Prepare a Winter Storm Plan
  • Have extra blankets on hand.
  • Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing--

  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Canned food and can opener.
  • Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).
  • Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
  • Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.
  • Rock Salt to melt ice on walkways.
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment

Winterize Your Car

  • Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
     
    • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
       
    • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
       
    • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
       
    • Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair 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 and maintaining a full tank of gas.
       
    • 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 - ensure 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 that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
     
  • Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
     
  • Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
     
    • a shovel
    • windshield scraper and small broom
    • flashlight
    • battery powered radio
    • extra batteries
    • water
    • snack food
    • matches
    • extra hats, socks and mittens
    • First aid kit with pocket knife
    • Necessary medications
    • blanket(s)
    • tow chain or rope
    • road salt and sand
    • booster cables
    • emergency flares
    • fluorescent distress flag

Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean

  • A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
  • A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
  • A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!

When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued...

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel.

When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued...

  • Stay indoors during the storm.
  • If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
  • Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
  • As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
  • After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
  • Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...
    • Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
    • Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
    • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If You Do Get Stuck...

  • Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
  • Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
  • Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
  • Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
  • As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
  • Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

What to Do After a Winter Storm

  • Continue listening to local radio for updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
  • Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
  • Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
  • Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
  • Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.

Dress For The Weather

  • 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.
     
  • Wear a hat.
     
  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:

Materials for Children:

  • "Be Ready 1-2-3" involve puppets who give important safety information to children ages 3-8 about residential fire safety, winter storms, and earthquakes.
  • "Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or Spanish) for use by children 3-10.
  • "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.