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Winter Storm Safety

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Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. These storms can cause transportation, heat, power, and communication disruptions. They also can close schools, stores, and workplaces.

Winters are getting warmer and shorter because of the climate crisis. But, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur.

We can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home.

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?

Plan to Stay Warm

• Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Before the winter season begins, make sure you can heat your home safely. Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
• Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside.
• Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid travel if you can.
• Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.

Gather Emergency Supplies

• Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.
• Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
• Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
• You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
• Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots.
• Have a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies. Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).
• Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.

Learn Emergency Skills

• Learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Emergency services may be delayed.
• Learn how to spot and treat frostbite and hypothermia.
• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery back-ups.
• Be ready to live without power, gas, and water.
• Learn how to keep pipes from freezing.

Plan to Stay Connected

• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio to use during a power outage.
• A WATCH means Be Prepared!
• A WARNING means Take Action!
• Create a support team to help everyone stay safe in a disaster. Plan how you can help each other.

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 – Spanish

Winter Storm Safety Checklist - Arabic

Winter Storm Safety Checklist - Burmese

Winter Storm Safety Checklist - French

Winter Storm Safety Checklist - Hakha Chin

Winter Storm Safety Checklist - Polish

Winter Storm Safety Checklist - Chinese Simplified

Winter Storm Safety Chechlist - Chinese Traditional

Get Preparation Tips for the Whole Family

What Should You Do During a Winter Storm?

• Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet (1 meter) from the heat!
• Avoid using candles because of the fire risk. Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead.
• Only use generators, grills, and camp stoves outdoors and away from windows.
• Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires, never heat your home with a cooking oven or stove.

Act Fast if You See Signs of Frostbite or Hypothermia

• What to do for frostbite: Move to a warm place. Warm the affected area gently by soaking in warm water (NOT hot) until the skin appears normal and feels warm. Seek emergency medical care.
• Shivering is one of the first signs of hypothermia; other signs include confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech.
• What to do for hypothermia: Seek emergency medical care right away. Move to a warm place. Remove any wet clothing and warm the body slowly.

How Can You Stay Safe While Driving?

Driving in winter conditions.

• Check your vehicle emergency supplies kit and replenish it if necessary.
• 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 Can You Stay Safe After a Winter Storm?

• If you need to go outside, use extreme caution when driving or walking on ice.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines. They can electrocute you.
• Be aware of branches, trees, and ice that may fall.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks and, if possible, work with a partner.
• Use ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
• Go to a public library, shopping mall, or warming center if your home becomes too cold.

Take Care of Yourself

• It’s normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
• Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
• You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

More Recovery Tips

Once you are physically safe, take time to ensure your family’s emotional and financial well-being.

View Recovery Guides

Explore Related Safety Topics

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FEMA Launches First-Ever #WinterReady Campaign, Urges the Nation to Get Prepared for Extreme Cold and Winter Weather

WASHINGTON -- In time for holiday travel and winter weather, FEMA’s Ready Campaign launched the first-ever #WinterReady campaign encouraging people to identify and reduce the risks they face during the winter season. FEMA’s #WinterReady Campaign provides easy, low-cost tips to keep you safe including ways to keep homes warm, travel safely, prepare for inclement weather and simple steps to mitigate the risks of home fires which are most prevalent during this time.

“Harsh winters are not only a concern for states in the far north -- blizzards, extreme cold and the damage to our critical infrastructure that these conditions can cause today threaten every community, everywhere across our nation,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “An ounce of prevention today is worth a pound of cure tomorrow.  The #WinterReady Campaign, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will make resources available to help our entire country stand more resilient, more secure, and more prepared in the face of the cold months ahead. I strongly urge every community to take advantage of these resources -- including and especially those who have not faced these weather-related challenges before.” 

Winter weather brings risks that can be avoided with appropriate preparation. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics , more temperature-related deaths are attributable to cold exposure than heat, and Americans in rural communities are most likely to be impacted.  One of the most important risks to mitigate are  fires caused by home portable heaters , which remain the second leading cause of home fires in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

“In the last few years, we have seen Texas freeze and the 2022 blizzard that left hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents without power,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell .  “No matter where you are in the nation, it is important to know how to handle cold temperatures, power outages, and home heating technology in ways that keep you and your family safe. I want everyone to be #WinterReady and then encourage your friends, family and neighbors to make a plan, too. The steps we take now to prepare and educate people ahead of the winter season can end up saving lives.”

“At USFA, we want everyone to be #WinterReady and fire safe,” said USFA Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell. “Every year, the number of fires and fire related injuries increase during the winter season. These increases are largely due to heating insecurity, inattentive cooking and holiday decoration fires. Cold temperatures lead to the use of fireplaces or space heaters. These heat sources can keep us warm and can also be dangerous if not used safely.  Please keep blankets and anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heat sources.”

Communities across the nation experience severe winter weather in different ways, face unique risks, and have varying levels of infrastructure or experience to handle extreme weather events. Increases in anomalous winter weather in the South and more frequent winter storms, including lake-effect snowstorms in the Northeast, are increasing vulnerabilities for these communities. The #WinterReady tools and resources can help keep them safe. 

With investment support from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FEMA offers hazard mitigation grants through the Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs.  During the winter months, webinars will be offered to those who are interested in applying for these grant opportunities, which support building community resilience for extreme temperatures and even flooding from snow melt, making communities more resilient to climate change driven extreme weather events.

With the holiday season upon us, USFA has one last #WinterReady reminder. “Holidays bring celebrating and cooking for family and friends, which can lead to being distracted to food on the stove. Stay Alert!,” said Administrator Moore-Merrell. “Decorations are beautiful, but please check the cords of your holiday lights for cracks or frays and never leave a burning candle unattended.  If using a live tree, keep it watered. A dry tree burns faster in event of fire.  We wish you a fire safe, #WinterReady season!”

CDC Situation Awareness – 2022 Winter Weather Preparedness and Response

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Preparedness

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Outdoor work requires proper preparation, especially in severe winter weather conditions. Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards, including winter weather related hazards, which are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to them ( Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 ). Employers should, therefore, train workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures to use, such as engineering controls and safe work practices, that will protect workers' safety and health.

• Train Workers
• Provide Engineering Controls
• Implement Safe Work Practices
• Consider Protective Clothing that Provides Warmth

Dressing Properly for the Cold

Safety tips for workers, employers should train workers.

At a minimum train workers on:

• How to recognize the symptoms of cold stress, prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses
• The importance of self-monitoring and monitoring coworkers for symptoms
• First aid and how to call for additional medical assistance in an emergency
• How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions
• How to recognize these hazards
• How workers will be protected: engineering controls, safe work practices and proper selection of equipment, including personal protective equipment

Employers Should Provide Engineering Controls

Engineering controls can be effective in reducing the risk of cold stress. For example, radiant heaters may be used to warm workplaces like outdoor security stations. If possible, employers should shield work areas from drafts or wind to reduce wind chill.

Employers should use engineering controls to protect workers from other winter weather related hazards, for example, aerial lifts or ladders can be used for safely applying de-icing materials to roofs, to protect workers from the hazard of falling through sky lights.

Employers Should Implement Safe Work Practices

Safe work practices that employers can implement to protect workers from injuries, illnesses and fatalities include:

• Providing workers with the proper tools and equipment to do their jobs
• Developing work plans that identify potential hazards and the safety measures that will be used to protect workers
• Scheduling maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months
• Scheduling jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day
• Avoiding exposure to extremely cold temperatures when possible
• Limiting the amount of time spent outdoors on extremely cold days
• Using relief workers to assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs
• Providing warm areas for use during break periods
• Providing warm liquids (no alcohol) to workers
• Monitoring workers who are at risk of cold stress
• Monitoring the weather conditions during a winter storm, having a reliable means of communicating with workers and being able to stop work or evacuate when necessary
• Acclimatizing new workers and those returning after time away from work by gradually increasing their workload, and allowing more frequent breaks in warm areas, as they build up a tolerance for working in the cold environment
• Having a means of communicating with workers, especially in remote areas
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms. If you are notified of a winter storm watch, advisory or warning, follow instructions from your local authorities: NOAA Weather Radio

Employers Should Consider Protective Clothing that Provides Warmth

Employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), for example, fall protection, when required by OSHA standards to protect workers' safety, and health. However, in limited cases specified in the standard ( 29 CFR 1910.132 ), there are exceptions to the requirement for employers to provide PPE to workers. For instance, there is no OSHA requirement for employers to provide workers with ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen (29 CFR 1910.132(h)(4)) . Regardless of this, many employers provide their workers with winter weather gear such as winter coats/jackets and gloves.

Learn more about PPE requirements and how to design an effective PPE program: Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page).

Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold stress. When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, the following would help protect workers from cold stress:

• An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk or polypropylene, inner layers of clothing that will hold more body heat than cotton.
• A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.
• An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)
• Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)
• Hat that will cover your ears as well. A hat will help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
• Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary), to protect the hands
• Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet
• Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress
• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers
• Dress appropriately for the cold
• Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body
• Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change
• Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol)
• Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer

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New York State Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition

Winter weather preparedness resources, winter weather resources.

• Extreme Cold Safety Tips
• 2017 Preparedness Month Packet
• Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids
• "Know Your Alerts and Warnings"
• Download the FEMA App
• Consider Individuals with Disabilities or Access and Functional Needs
• Emergency Supply Checklist
• Business Emergency Supplies
• Business Emergency Response Plans
• Tips for Retaining and Caring for Staff After an Emergency
• Healthcare Personal Plan Sample
• Family Communication Plan for Parents
• Family Communication Plan for Children
• Family Emergency Plan Wallet
• Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies

Storm Preparedness and Response Tools and Checklists for Healthcare Facilities

• Severe Weather Event Healthcare Facility Workbook
• New York State Healthcare Provider Preparedness for Severe Winter Weather Events
• LTC Mutual Aid Plan Winter Watch Checklist
• Pre-Storm Checklist Yale New Haven
• Severe Weather with Warning Incident Response Guide
• Winter Storm Safety Tips and Resources
• Winter Safety
• NWS Binghamton Winter Weather Prep
• National Weather Service Winter 2017-2018 Presentation
• Final Healthcare Health and Safety Plan (HASP) for a Winter Storm Event
• National Weather Resources and Links
• Road Status Information

Sheltering/Staff Preparedness

• Catholic Health Staff Winter Readiness Tips
• Shelter Field Guide (FEMA-ARC)

General Resources

• "Empire County Hospital" Critical Event Annex Form
• WNY Counties Free "Ready" Apps

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#WinterReady Safety Graphics

A collection of winter weather safety graphics.

Last Updated: 12/08/2023

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