HOW TO 

PREPARE

FOR A WINTER STORM
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 1 

How to Prepare for 

a Winter Storm

Winter storms can bring freezing rain, ice, snow, high winds, or a combination of these conditions. They can 

cause power outages that last for days, make roads and walkways very dangerous, and can affect community 

services. Planning and preparing can help you manage the impact of a winter storm and keep you and your family 

safe. A sustained power outage can have a significant impact on people who require electricity to power medical 

equipment, so make sure that you have a plan to take care of yourself and your family during an outage.

KNOW YOUR RISK

WHAT: A winter storm 

occurs when there is 

significant precipitation 

and the temperature is 

low enough that 

precipitation forms as 

sleet or snow, or when 

rain turns to ice. A winter 

storm can range from 

freezing rain and ice, to 

moderate snowfall over a 

few hours, to a blizzard 

that lasts for several days, 

or be a combination of 

several winter weather 

conditions. Many winter 

storms are accompanied 

by dangerously low 

temperatures.

WHEN: Winter storms can 

occur from early autumn to 

late spring depending on 

the region of the country.

WHERE: Winter storms 

and colder than normal 

temperatures can happen 

in every region of the 

country.

IMPACT: Extreme winter 

weather can immobilize 

an entire region. Ice and 

heavy snowfall can knock 

out heat, power, and 

communications services, 

sometimes for several 

days. Driving and walking 

can become extremely 

hazardous due to icy 

conditions, snowfall 

accumulation, low visibility, 

or extreme cold. People 

may need to stay at home 

or work without utilities or 

other services, until 

driving is safe. Pipes and 

water mains can break. 
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 2 

s 

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

Frequency of Winter 

Storm Events By County: 

1996-2013

Average Number of Storms per Year 

per County from 1996-2013

Less than 1 event per year

Between 1 and 4 events per year

More than 4 but less than 

8 events per year

Between 8 and 12 events per year

More than 12 events per year

“Winter Storms” include all events 

identified by NOAA as blizzard, heavy 

snow, ice storm, lake-effect snow, 

winter storm, or winter weather.

RI

VT

NJ

DE

MD

PA

NY

WV

NC

NH

MA

CT

VA

SC

GA AL MS

TX LA

OK

AR

TN

FL

KY

IN IL

WI MN

ND MT

WA

OR

CA

NV

AZ NM

CO

KS

NE IA

MO

WY

UT

ID SD

MI

OH

PR HI

AK

ME

0 230 460 690 115

miles

MapID 55257195150806140933hqprod

ORR Mapping & Analysis Center

Washington, DC

07/29/14

Sources: ESRI, HSIP, USGS

Frequency of Abnormally 

Cold Days Per Year 

By County: 1996-2013

Number of Extreme Cold/Wind Chill 

and Cold/Wind Chill Days per Year 

by County: 1996-2013

Fewer than 1 day every 6 years

Between 1 day every 6 years and

1 day every 2 years

Between 1 day every 2 years and 

1 day every year

More than 1 day every year

More than 1 day every year 

plus more than 1 extreme 

cold/wind chill day every year

“Cold/extreme cold/wind chill”event

are determined by local and regional 

meteorologists and standards differ.

RI

ME

VT

NJ

DE

MD

PA

NY

WV

NC

NH

MA

CT

VA

SC

AL GA MS

TX LA

OK

AR

TN

FL

KY

IL IN

MN WI

ND MT

WA

OR

CA

NV

AZ

NM

CO

KS

NE IA

MO

WY

UT

ID SD

MI

OH

PR HI

AK

ORR Mapping & Analysis Center

Washington, DC

07/29/14

Sources: ESRI, HSIP, USGS

MapID 9d88334a8e10806141056hqprod

miles

0 230 460 690 115
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 3 

Protect Yourself Before, During, and After a Winter Storm

This page provides an overview of protective actions to take before, during, and after a winter storm. 

Additional information is provided in the following pages for each phase. 

1 | BEFORE: PREPARE

Prepare now in case a winter storm hits and you are 

home for several days without power and heat. 

• Prepare by gathering emergency supplies, making 

a family plan, and discussing emergency 

notifications and expectations with 

your workplace and/or schools. 

• Install battery-powered or 

battery back-up carbon 

monoxide detectors. 

• If you have access to an 

OUTSIDE generator, 

have an electric cord 

long enough to keep 

the generator at least 

20 feet from any door, 

window, or vent. 

• Make specific plans for 

how you will avoid driving. 

• Be alert to changing weather 

conditions using local alerts, 

radio, and other news sources 

for information and instructions.

2 | DURING: SURVIVE

Stay indoors and avoid driving as much as possible. 

• If the power goes out, close off unused rooms

to consolidate and retain heat. 

• Wear layered clothing and use blankets 

or sleeping bags to stay warm.

• Bring pets inside. 

• NEVER use generators, 

outdoor heating or cooking 

equipment, such as a grill, 

camp stove, or a gasoline 

or propane heater, indoors. 

• NEVER heat a home 

with a stove. 

• If driving is absolutely 

necessary, keep disaster 

supplies in your vehicle, 

make sure your vehicle is

properly equipped, and use 

extra precaution on the roads. 

• Limit your time outdoors. 

If you are outside, protect yourself from 

frostbite and hypothermia by wearing several 

layers of warm, loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. 

3 | AFTER: RECOVER

Driving conditions will still be dangerous; only drive if necessary. 

• If the power is out for more than a few days, your community 

may set up warming shelters. 

• If you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your 

home and you can get there safely, you may want to go to 

a shelter. 

• If you go outside, dress in warm clothing, stay dry, and avoid 

prolonged exposure to cold and wind to protect yourself 

from frostbite and hypothermia. 
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 4 

Protect Yourself Before, During, and After a Winter Storm

WINTER STORMS CAN 

BE DECEPTIVE KILLERS

The National Weather Service (NWS) refers to 

winter storms as “deceptive killers” because most 

deaths are indirectly related to the storms. The 

majority of deaths caused by winter storms are 

from vehicle accidents due to ice and snow. In 

addition, people can die from carbon monoxide 

poisoning when using portable generators indoors, 

including in attached garages, or too close to the 

house. Generators should be used only outdoors 

and should be located at least 20 feet away from 

doors, windows, or vents. Individuals also suffer 

cold injuries, such as frostbite or hypothermia, from 

being outside too long and by not being well 

protected from wind and cold.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

Winter storms and extreme cold are events with 

advance notice. The NWS of the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues advisories, 

watches, and warnings for significant accumulations of 

snow, freezing rain, sleet, or extreme cold. Emergency 

information will be provided through radio and TV 

broadcasts and via Wireless Emergency Alerts texted 

to cell phones.

In addition to commercial radios, NOAA Weather 

Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the 

NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance 

to receive notifications from your local emergency 

services. Download Be Smart. Know Your Alerts 

and Warnings for a summary of notifications at: 

www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, 

such as those available from FEMA and the American 

Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, 

providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery. 

(Search for the FEMA App or Red Cross Apps on your 

iPhone, android, or other mobile device.)

DEVELOP A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Your family may not be together when a winter storm 

hits, so it is important to know how you will contact 

one another in an emergency, and how you will get 

back together when it is safe to travel again. A storm 

may overwhelm landline and cellular phone systems. 

You may need to use text messaging or social media 

to communicate with family and friends. Keep 

important numbers written down in your wallet in case 

you cannot access the contact list in your phone. For more 

information, including a sample household communications 

plan, visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Protect Yourself Before, During, and After a Winter Storm

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 5 

KNOW THE TERMS 

Know the terms used to describe changing winter weather conditions and what actions to take. These terms can 

be used to determine the timeline and severity of an approaching storm.

ADVISORY

The NWS issues a winter weather advisory when conditions are expected to 

cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these 

situations should not be life-threatening.

WATCH

The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as 

heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still 

uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential 

severe storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, TV, or other news 

sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and 

gather any items you may need if you lose power.

WARNING

The NWS issues a winter storm warning when 4 or more inches of snow or sleet 

are expected in the next 12 hours, or 6 or more inches in 24 hours, or 1⁄4 inch or 

more of ice accumulation is expected. The NWS may also issue a warning if the 

storm is expected to hit during high-traffic times, like rush hour. Stay indoors, and 

keep warm and dry. Minimize driving. 

The NWS also issues advisories and warnings for other winter weather, including blizzards, freezes, wind chill, lake effect 

snow, and dense fog. Be alert to weather reports and tune in for specific guidance when these conditions develop. 

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. 

Windchill is the temperature it “feels like” when you 

are outside. The NWS provides a Windchill Chart to 

show the difference between air temperature and 

the perceived temperature and the amount of time 

until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit: 

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill. 
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 6 

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1 | Protect Yourself Before a Winter Storm

Plan now to be able to stay where you are when a storm hits. If you are not at home when the storm starts, you 

may need to stay where you are until the roads are safe. This means having basic supplies of food and water in 

several locations, including your workplace, vehicle, and, if possible, other places where you and members of your 

household regularly spend time (e.g., house of worship, community center, and school). 

ASSEMBLING EMERGENCY SUPPLIES 

You may be without power and heat for several days. Have a family discussion; think through what three days without 

power, water, or heat would feel like. Gather the basic supplies your family would need if grocery stores and other services 

are unavailable; if power, water, and gas is interrupted; or if you cannot leave your home. Be sure to review your 

emergency supplies every fall. Basic emergency supplies should include the following, most of which you probably 

already have in your home.

WATER – Ensure you have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. (Store 

a longer than 3-day supply of water, if possible). An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a 

gallon of fluid daily. Individual needs vary depending on age, gender, health, level of activity, food 

choices, and climate. You may also need stored water for food preparation.

FOOD – Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for members of your household, including pets.

Consider special dietary needs (e.g., infant formula). Include a non-electric can opener for canned food

FLASHLIGHT, RADIO, and CELL PHONE CHARGER – You will need to be able to charge these items 

without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked or battery-powered, 

and stored with extra batteries. Your cell phone charger should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be 

charged from a car outlet.

MEDICAL – Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications, and 

medical supplies.

SANITATION – Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, 

diapers, and plastic bags, for use when water resources are limited.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY – Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility devices, 

oxygen, and other assistive technology needs.

EXTRA CLOTHING, BLANKETS, and SLEEPING BAGS – Dress in layers to keep warm if you lose power. 

Ensure you have enough clothing, hats, mittens, and blankets or sleeping bags for everyone in the house.

ITEMS FOR SNOW AND ICE – Stock up on rock salt to melt ice on walkways or sand or kitty litter to 

improve traction and snow shovels or other snow removal equipment.

WOOD – Store a supply of dry, seasoned wood if you have a working fireplace or wood-burning stove

with a safe flue or vent.

It is important to consider the unique needs of your family, including access and functional needs, and the needs of 

children and pets. You may need to include: extra water; special food, such as infant formula or pet food; and supplies 

or equipment, such as diapers, glasses, or medical equipment.

Download Emergency Supply Checklist at www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. 

BEFORE WINTER APPROACHES, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THESE ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES:
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 7 

1 | Protect Yourself Before a Winter Storm

PROTECT YOUR HOME 

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 that your 

alarms will work during a power outage. 

Insulate water pipes with insulation or newspaper and plastic and allow faucets to drip 

or trickle during cold weather to avoid freezing. Learn how to shut off water valves if a 

pipe bursts.

Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of your roof to sustain unusually heavy 

weight from the accumulation of snow or ice.

Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping 

doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a 

house or neighboring structure during, or following, a storm. Keep pathways and 

driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing.

Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected 

every year by a qualified professional.

Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors or electric detectors with battery 

backup in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to 

provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, 

tasteless, and potentially deadly gas.
BUILDING AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT 

FOR YOUR CAR 

WHY?

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 8 

1 | Protect Yourself Before a Winter Storm

WINTERIZE 

YOUR VEHICLE

Winter driving conditions 

can be extremely 

dangerous. During the 

fall, before winter weather 

sets in, make sure you 

or a mechanic completes 

a winter weather check on 

your vehicle. 

ANTIFREEZE LEVELS – 

Ensure they are sufficient 

to avoid freezing.

BATTERY AND IGNITION 

SYSTEM – Keep in top 

condition and clean 

battery terminals.

BRAKES – Check for wear 

and fluid levels.

EXHAUST SYSTEM – Check 

for leaks and crimped 

pipes and repair or replace 

as necessary. Carbon 

monoxide is deadly and 

usually gives no warning.

FUEL AND AIR FILTERS – 

Replace and keep water 

out of the system by using 

additives. Maintain a full 

tank of gas to keep the 

fuel line from freezing.

HEATER AND DEFROSTER– 

Ensure they work properly.

LIGHTS AND FLASHING 

HAZARD LIGHTS – 

Check for serviceability.

OIL – Check for level and 

weight. Heavier oils congeal 

more at low temperatures 

and do not lubricate as well.

THERMOSTAT – Confirm it 

works properly.

WINDSHIELD WIPER 

EQUIPMENT – Repair any 

problems and maintain 

proper washer fluid level.

INSTALL GOOD WINTER 

TIRES – Make sure the 

tires have adequate tread. 

All-weather radials are 

usually adequate for 

most winter conditions. 

However, some 

jurisdictions require 

vehicles to be equipped 

with chains or snow 

tires with studs to drive 

on their roads.
2 | Protect Yourself During 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 

150,000 injuries.1 Driving 

is very dangerous during 

and immediately after a 

winter storm and you should 

make plans to stay off 

the road when advisories 

and watches are issued. 

ESSENTIAL 

TRAVEL ONLY

If driving is absolutely 

necessary, ensure you 

have emergency supplies 

of food and 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. Try to travel 

during the day and do not 

travel alone. Stay on main 

roads. Let someone know 

your destination, route, 

and expected arrival time. 

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 9 

SNOW SHOVELING: 

OVEREXERTION AND INJURY

Snow shoveling can be hazardous. More than 

10,000 people visit emergency rooms each year 

due to overexertion and injury from snow shoveling, 

including strains, cuts, and fractures from slipping 

and falling. 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. 

WHAT TO DO IF STRANDED 

STAY

• If stuck on the road to avoid exposure 

and/or rescue is likely. 

• If a safe location is neither nearby 

nor visible.

• If you do not have appropriate clothing 

to go outside.

• If you do not have the ability to call for help.

GO

• If the distance to call for help is accessible. 

• If you have visibility and outside 

conditions are safe. 

• If you have appropriate clothing. 

• Once the storm has passed, if you are not 

already home, follow instructions from 

your local transportation department 

and emergency management agency to 

determine which route will be safest for 

you to get home. Drive with extra caution. 

CAUTION: CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS

Each year, an average of 430 

Americans die from unintentional 

carbon monoxide poisoning, and 

there are more than 20,000 visits 

to the emergency room with more than 4,000 

hospitalizations.3

 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 inappropriately indoors 

during power outages. To that end, 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 the alarm sounds, move 

quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an 

open window or door. Call for help from the fresh 

air location and remain there until emergency 

personnel arrive to assist you.

1 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, “How Do Weather Events Impact Roads?” Last modified: February 25, 2014. 

 Accessed July 28, 2014. www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm

2 American Journal of Emergency Medicine, January 2011. www.nationwidechildrens.org/cirp-snow-shoveling

3 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Frequently Asked Questions.” Updated July 23, 2013. Accessed June 25, 2014. 

 www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center.
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 10 

2 | Protect Yourself During a Winter Storm

COLD WEATHER DANGERS 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that, if you detect symptoms of frostbite, 

you seek medical care IMMEDIATELY. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine 

whether the person also shows signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires 

emergency medical assistance.

.

DRESS

SIGNS OF FROSTBITE Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, 

Occurs when the skin and body tissue just such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose

beneath it freezes

WHAT TO DO Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in 

If symptoms of frostbite are detected an attempt to warm it up.

Seek medical help immediately.

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA Uncontrollable shivering

Dangerously low body temperature Memory loss, disorientation

Incoherence, slurred speech

Drowsiness

Apparent exhaustion

WHAT TO DO Get the victim to a warm location.

If symptoms of hypothermia are detected 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°F, seek 

medical attention immediately.

• 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.
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 11 

3 | Protect Yourself After a Winter Storm

IF YOUR HOME LOSES POWER OR 

HEAT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD 

If your home loses power or heat for more than a few 

hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay 

warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a 

designated public shelter if you can get there safely. 

Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to 

find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER

20472). Bring any personal items that you would need 

to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take 

precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly 

in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The following resources and websites can help you further 

prepare for, respond to, and recover from a winter storm. 

RESOURCES

• CDC Winter Prevention Guide http://emergency.

cdc.gov//disasters/winter/guide.asp

• Winter Driving Tips 

www.nhtsa.gov/links/WinterDrivingTips/

• Winter Storms...The Deceptive Killers. 

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

Winter_ Storms2008.pdf

• Winter weather watches, advisories, and warnings 

can be found at www.weather.gov

RELATED WEBSITES

America’s PrepareAthon! www.ready.gov/prepare 

Ready Campaign, www.ready.gov/winter-weather 

American Red Cross, www.redcross.org

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),

www.fema.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA), www.noaa.org

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

For more information on America’s PrepareAthon!, log on to www.ready.gov/prepare, 

email us at prepareAthon@fema.dhs.gov, or join the conversation online at #PrepareAthon.