Winter Storm & Extreme Cold
- 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., SHELTER20472)
- 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.
- Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
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.
Resources
The following resources and websites can help you further prepare for, respond to, and recover from a winter storm.
National Weather Service
If you require more information about any of these topics, the following resources may be helpful.
- Winter Storms…The Deceptive Killers. Brochure packed with useful information including winter storm facts, how to detect frostbite and hypothermia, what to do in a winter storm and how to be prepared. Available online at:http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/wntrstm.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. An extensive document providing information about planning ahead for cold weather, safety both indoors and outdoors in cold weather and cold weather health conditions.
Related Websites
Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a winter storm and learn about available resources by visiting the following websites:
- Winter Weather watches, advisories, and warnings can be found at www.weather.gov
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- NOAA Watch
- American Red Cross
- America’s PrepareAthon!
- U.S. Fire Administration Winter Fire Safety (USFA)
- CDC Winter Prevention Guide
Listen to Local Officials
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Source: FEMA