Winter storms and extreme cold

What it is

Winter storms bring heavy snow, freezing rain, ice and strong winds, often with dangerous cold. They can knock out power and heat, close roads and leave people stuck at home or in cars for days.

Who is at risk

People in the northern states and mountains, and in southern states where homes and roads are not built for snow and ice. Older adults, babies, people who are homeless and people without reliable heat face the most danger.

Get ready now

1. Stock at least 3 days of water, food that needs no cooking, medicine and batteries before the season.
2. Have a safe way to stay warm without power: warm clothes, blankets and sleeping bags.
3. Install carbon monoxide alarms and test them.
4. Insulate pipes, and learn how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts.
5. Keep a winter kit in your car: blanket, water, snacks, flashlight, ice scraper, shovel and phone charger.
6. Have your furnace, chimney or wood stove checked.

When it happens

1. Stay off roads if you can. If you must drive, tell someone your route.
2. If stuck in your car, stay with it. Run the engine for about 10 minutes an hour for heat, with a window cracked and the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
3. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or oven to heat your home.
4. Dress in layers, and keep dry. Watch for frostbite (numb, pale skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech).
5. Let faucets drip to help keep pipes from freezing.
6. Go to a warming center if your home gets too cold.

After

1. Shovel snow carefully, take breaks and lift small amounts. Shoveling causes many heart attacks.
2. Clear snow from vents, exhaust pipes and around generators.
3. Check on neighbors, especially older adults.
4. Stay away from fallen power lines.

Official sources

• Ready.gov: Winter weather
• National Weather Service: Winter safety
• CDC: Winter weather
• American Red Cross: Winter storm safety

This guide summarises public advice. Always follow instructions from local officials and emergency services.