Extreme Cold

❄️ Extreme Cold & Winter Weather Preparedness

Winter weather can bring dangerous conditions, including heavy snow, extreme cold, and ice, leading to power outages and unsafe travel. Preparation and knowing what to do when temperatures drop are essential for safety.

Before the Cold Arrives (Prepare Your Home & Vehicle)

Home Preparedness

  • Insulate Pipes: Wrap outdoor faucets and exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Know how to shut off water valves if a pipe does freeze.
  • Heating Safety: Have chimneys and vents inspected and cleaned. If using alternative heating sources (like space heaters or fireplaces), ensure they are in good working order and placed away from flammable materials.
  • Check Smoke/CO Alarms: Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. CO poisoning is a major risk during power outages when people use alternative heating or cooking indoors.
  • Insulate and Seal: Check and insulate windows and doors to keep warm air inside.

Vehicle Preparedness

  • Maintain Your Car: Ensure the cooling system is filled with antifreeze, check the battery, tires, and windshield wipers.
  • Keep the Tank Full: Try to keep the gas tank near full to prevent the fuel line from freezing and to provide power for heat if you become stranded.
  • Assemble a Vehicle Kit: Keep essential supplies in your trunk (see section 3).
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During the Cold (Health & Safety)

Personal Safety

  • Limit Time Outdoors: Minimize time spent outside. When you must go out, dress in layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing. Outer layers should be water-repellent. * Stay Hydrated & Nourished: Eat regularly to maintain energy and drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration and affect body temperature regulation).
  • Check on Others: Check on family, neighbors, and friends—especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses—who may be vulnerable to the cold.
  • Shovel Safely: Take frequent breaks and push the snow instead of lifting the snow.

Recognizing Health Risks

  • Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature): This is the most serious health risk. Signs include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of coordination. Seek medical help immediately.
  • Frostbite: Freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, most often affecting the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes. Skin may look waxy, hard, or pale. Never rub affected areas; gently warm the area and seek medical care.

Power Outages

  • Stay Warm Safely: If the power goes out, close off rooms not in use. Use extra blankets and sleeping bags. Never use gas ovens, charcoal grills, or non-vented fuel-burning heaters indoors, as this creates a risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Essential Emergency Supply Kits

Ensure you have both a Home Kit (3+ days of supplies) and a Vehicle Kit (in case you get stranded).

Home Emergency Kit Essentials

  • Water: At least one gallon per person, per day, for several days.
  • Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food (3+ day supply).
  • Safety & Warmth: Flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, blankets, sleeping bags.
  • First Aid: First aid kit, prescription medications, and infant supplies.

Vehicle Emergency Kit Essentials

  • Basic Tools: Jumper cables, tire chains, basic tool kit, bag of sand or cat litter (for traction).
  • Visibility/Signaling: Flares or bright colored distress flag, reflective vests.
  • Survival: Blankets, warm clothing, hat, gloves, water, non-perishable food, and a fully charged cell phone.


Snow Storm Brochure

Resources:
Ready.gov Winter Weather

Red Cross Winter Storm Preparedness

Weather.gov Winter