Winter Storm Preparedness

Understanding Winter Storm Threats

Winter storms create multiple overlapping dangers:

• Heavy snow: Can collapse roofs, trap you indoors, and block roads for days
• Ice storms: Even thin ice brings down power lines and makes roads impassable
• Extreme cold: Hypothermia, frostbite, and frozen pipes
• Power outages: Often prolonged as crews can't access damaged lines
• Wind chill: Makes effective temperature much colder than air temperature

Wind Chill Danger Zones

Before Winter Season

Home Preparation

• Heating system: Have professionally inspected and serviced before winter
• Insulation: Check attic insulation, weatherstrip doors and windows
• Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape
• Gutters: Clean to prevent ice dams
• Roof: Repair any damage that could lead to leaks or collapse under snow
• Chimney: Have cleaned if using fireplace or wood stove
• Detector batteries: Replace smoke and CO detector batteries

Alternative Heating

If your primary heat fails, you'll need backup options. Choose and prepare before winter:

• Wood stove or fireplace: Stock firewood (cord takes up ~128 cubic feet)
• Kerosene heater: Indoor-rated models only; store fuel safely
• Propane heater: Indoor-safe models with oxygen depletion sensor
• Generator: To power electric heaters (outdoor use only for generator)
• Hot water bottles: Simple, safe, no fuel needed

Essential Winter Storm Supplies

Staying Warm Without Power

When heating fails, your home will lose temperature steadily. A well-insulated home might drop 1-2°F per hour; poorly insulated homes drop faster. Here's how to maximize warmth:

Consolidate and Insulate

• One room strategy: Gather family in the smallest interior room—easier to keep warm
• Close off unused areas: Shut doors to unused rooms; stuff towels under doors
• Hang blankets: Over windows to add insulation
• Floor insulation: If on a cold floor, lay down rugs, blankets, or cardboard
• Tent inside: A tent inside your room traps body heat even more effectively

Layer Clothing Properly

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking material against skin
• Middle layer: Insulating material (fleece, wool)
• Outer layer: Wind and water resistant
• Extremities: Hat (you lose ~10% of body heat through head), warm socks, gloves
• Loose layers: Tight clothing restricts circulation and reduces warmth

Other Warming Strategies

• Sleeping bags: Rated for camping temperatures, they're warmer than blankets
• Body heat: Gather family and pets together
• Hot water bottles: Fill and place in bed or inside clothing
• Light activity: Exercise generates body heat
• Eat regularly: Your body burns calories to stay warm
• Stay dry: Wet clothing loses insulation rapidly

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Prevention is critical:

Before Freezing Temperatures

• Insulate pipes: Foam sleeves on exposed pipes in crawlspaces, attics, garages
• Heat tape: Electric heating cables for vulnerable pipes
• Know your shutoff: Learn main water shutoff location and how to use it
• Outdoor faucets: Disconnect hoses, close interior valve, open exterior faucet

During Extreme Cold

• Let faucets drip: Moving water is less likely to freeze
• Open cabinet doors: Let warm air reach pipes under sinks
• Keep thermostat consistent: Don't let interior temperature drop below 55°F
• If leaving home: Keep heat on at minimum 55°F or drain water system

If Pipes Freeze

• Know the signs: Reduced water flow, frost on pipes, unusual sounds
• Shut off water: Before attempting to thaw
• Thaw safely: Use hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels
• Never use: Open flames, propane heaters, or blow torches
• If pipe bursts: Shut off water immediately; call plumber

Winter Car Safety

Vehicle Preparation

• Gas tank: Keep at least half full (prevents fuel line freeze)
• Antifreeze: Check that it's rated for expected temperatures
• Battery: Cold weather strains batteries—test before winter
• Tires: Check tread depth; consider winter tires in snowy areas
• Wipers: Winter blades and full washer fluid

Winter Car Emergency Kit

• Warm blankets (wool or thermal emergency blankets)
• Extra winter clothing, hat, gloves
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Phone charger (car adapter)
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Small snow shovel
• Sand, kitty litter, or traction mats
• Jumper cables
• Road flares or reflective triangles
• Brightly colored cloth for signaling

If Stranded in Your Vehicle

1. Stay in your vehicle: It provides shelter and is easier to find
2. Make yourself visible: Turn on hazards, tie bright cloth to antenna
3. Run engine sparingly: 10-15 minutes per hour for heat
4. Crack window: Slightly open downwind window to prevent CO buildup
5. Keep exhaust clear: Check that snow isn't blocking tailpipe
6. Move around: Clap hands, wiggle toes to maintain circulation
7. Don't overexert: Shoveling in cold can trigger heart attacks

Recognizing Cold Emergencies

Hypothermia Signs

• Shivering (may stop in severe cases)
• Slurred speech, mumbling
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Confusion, memory loss
• Drowsiness, loss of coordination
• In infants: Bright red, cold skin

Frostbite Signs

• Red or pale, waxy-looking skin
• Numbness or tingling
• Hard or waxy-feeling skin
• Blisters (severe frostbite)
• Commonly affects fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks

Treatment

• Move to warmth: Get indoors if possible
• Remove wet clothing: Replace with dry layers
• Warm gradually: Blankets, body heat—not direct heat
• Warm liquids: If conscious and able to swallow (no alcohol)
• Frostbite: Don't rub; immerse in warm (not hot) water
• Seek medical help: For anything beyond mild symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculate Your Winter Preparedness