The end of October is typically the end of hurricane season in the United States, and the beginning of winter storm season in the Northeast. Nor’Easters, blizzards, and winter weather in general brings a unique set of challenges to people who live in cold-weather climates. We recommend taking a few minutes to look over this CDC Winter Readiness Graphic and printing it out for reference, if possible. For a lengthier read on winter weather preparedness, please continue reading below, or click this link to open and save our Winter Storms Fact Sheet. 

A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

Winter Storm Preparation

• Be familiar with winter storm warning messages – subscribe to the social media feed of one or more local meteorologists or the NOAA (@noaa).
• Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
• Install and check smoke detectors.

 

Winterizing Your Home

• Insulate walls and attic.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows –OR– Cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
• Fireplace owners: make sure you have an ample supply of wood

 

Take Steps to Keep Water Pipes from freezing

• Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
• Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to shut off water valves.

 

Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out

• A small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel.
• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters**
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• A first-aid kit
• A one-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
• Non-electric can opener
• One-week supply of essential prescription medications.
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)

**Kerosene Heaters
Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Use only the correct fuel for your unit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least 3 feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.

 

Make a Plan

• Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school).
• Have a plan for getting back together.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact,” since after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance.
• Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
• Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter storm.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

 

During a Winter Storm

If You’re Indoors:

• Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Conserve fuel.
• Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night.
• Close off unused rooms.
• Listen to the radio or television to get the latest information.

If the Pipes Freeze:

• Remove any insulation or layers of newspaper and wrap pipes in rags
• Completely open all faucets
• Pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate)

If You’re Outdoors:

• Dress warmly.
• Wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing; layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves when possible
• If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body, and remember to take frequent breaks.
• Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.
• Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid overexertion.

Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Exercise like shoveling snow or pushing a car can trigger a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently, as wet clothing loses all of its insulating value. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance: infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

 

Winter Storm Watches and Warnings
A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.

 

Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90°F. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person’s trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

 

Mitigation
Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation steps now such as purchasing a flood insurance policy and installing storm windows will help reduce the impact of winter storms in the future. For more information on mitigation, contact your local emergency management office.