Winter storms can create dangerous conditions that affect travel, home safety, and access to essential services. Heavy snow, freezing rain, ice, and extremely cold temperatures can make roads impassable, cause power outages, and leave households without reliable heating or communication. These conditions can develop quickly and may continue to create hazards long after the storm has passed.
Understanding winter weather risks and preparing ahead of time can help protect you and your family from injuries, illness, and other emergencies.
Winter storms vary in severity, ranging from a few hours of snowfall or freezing rain to major blizzards that last for several days. Heavy snow and ice can close roads, damage power lines, interrupt emergency services, and make it difficult to obtain food, medicine, or other essential supplies. In severe storms, households may need to remain self-sufficient for several days until conditions improve and services are restored.
Winter storms are sometimes called "deceptive killers" because many weather-related injuries and deaths occur indirectly or after the storm has passed. Dangerous driving conditions, carbon monoxide poisoning, overexertion while shoveling snow, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can all lead to serious emergencies. Recognizing these hazards and knowing how to respond is an important part of winter storm preparedness.
Dangers of Winter Storms
The dangers of winter storms include:
- Frostbite or hypothermia caused by prolonged exposure to the cold
- Traffic accidents due to low visibility or icy road conditions
- Heart attacks brought on by over-exertion while clearing snow
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators
- Slips and falls on icy walkways
Many of these hazards remain present even after snowfall has stopped, particularly when roads and walkways remain icy or power outages continue. Taking precautions before, during, and after a winter storm can help reduce the risk of injuries and other emergencies.
Understanding Winter Weather Alerts
If a winter storm is developing in an area near you, it is important to understand weather alerts that are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Winter Weather Advisory – When winter driving conditions begin to become difficult due to snow, ice and sleet.
- Winter Storm Watch – Heavy sleet or snow or even ice storms are possible. Everyone in the area should remain alert and be prepared.
- Winter Storm Warning – A major winter weather event is expected. Everyone should seek shelter and stay off the roads until the storm passes.
Pay attention to updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency authorities, as weather conditions and alerts can change quickly. Understanding the difference between an advisory, watch, and warning helps you determine when to prepare, adjust travel plans, or take immediate precautions.
Preparing for a Winter Storm
Pay attention to developing weather conditions, prepare yourself for cold winter weather, make sure your car is ready for winter travel, and weatherproof your home against the frigid temperatures.
Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members find themselves separated during a winter storm. Assemble supplies ahead of time that may be beneficial to have on hand during a winter storm. It’s important to plan ahead in case the power goes out. Include supplies such as:
- Flashlight, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit with one-week supply of prescription medicine
- Enough non-perishable food and water to last three days or more with a manual can opener
- Extra blankets and sleeping bags
Prepare for the possibility of losing electricity or your primary heating system during a winter storm. If you have a fireplace, wood stove, or other fuel-burning heating appliance, make sure it is properly installed, maintained, and vented to the outdoors. Never use outdoor camping stoves, charcoal grills, or other fuel-burning equipment inside your home for heat, as they can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Protect household plumbing from freezing temperatures by insulating exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. During extreme cold, allowing a small trickle of water to flow from faucets served by vulnerable pipes may help prevent freezing. Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts.
Make sure working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in appropriate locations throughout your home. Test them regularly, replace batteries as needed, and keep a fire extinguisher readily accessible. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous during power outages when generators and alternative heating equipment may be used improperly.
Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions by checking the tires, battery, windshield wipers, antifreeze, and other essential components. Keep the fuel tank at least half full and assemble a vehicle emergency kit with blankets, warm clothing, water, nonperishable food, a flashlight, and other supplies. Avoid unnecessary travel when severe winter weather is expected, and always check road conditions before leaving.
Dressing for Cold Weather
During a winter storm, especially if you have to go outside for any reason, it is important to dress warmly in loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Outer garments should be water repellant. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other. Keep dry and remove wet clothing to prevent a loss of body heat. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.
Winter Driving Safety
Driving is very dangerous during and immediately after a winter storm. Plan to stay off the road until the weather clears and the roads are safe. If driving is necessary, ensure you have emergency supplies of food, water, warm clothing, and a full tank of gas. If possible, travel during the day and do not travel alone.
Shoveling Snow
People die every year from heart attacks that happen while they are shoveling snow because cold weather can put added strain on the heart. Use caution and take frequent breaks when shoveling snow. Lift lighter loads when shoveling snow or try pushing the snow instead of lifting it.
Heat Your Home Safely
Because homes require extra heating during winter storms, it’s important to follow safety precautions to keep your family and your home safe from a winter fire.
Keep anything that can burn, including people, at least 3-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Never use your oven to heat your home. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Fireplace ashes should be cool before putting them into a metal container, and the container should be kept a safe distance away from your home.
Be prepared in case the power goes out. Have flashlights and other battery-powered lighting easily accessible, along with extra batteries. Never use candles.
Be very careful if you plan to use portable electric space heaters. Always place the heater on a solid, flat surface that is out of the way of foot traffic. Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord which can create a trip hazard. Ensure the space heater you are using has a thermostat, overheat protection, and an auto shut-off system that works in case it tips over. Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room and when you go to bed.
Generator Safety
Winter storms can cause power outages that may last a few minutes, a few hours or even a few days. Many people have portable generators available to use to ensure they stay safe and warm at home in the event of a power outage, but portable generators also have their own unique risks. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.
Operate portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from buildings, with the exhaust directed away from doors, windows, vents, and other openings. Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, basement, shed, or other enclosed or partially enclosed space, even with doors or windows open.
Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can that is clearly labeled. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator.
To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
Carbon monoxide (CO) deaths are always highest during the winter months due to increased use of gas-powered furnaces and alternative heating, cooking, and power sources used improperly indoors during power outages. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or charcoal burning device indoors or in any partially enclosed area.
Winter storm safety begins with preparing before severe weather arrives and remaining cautious until conditions return to normal.
Keep emergency supplies available, monitor weather alerts, prepare your home and vehicle for freezing temperatures, and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions. If a winter storm causes a power outage, use alternative heating equipment and generators safely to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Staying informed, recognizing winter weather hazards, and taking precautions throughout the storm can help protect you and your family from serious injuries and emergencies.
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