HOW TO 

PREPARE 

FOR A 

WINTER 

STORM
For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 1

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 How to Prepare for 

a Winter Storm

3 Now/Prepare

3 Stay Informed: Watches, 

Warnings, and Emergency 

Notifications

4 Emergency Supplies

5 Safety and Family 

Communication Plan

6 Car Emergency Supply Kit 

7 Protect Your Home

8 During/Survive

8 Travel Precautions 

9 Cold Weather and 

Your Health

10 After/Be Safe

10 Stay Safe and Healthy 

Post-Storm

11 Additional Information

12 Myth/Facts

13 Winter Storm Checklist

14 Helplines

Introduction

Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, ice, snow, 

high winds, or a combination of all of these conditions. This guide 

from FEMA is designed to help you properly prepare for a winter 

storm and know how to protect yourself before, during, and after 

one. 

Planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety and 

resiliency in the wake of a winter storm. The ability to maintain or 

quickly recover following a winter storm requires a focus on 

preparedness, advanced planning, and knowing what to do in the 

event of a winter storm.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit ready.gov/prepare
For more resources about winter storm risk, visit 

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

Winter storms can cause power outages that last for days. They can make roads and walkways extremely 

dangerous and also negatively affect critical community services including public transportation, childcare, 

and health programs. Injuries and deaths may occur from exposure, dangerous road conditions, carbon 

monoxide poisoning, and other winter storm conditions. Be better prepared this winter, and learn more 

at ready.gov/prepare.

Now/Prepare

Sign up for local alerts and warnings.

Create and test emergency 

communication plan(s).

Stock emergency supplies, and 

install battery-powered or battery 

backed-up carbon monoxide 

detectors and smoke detectors.

Winterize your home. Visit this page

to help you prepare.

Review your property insurance, and 

safeguard critical documents.

Get trained on specific needs your 

family may have. Also, consider 

joining your local Community 

Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Identify a place nearby where you 

can safely warm up should you lose 

heat in your home. 

During/Survive

Stay indoors and off the roads. If 

you must drive, keep emergency 

supplies in your car.

Close off rooms to consolidate and 

retain heat.

Dress in layers, and use blankets to 

stay warm.

Bring pets into a warm place and 

out of the storm or severe cold.

Never use a generator, camp stove, 

charcoal grill, or gasoline or 

propane heater indoors, as these 

items can start accidental fires, 

cause electric shock, and/or cause 

deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Never heat a home with a cooktop 

or oven.

Limit your time outdoors, and stay dry.

After/Be Safe

Only drive if necessary. Remove 

snow and ice from your tailpipe 

before starting your car, and 

check regularly if idling. Clean 

all snow and ice from your car 

before driving.

Dress in warm clothing, stay 

dry, prevent prolonged exposure 

to cold and wind, and avoid 

overexertion clearing/shoveling 

snow. Overexertion can lead to 

a medical emergency.

Monitor local news and alerts for 

emergency information and 

instructions.

ready.gov/prepare | 2
Now/Prepare for a Winter Storm

STAY INFORMED: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides alerts and warnings for all hazards through a National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR) receiver. There are radio receivers that are designed to 

work with external notification devices for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information on NWR 

receivers, visit nws.noaa.gov/nwr/info/nwrrcvr.html.

Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications that your community may offer. 

Download Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of 

notifications at ready.gov/prepare.

Download the FEMA and American Red Cross apps on iOS or Android at no 

cost. These apps may provide information about finding shelters, providing 

first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery. Search for the FEMA or 

American Red Cross apps on your smartphone or other mobile devices.

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

Learn the differences between Advisories, Watches, and Warnings, which describe changing winter 

weather conditions. Learning what these terms mean can help you understand how an approaching 

storm may impact you and what actions to take to stay safe. Winter Weather related Advisories, 

Watches, and Warnings are issued by your local National Weather Service office and are based 

upon local criteria.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 3

ADVISORY

Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or 

a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not 

be hazardous enough to meet Warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving 

conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.

WATCH

Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant 

winter storm event. Heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storms, blowing snow, or a 

combination of these events are possible.

WARNING

Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including 

snow, ice, sleet, blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards. Travel will 

become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until 

conditions improve.

For a full list of winter weather Advisories, Watches, and Warnings criteria, please visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

om/winter/ww.shtml

ready.gov/prepare
EMERGENCY 

SUPPLIES

You may not be at home when the 

storm starts, so it is important to 

have basic supplies of food and 

water as well as a way to stay warm 

without power in several locations 

such as your workplace, vehicle, 

and/or school. You can build your 

supplies over time by adding a few 

items each week or month. Gather, 

in advance, the necessary supplies 

and items you will need to stay safe 

after the winter storm passes. For a 

complete list of emergency 

supplies, visit www.ready.gov/kit.

Check these supplies off of your 

Winter Storm Preparedness 

Checklist once you add them to 

your emergency kit, which appears 

at the end of this document.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

Make sure you have everything you 

will need to get in touch with your 

family either through cellular phones 

or email. 

MEDICAL NEEDS

Be equipped to tend to any current or 

unexpected medical conditions your 

family members may have. Ask your 

doctor about storing prescription 

medication such as at least a threedays’ supply of heart and blood 

pressure medication, insulin for 

diabetics, and other prescription 

drugs such as inhalers for those with 

asthma. Include battery backup 

power for power-dependent mobility 

devices, oxygen, and other assistive 

technology needs. 

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS

Place any important documents in a 

sealed, waterproof container to keep 

them dry and easily accessible.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 4

Now/Prepare for a Winter Storm

TOOLS AND SAFETY ITEMS

Small items like matches, 

flashlights, a multi-tool, pocket 

knife, and a whistle (to signal for 

help) can make a huge difference 

for your family while weathering 

a storm.

FOOD/SUPPLIES

Have at least a three-days’ supply 

of non-perishable food and water 

for your family. Remember to 

store anything specific to your 

family’s needs. 

WARM CLOTHING & BLANKETS

Warm clothes and blankets can help 

prevent hypothermia. Do not forget 

warm, waterproof, and protective 

footwear as well as gloves.

Ask yourself, “What would I need 

for myself and my family if a winter 

storm struck?” and “What would I 

or my family require if we did not 

have access to a grocery store or 

pharmacy for at least three days?” 

Add any of these specific items to 

your Winter Storm Preparedness 

Checklist.

ready.gov/prepare
WINTER STORMS CAN BE DECEPTIVE 

KILLERS

The NWS refers to winter storms as “deceptive killers” because most 

deaths and injuries are indirectly related to the storms. The majority of 

deaths caused by winter storms are from vehicle accidents due to ice 

and snow. Heart attacks brought on by over-exertion from shoveling or 

clearing snow also increase during and after storms. Finally, individuals 

also suffer dangerous injuries (e.g., frostbite and hypothermia) because 

of exposure and lack of protection from the wind and cold.

Another significant danger is sickness or death from carbon monoxide 

poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when using portable 

generators indoors, in attached garages, too close to the house, or when 

starting a vehicle without clearing snow and ice from the tailpipe. 

Generators should be used only outdoors and should be located at least 

20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 5

Now/Prepare for a Winter Storm

CREATE YOUR 

FAMILY EMERGENCY 

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Before a storm hits, it is 

important to know how you 

will contact your family and 

how you will get back together.

Remember, you might not always 

have access to your cellular phone. 

Keep important numbers written 

down in your wallet in case you 

cannot access the contact list in 

your phone. Landline and cellular 

phone systems are often 

overwhelmed following a disaster, 

so you may need to use text 

messages and social media. 

Designate an out-of-town contact 

who can help your household 

reconnect. Be sure to practice your 

plan with your family. Get more 

information by downloading 

Be Smart. Create Your Family 

Emergency Communication Plan

or visit ready.gov/make-a-plan.

ready.gov/prepare
BUILDING AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT FOR YOUR CAR

Road conditions during winter storms can be extremely dangerous. When storms are predicted, plan 

to stay off of the roads. However, even when the road conditions are good, preparing and 

maintaining your vehicle for cold weather will help keep your car dependable and reduce the 

chances of being stuck on the road in cold weather. Once you pack your emergency supply kit for 

your car, check off the items in your Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist.

WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE

During the fall, before winter 

weather sets in, make sure you 

or a mechanic completes a 

winter weather check on your 

vehicle by ensuring that the 

following car components are 

safely working:

• Antifreeze levels 

• Battery and ignition system 

• Brakes 

• Exhaust system (carbon 

monoxide is odorless and can 

be fatal)

• Fuel and air filters 

• Heater and defroster

• Lights and flashing hazard 

lights

• Oil 

• Thermostat 

• Windshield wiper equipment

• Good winter tires 

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 6

Now/Prepare for a Winter Storm
ACTIONS THAT REDUCE PROPERTY DAMAGE & PROVIDE PROTECTION

WINTERIZE YOUR HOME 

by insulating walls and attics, 

caulking and weather-stripping 

doors and windows, and installing 

storm windows or covering windows 

with plastic.

INSULATE WATER PIPES. 

Also, allow faucets to drip or trickle 

during unusually cold weather or if 

the power and heat are out to avoid 

freezing. When water freezes, it 

expands, and this can cause water 

pipes to burst. Know how to shut off 

water valves if a pipe bursts.

CLEAR RAIN GUTTERS,

repair roof leaks, check your roof to 

make sure it can handle the extra 

weight of the snow and ice, and cut 

away tree branches that could fall on 

a house or neighboring structure. 

Keep pathways and driveways clear 

between storms to avoid buildup 

of snow piles and icing.

INSTALL BATTERY-OPERATED 

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS 

or electric detectors with battery 

backups in central locations on 

every level of your home. This 

will provide an early warning of 

accumulating carbon monoxide, 

which is a colorless, odorless, 

tasteless, and potentially 

deadly gas.

HIRE A CONTRACTOR 

to check the structural ability of 

your roof to sustain unusually 

heavy weight from the 

accumulation of snow and/or ice.

KEEP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 

ON HAND 

and make sure everyone in your home 

knows how to use them. If your smoke 

alarms get power from your home’s 

electrical system (hardwired), make 

sure the backup battery is replaced at 

least once a year, so your alarms will 

work during a power outage.

MAINTAIN HEATING EQUIPMENT

and chimneys by having them 

cleaned and inspected every year by 

a qualified professional.

Renters, either check with your 

landlord or property manager to ensure 

that they have taken care of these 

necessary building improvements 

or find out your responsibilities 

with respect to these actions.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 7

Now/Prepare for a Winter Storm

INSURANCE

Insurance claims are an important part of recovering from storm damage. Review your homeowners, renters, or 

business insurance policies to ensure you have appropriate coverage for your property and personal belongings. 

Photograph and inventory your property to assist with post-disaster claims.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Most property insurance policies do not cover flood losses, so you will need to purchase separate flood insurance if 

your property is at risk for flooding due to snowmelt. Talk to your insurance agent about buying flood insurance. 

Flood insurance is available for homeowners, renters, and business owners through the National Flood Insurance 

Program in participating communities. Keep in mind that a policy purchased today will take 30 days to go into effect, 

so act now. Learn how to protect yourself financially from flood damage by visiting FloodSmart.gov. 

PETS

Don’t forget to make a plan for your pet too! To learn more tips, go to ready.gov/animals.

ready.gov/prepare
During/Survive a Winter Storm

STAY OFF THE ROAD

Federal Highway Administration 

reports indicate that the risk of 

vehicular accidents rises 

sharply in winter weather 

conditions. In an average year, 

there are more than half a 

million vehicle crashes when 

the roads are snowy, slushy, or 

icy, resulting in nearly 2,000 

fatalities and 140,000 injuries.1

Driving is very dangerous during and 

immediately after a winter storm. Plan 

to stay off the road when authorities 

issue Advisories, Watches, and 

Warnings. 

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY

If driving is necessary, ensure you 

have emergency supplies of food, 

water, warm clothing, and a full tank 

of gas in case you are stuck in traffic 

or have an accident and have to wait 

several hours for assistance. If 

possible, travel during the day and do 

not travel alone. Stay on main roads 

and do not crowd the snowplows. 

Let someone know your destination, 

route, and expected arrival time. 

If you become stranded in your car 

on a major highway, remain in your 

vehicle until help arrives. If you are 

stranded on a more remote road, 

use items around you to get 

attention for help.

SNOW SHOVELING: 

OVER-EXERTION AND INJURY

Nearly 100 people die every year 

from heart attacks brought on by 

shoveling snow.2

 Use caution, take 

breaks, push the snow instead of 

lifting it when possible, and lift 

lighter loads. Consider clearing the 

sidewalks of your elderly neighbors 

or neighbors with disabilities.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 8

CAUTION: CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS

Each year, an average of 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning,3 and there are more than 

20,000 visits to the emergency room with more than 4,000 hospitalizations.4

 Carbon monoxide-related deaths are highest 

during colder months. These deaths are likely due to increased use of gas-powered furnaces and alternative heating, 

cooking, and power sources used dangerously indoors during power outages. NEVER use a generator, grill, camp stove, or 

charcoal burning device inside or in any partially enclosed area; keep these devices at least 20 feet from doors, windows, 

and vents. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh-air location outdoors or by an open window or 

door. From the fresh-air location call or text 9-1-1 for help, and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

1 “How Do Weather Events Impact Roads?” U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, last modified February 1, 2017, accessed April 11, 2017, 

www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm.

2 “Snow Shoveling Safety,” American Journal of Emergency Medicine, last updated January 2011, www.nationwidechildrens.org/cirp-snow-shoveling.

3 United States, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Average Annual Number of Deaths and Death Rates from 

Unintentional, Non-Fire Related Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, by Sex and Age Group United States, 1999-2010,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 63, no. 3 (January 

2014), 65.

4 United States, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Frequently Asked Questions,” last 

modified December 30, 2015, http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm.

ready.gov/prepare
For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 9

During/Survive a Winter Storm

COLD WEATHER DANGERS

If you detect symptoms of frostbite, which is the freezing of the skin and body tissue beneath the skin, 

in either yourself or another person, seek medical care IMMEDIATELY. Additionally, hypothermia occurs 

when one’s body temperature drops to dangerously low levels, so, before addressing symptoms of 

frostbite, first determine whether you or someone else is showing signs of hypothermia.

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL

As the wind increases, your body is cooled at a faster rate, causing the skin 

temperature to drop. This is why it sometimes “feels” colder than the 

actual temperature. Wind chill is the temperature it “feels like” when you 

are outside. The NWS provides a Wind Chill Chart to show the difference 

between air temperature, and the perceived temperature, and the amount 

of time until frostbite occurs. 

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA

• Uncontrollable shivering

• Memory loss, disorientation

• Incoherence, slurred speech

• Drowsiness

• Apparent exhaustion

fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the 

tip of the nose.

WHAT TO DO 

If you detect symptoms of frostbite:

Cover exposed skin, but do not rub 

the affected area in an attempt to 

warm it up. Frostbite results in the 

formation of ice crystals in the 

tissue, and rubbing could damage 

the tissue. Seek medical help 

immediately. For more information, 

visit the CDC’s page on frostbite 

and hypothermia.

If you detect symptoms of 

hypothermia: 

• Get the victim to a warm location.

• Remove wet clothing.

• Warm the center of the body first 

by wrapping the person in 

blankets or putting on dry 

clothing.

• Give warm, non-alcoholic 

beverages if the person is 

conscious.

• Take the person’s temperature. 

If it is below 95°, seek medical 

attention immediately.

WHAT TO WEAR

• If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of 

heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.

• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.

• Cover all of your body. Wear a hat and a scarf, covering your mouth to protect your face and to help prevent 

loss of body heat.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit ready.gov/prepare

SIGNS OF FROSTBITE

Loss of feeling and white or pale 

appearance in extremities, such as

frostbite
After/Be Safe

ROAD TO RECOVERY

After a winter storm, the road to recovery can be challenging. 

It may take several weeks for clean-up and rebuilding.

• If your home is damaged, no longer safe, and/or has lost power, you 

may want to go to a designated public shelter. Text SHELTER + your ZIP 

code (e.g., SHELTER 20472) to 43362 (FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in 

your area. Follow local media for information on shelters. You can 

also find a shelter near you by checking out the FEMA mobile app: 

fema.gov/mobile-app.

• Friends, family, and neighbors will likely be the first to provide help. 

Plan with neighbors now to help each other and share resources.

• Nonprofit and faith-based organizations often provide support 

immediately after a winter storm. If you or someone in your household has 

a disability, an access or functional need, and receives disability services, 

contact your local disability service provider for assistance.

• Insurance is an essential part of recovery. If you have insurance, you may 

receive financial compensation for some of your losses. Take pictures to 

document your damage, and file a claim as soon as possible. Do what you 

can to prevent further damage (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof) 

because insurance may not cover damage that occurs after the winter storm.

• The Federal Government provides assistance only when the President 

declares an area to be a federal disaster. FEMA may provide financial 

assistance for basic needs that cannot be met by other sources. The U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Small Business 

Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture may also provide 

disaster assistance.

Insurance claims and other forms of assistance may take time to arrive, and, 

if you are missing key documents, additional delays are possible.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 10

LEARN FROM EVERY STORM

Restock your emergency supplies to be ready in case another storm hits.

Assess how well your supplies and family plan worked. What could 

you have done better?

Take a few minutes to improve your family plan and supplies before the 

next winter storm hits.

Talk to your neighbors and colleagues about their experiences and share 

tips with each other.

ready.gov/prepare
For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 11

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The following resources and websites can help you further prepare for, respond to, and recover 

from a winter storm.

CDC Winter Prevention Guide:

http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp

Winter Driving Tips:

https://one.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/tips/winter/index.html

Winter Storms...The Deceptive Killers:

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/resources/Winter_ 

Storms2008.pdf

Winter Weather Watches, Advisories, and Warnings :

www.weather.gov

American Red Cross, Repairing Your Flooded Home:

www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/

m4340135_file_cont333_lang0_150.pdf

RELATED WEBSITES

FEMA Mobile App: fema.gov/mobile-app

FEMA Winter Weather: www.ready.gov/winter-weather

American Red Cross Flood Safety: 

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-foremergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

www.fema.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

www.noaa.gov

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

http://emergency.cdc.gov/winter/index.asp

U.S. Fire Administration Winter Fire Safety (USFA):

www.usfa.fema.gov/winter

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration Disaster Technical Assistance Center:

www.samhsa.gov/dtac.

Para obtener información y recursos en español visite 

https://community.fema.gov/?lang=es

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit ready.gov/prepare
For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 12

TEST YOUR WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS KNOWLEDGE

1 MYTH: Preparing for disasters is 

time consuming and expensive. 

 FACT: Signing up for local 

alerts and warnings is free. 

Many preparedness apps are 

also free.

 FACT: Your home may already 

contain emergency kit items. 

 FACT: You can purchase items 

for an emergency kit, and 

assemble it over time. 

 FACT: Having an adequate 

emergency supply of food and a 

communication plan can be of 

benefit no matter the hazard. 

2 MYTH: My homeowners 

insurance should cover 

everything if an emergency 

winter storm affects me.

 FACT: This is not always the 

case. Check your insurance 

policy, and consult your 

insurance agent. 

 FACT: Standard homeowners 

insurance does not cover 

flood damage. 

3 MYTH: In an emergency, only 

first responders need to know 

what to do. 

 FACT: Everyone needs to know 

what to do before, during, and 

after a winter storm to protect 

themselves, their families, and 

their neighbors.

 FACT: First responders may not 

reach you for hours or days after 

a winter storm strikes. Everyone 

needs to know what to do to 

stay safe. 

4 MYTH: If I have an emergency 

kit packed, I am prepared for any 

emergency, including a severe 

winter storm.

 FACT: Emergency preparedness 

requires more than a kit. 

 FACT: Having a family 

communication plan, signing up 

for alerts and warnings, and 

knowing what to do are also 

important. 

 FACT: Many emergencies 

require knowledge of what to do 

to protect yourself. 

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit ready.gov/prepare
For more resources about winter storm risk, visit | 13

WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST 

The right time to prepare for a winter storm is now. This checklist will help get you started. Make sure to include your entire 

family in the preparation, and discuss your emergency plan with them. Then, post this checklist in an easily accessible location 

so it is always close by. Every family is different, so when you fill this out, be sure to consider your family’s specific needs.

BEFORE A WINTER STORM

Stock your emergency kit for 

sheltering with:

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

 Important contact information for 

family, school, work, doctors, etc., 

including phone numbers and 

email addresses

 Cellular phone, extra battery, and 

chargers for electrical equipment 

 AM/FM radio/NOAA weather 

radio (extra batteries)

 _____________________________________

MEDICAL NEEDS 

 Medications, plans for 

refrigeration for at least one week, 

and copies of prescriptions

 Extra eyeglasses/contact lens

 Medical equipment/assistive 

technology and backup batteries

 First aid kit

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS

 Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, 

passport)

 Cash and credit cards

 Personal records (e.g., birth 

certificates, marriage certificates)

 Medical records

 Financial information (e.g., bank 

account or credit card 

information)

 Property records (e.g., insurance 

policies, deed, or lease)

 Waterproof, portable container for 

important documents 

 _____________________________________

TOOLS & SAFETY ITEMS

 Flashlight

 Multi-tool

 Matches or lighter in waterproof 

container

 Local Map

Fire Extinguisher

Bag of sand or cat litter

Shovel

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

FOOD/SUPPLIES

At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food; if possible, stock 

for a week or more for sheltering

At least a three-day supply of 

water (1 gal per person per day), if 

possible stock for a week or more 

for sheltering

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food, supplies, and extra water

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

HYGIENE & SANITATION

 Soap/disinfectant/sanitizer

 Paper towels/moist towelettes

 Toilet paper

 Bleach

 Toothbrush and toothpaste

 _____________________________________

PROTECTIVE GEAR & CLOTHING

 Extra warm clothes

 Sturdy shoes

 Blankets or sleeping bags 

(sleeping bags should be labeled 

for low temperatures)

 Snow gear including gloves

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

CAR EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

 Cellular phone charger

 First aid kit

 Jumper cables

 Flares

 Whistle

 Water, snacks

 Full tank of gas

 Flashlight

 Tow rope

 Boots, mittens, warm clothes

 Blanket

 Shovel 

 Ice scraper, snow brush

 Snow traction mats and bags of 

sand or cat litter (cat litter helps 

with the tire traction) 

 Tire chains or snow tires

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

COMFORT & PRICELESS ITEMS

 Items like: books, puzzles, favorite 

stuffed toy, photo albums, valuables

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit ready.gov/prepare
| 14

DURING A WINTER STORM 

When a winter storm watch or warning is issued, it is important to stay informed. 

Tune in to channels: ______________________________________________________________________

Check for alerts on Apps: _______________________________________________________________ FEMA App

In case of an emergency, know where to go and how to get there. 

Use evacuation route: ___________________________________________________________________

The closest warming shelter is: ________________________________________________________

Meet family at: ____________________________________________________________________________

Make sure to have these important numbers with you:

Family member’s name: ________________________________________________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Family member’s name: ________________________________________________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Local contact’s name: ___________________________________________________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Out-of-state contact’s name: ___________________________________________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Primary physician’s name: ______________________________________________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Hospital’s phone #: _______________________________________________________________________

Insurance company’s phone #: ____________________________________________

HELPLINES

FEMA’s helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA

TTY: 1-800-4627585

VRS: 1-800-621-3362

RedCross’s helpline: 1-800-733-2727

For more information, email us at prepareathon@fema.dhs.gov, 

or join the conversation online at #Prepareathon.

For more resources about winter storm risk, visit ready.gov/prepare