Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
Learn more about severe winter storms and extreme cold, what to do and how to stay safe.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
One of the main impacts of climate change is more extreme weather. You might be thinking, if the climate is getting warmer from climate change, why do I have to worry about winter weather? Great question! While the average global temperature is rising, local weather patterns can change in many ways. Science has shown that rising temperatures change ocean currents, wind patterns and other local conditions, impacting local weather patterns. This could bring stronger, colder, or more frequent winter storms - even to areas where extreme cold is not common. That’s why, no matter where you live, it’s important to make plans to be prepared and help increase resiliency in your community to be ready to weather the storm.
In this action, we’ll look at important things to know about extreme winter weather, how to plan for it and lower your risks, and what to do during and afterward so that you and your loved ones can be prepared!
How to do this action:
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Read this action with your family or housemates to learn about Winter Storms and Extreme Cold hazards as part of the Make a Plan action!
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Add any items as needed to your Plan, Kit and Household Prep actions.
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Print out the FEMA Winter Storm Information Sheet PDF with the list of reminders and keep it with your kit.
Before completing this action complete the Find Risks & Resources action to see if this disaster is common or likely where you live!
1Step 1: Learn About Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Know the risks: FEMA calls winter storms “deceptive killers,” because of the increased risks of everyday activities during cold fronts. Almost half of weather-related automobile accidents are due to snow, sleet, or ice, and the risks of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increases in the winter due to people trying to stay warm by burning fuels indoors. There is also a risk of getting stuck in your car during a storm due to weather related accidents.
Winter weather alert terminology:
Here are the common terms that local authorities and weather reporters may issue:
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A Winter Storm Watch means that severe weather conditions including heavy snow, freezing rain or sleet are possible. This is usually issued 12-48 hours before the beginning of a storm.
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A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for any amount of freezing rain or 2-4 inches of snowfall that is expected to cause significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.
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A Winter Storm Warning means that severe weather with a life threatening or damaging combination of conditions, including heavy snow, freezing rain or sleet and wind, is imminent or occuring. This is usually issued 12-24 hours before the beginning of a storm.
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A Blizzard Warning means there will be winds of 35 mph or more, and snow or blowing snow that will reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less for at least 3 hours.
If you live in the mountains downhill of a steep, snow-covered slope greater than 30 degrees, you may also be alerted to the possibility of an avalanche. Check with local emergency preparedness programs for risks and steps to take in the event of an avalanche.
2Step 2: Add to your Emergency Preparedness Kit and Plan
Add these items to your Kit for winter storm or extreme cold preparedness:
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Warm clothing and blankets
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A waterproof way to start a fire, like water-proof matches or butane lighters
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In your car, your on-the-go emergency supply kit (including water) as well as jumper cables, sand (to help you get traction if you are stuck in the snow) and warm clothing and blankets.
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All weather tires and snow chains if you experience snow or icy road conditions
Add these steps to your Plan for winter storm or extreme cold preparedness:
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Learn to recognize signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
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Frostbite is damage to skin from extreme cold, usually affecting fingers, toes, and face.
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What to look for: tingling or numbness, loss of color or the skin looking white or greyish-yellow, or the skin feeling extra firm or waxy.
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What to do: move to a warm room as soon as possible. Soak in warm (but not very hot) water. Use another’s body heat for warmth. Don’t massage or use a heating pad, or stand directly in front of a fireplace or heater, as this can cause more damage to the numb areas. Go to the nearest urgent care or call 911.
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Hypothermia is when your body is exposed to cold temperatures and begins to lose heat faster than it can produce heat. This can be very dangerous.
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What to look for: shivering, shallow breathing, confusion, fumbling hands or loss of coordination, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness or exhaustion.
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What to do: move to a warm room as soon as possible. Remove any wet or damp clothing and cover up with dry blankets, starting with the center of the body, from the head to the groin. Call 911.
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Learn to recognize signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen when you burn gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel without proper ventilation. Make sure your home heating systems, like your furnace or fireplace have proper ventilation at all times. In a large snow storm, snow can cover ventilation pipes and trap carbon monoxide and other harmful fumes in your home. Be sure to check to make sure all vents and exhaust pipes are clear. If your main heating source is out and you need to use a backup heating source like a generator - only use it outside or with proper ventilation, following all instructions on safe use.
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Unlike fire smoke, CO gas is colorless and odorless. CO poisoning is life-threatening, so if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or if your carbon monoxide detector starts going off, get into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical care (call 911). Signs of CO poisoning may include:
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Confusion or loss of consciousness
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Nausea or vomiting
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Shortness of breath
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Dull headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or weakness
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3Step 3: Add to your household prep plans
If you live in an area that experiences cold weather, there are many ways you can make your home more prepared! For things that require significant home repair or reinforcements, consult with an experienced contractor.
Add these steps to your household prep plan:
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Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Seal cracks and crawl spaces, and apply electrical heating tape to pipes.
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Prevent frozen pipes by running pipes through heated spaces when possible and insulating pipes that run through unheated spaces.
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If you live in an area with severe winter weather, it is advisable to have a non-electric backup heating source like a fireplace, wood-burning stove or generator.
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Make sure all backup heating sources are installed correctly and follow all local codes. Never leave a heater, stove, or fire unattended.
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Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
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Be sure to keep all heat sources properly vented or outside! Only use grills or camp stoves outside or in well-ventilated areas - never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
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It’s important to stay warm! If it is difficult for you to afford your heating costs, weatherization or other energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to see if you may be eligible for assistance.
4Step 4: Learn what to do during winter storms or extreme cold weather
When severe weather happens, don’t panic! You’ve taken many steps already to be prepared for emergencies. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this. 3 Things to Remember:
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Safety First: Getting yourself and your loved ones to a safe spot is the most important thing. Everything else is secondary, only if you have time and it’s safe.
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Check in: Once you’re safe, check in with family, neighbors, and your out-of-town emergency contact.
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Watch for updates: Pay attention to alerts on your phone, the radio or on a weather or Red Cross app for updates and new instructions.
Basic Necessities:
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Shelter: If your home lacks heat or isn’t safe or habitable and you can’t stay with neighbors or friends, find a local shelter near you. You can:
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text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362), e.g. SHELTER 01234.
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Search on the FEMA app or Red Cross app for open shelters.
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In the FEMA app, click “Disaster Resources” → “Shelters” → “Map View”
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In the Red Cross app, click the Maps icon on the bottom right.
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Food & Water: If you do not have access to food and water, or if you’re not certain your supplies are safe to consume, find a local food bank by contacting a shelter or through feedingamerica.org
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Health & Safety: Know the signs and what to do for frostbite and hypothermia. Refer to Step 3 above and call 911 if needed.
During extreme cold:
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As long as you have heat, the safest place during a winter storm or cold front is home. Wear layers even inside - they will keep you warmer than a single heavy sweater.
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Limit your time outside as much as possible, especially if there is wind which can create wind chill and lower temperatures even further.
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Avoid driving whenever possible; 70% of fatalities related to snow or ice happen in a vehicle. If you have to drive:
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Slow down! Drive carefully!
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Remove all snow and ice from your car before driving (flying snow can cause accidents)
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Let someone know where you are going
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Bring a fully charged mobile phone and charger with you and make sure your emergency supplies are in your car (see Step 2 above).
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If you are having trouble seeing, pull over until visibility clears.
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If you are stuck in your car
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Stay in your vehicle! Run the motor about 10 minutes every hour for heat. Open the window a small amount while running the motor for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning.
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Make yourself visible to rescuers! Turn on your dome light while running the car engine, tie a bright colored cloth to your antenna or door and if the snow stops falling, raise your hood.
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If you have lost power for more than a few hours and it’s safe to leave your home, stay with friends or neighbors. Take your supply kit and follow your emergency plan.
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If you have lost power and cannot leave home:
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Close off unneeded rooms, close curtains or blinds and stuff rags under doors to retain heat in the room you are in.
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Eat and drink (non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages) to give your body energy to generate heat
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Wear layers of lightweight, warm clothing
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If you are using a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure it is properly ventilated. Check to make sure exhaust vents are not blocked by snow.
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Avoid major exertion when walking outside or shoveling snow, as this could increase the risk of a heart attack.
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If you do need to go outside, shovel off your stairs and walkways and treat them with salt to prevent slippery ice build-up.
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Stay hydrated, even when you don’t feel thirsty! Caffeine dehydrates the body and alcohol lowers the body temperature, which will both worsen symptoms of hypothermia.
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Take pets outside only when absolutely necessary. If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your animals!
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Avoid frozen pipes:
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Let the cold water drip from faucets that are served by exposed pipes.
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Keep garage doors closed if water pipes go through the garage.
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Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
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Keep the thermostat around the same temperature during the day and night.
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Check on neighbors and relatives, especially if they live alone.
Refer to the Food & Water Safety action for tips on how to safely manage and store food and water during and after a disaster.
5Step 5: Learn what to do right after extreme cold weather
Severe cold weather may last a few hours or many days. Remember it’s normal to feel anxiety or grief during extreme weather and natural disasters, so take care of yourself and your loved ones. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe, and you’ve done what you could to lower your risks and protect your home.
Right after a severe winter storm or extreme cold:
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Listen to alerts and weather conditions and make sure it is safe before leaving your home, especially if there’s been a major storm or risk of an avalanche.
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Contact family and friends, including your out-of-area emergency contact. For non-emergencies, use text or social media to reduce the strain on phone systems. Check in on your neighbors - this is a time we need to lean on each other.
How to thaw frozen pipes:
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. If water is still running and no pipes have burst:
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Turn on the faucet. The goal is to melt the frozen water, and even very cold running water will do this.
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Apply heat to the section of pipe that is frozen using an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater or by wrapping pipes in towels soaked with hot water. Do not use a blowtorch or anything with an open flame.
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Apply the heat until water pressure is back to normal.
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Check all other faucets and follow these same steps.
If a pipe has burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve and call a licensed plumber.
Refer to the Recovery action for tips and resources on recovery after severe winter weather.