Winter Storm Preparedness & Blizzard Safety

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Each year, hundreds of Americans are injured or killed by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents on wintry roads, and fires caused by the improper use of heaters. Prepare now so you can stay safe during blizzards and other winter storms!

Take immediate precautions if you hear these words on the news:

Winter Storm WARNING: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Blizzard WARNING: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater, plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer.

Other winter storm words to listen for:

WIND CHILL Temperature: How cold people and animals feel when outside. As wind increases, heat is carried away from your body at a faster rate, driving down your body temperature and making you feel much colder. The wind chill temperature is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin.

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.

What Should You Do Before a Winter Storm?

winter storm, snow, storm, blizzard, fire wood

Protect Your Family

Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

Have your vehicle winterized before the winter storm season to decrease your chance of being stranded.
- Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil.
- Install good winter tires with adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate but some jurisdictions require vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Keep in your vehicle:
- A windshield scraper and small broom
- A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats
- Matches in a waterproof container
- A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna
- An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing
Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

Keep a supply of non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.

Service snow removal equipment before the winter storm season and maintain it in good working order.

Keep handy a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets and warm clothing for everyone in your household.

Protect Your Home

Learn how to protect pipes from freezing.

Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.

Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.

Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.

Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater (if permitted by law in your area). Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions for safe installation and use.

Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.

If you have a fireplace, consider keeping a supply of firewood or coal. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of ashes safely.

Consider installing a portable generator, following our safety tips to avoid home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning

Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods.
- Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Protect Your Pets and Animals

Bring your companion animals indoors.
Create a place where your other animals can be comfortable in severe winter weather. Horses and livestock should have a shelter where they can be protected from wind, snow, ice, and rain. Grazing animals should have access to a protected supply of food and non-frozen water.
Be aware of the potential for flooding when snow and ice melt and be sure that your animals have access to high ground that is not impeded by fencing or other barriers. You may not be able to get to them in time to relocate them in the event of flooding.
Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting snow on roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and animals' feed and water.

If You Do Nothing Else, Do This

Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.

Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.

Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.

Be sure you have ample heating fuel.

If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.

Bring your companion animals inside and ensure that your horses and livestock have blankets if appropriate and unimpeded access to shelter, food, and non-frozen water.

Download Winter Storm Checklists and Fact Sheets

Checklist Available in Multiple Languages

Power Outage Checklist

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – English

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Arabic

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Chinese

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – French

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Haitian

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Korean

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Spanish

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Tagalog

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Urdu

Winter Storm Safety Checklist – Vietnamese

Get Preparation Tips for the Whole Family

A girl shows the home fire escape plan she just made

Children

Older Adults

A family including a person who uses a wheelchair

People with Disabilities

A woman stays at a Red Cross shelter with her dog and bird

Pets

What Should You Do During a Winter Storm?

Stay Indoors if Possible

Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.

Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for updated emergency information.

Bring your companion animals inside.

Move other animals to sheltered areas with a supply of non-frozen water.

Eat regularly.

Drink fluids such as warm broth or juice. Avoid caffeine and alcohol which can cause dehydration.

Conserve fuel. Lower the thermostat to 65° F (18° C) during the day and to 55° F (13° C) at night.

Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends who are elderly or live alone.

Protect Yourself Outdoors

Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.

Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Keep dry. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.

Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow.

Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

Use public transportation if possible.

How Can You Stay Safe While Driving?

Driving in Winter Conditions

Check your vehicle emergency supplies kit and replenish it if necessary.
Bring enough of the following for each person:
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Rain gear, extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and wool hats
- Newspapers for insulation
- Plastic bags for sanitation
- Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy snacks
- Warm broth in a thermos and several bottles of water
Bring your cell phone and make sure the battery is charged.
Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take another person with you.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
Before leaving, check the weather reports for all areas you will be passing through.
Watch out for sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog.

If You Are Stranded

Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters).

Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.

Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.

Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.

Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally.

If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping.

Huddle together for warmth. Wrap yourself in newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats to help trap more body heat.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to the ill effects of cold and to heart attacks.

Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

Additional Winter Safety Resources

How to Prevent & Thaw Frozen Pipes

How to Use Generators Safely

Protect Your Pets During a Storm

A person walks home through falling snow

Learn About Frost Bite & Hypothermia

How Can You Stay Safe After a Winter Storm?

After a Winter Storm

Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio station for updated information and instructions. Access to some parts of the community may be limited or roads may be blocked.

Help people who require special assistance—infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.

Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of death during the winter.

Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is unimpeded by drifted snow, ice, or other obstacles.

If you are using a portable generator, take precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution and fire.

Avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening.

Take these steps to avoid frostbite and hypothermia:

Be aware of the wind chill. Dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long. Wear a hat and gloves when appropriate with layers of clothing. Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold.
Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay active to maintain body heat.
Take frequent breaks from the cold.
Get out of the cold immediately if the signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear.