale, hard, or waxy.
- What to do: Move indoors and warm the area with body heat or warm (not hot) water. Do not rub the skin.
- Get help: Seek medical care if numbness continues, blisters form, or skin color does not return after warming.