BE PREPARED FOR A WINTER STORM

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. FEMA V-1014/June 2018

Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. Greater risk Can last a few hours Can knock out heat, power, or several days and communication services

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

Use generators Stay off roads. outside only.

Stay indoors and Listen for emergency dress warmly. information and alerts.

Prepare for Look for signs of hypothermia power outages. and frostbite.

Check on neighbors. HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS

Prepare Survive Recognize NOW DURING +RESPOND

Know your area’s risk for winter Stay off roads if at all possible. If Frostbite causes loss of feeling and storms. Extreme winter weather can trapped in your car, stay inside. color around the face, fingers, and toes. leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods Limit your time outside. If you need • Signs: Numbness, white or of time. to go outside, wear layers of warm grayish-yellow skin, and firm or clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite waxy skin. and hypothermia. Prepare your home to keep out the • Actions: Go to a warm room. cold with insulation, caulking, and Soak in warm water. Use body Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. weather stripping. Learn how to keep heat to warm. Do not massage Only use generators and grills pipes from freezing. Install and test or use a heating pad. smoke alarms and carbon monoxide outdoors and away from windows. detectors with battery backups. Never heat your home with a gas Hypothermia is an unusually low body stovetop or oven. temperature. A temperature below Pay attention to weather reports 95 degrees is an emergency. and warnings of freezing weather Reduce the risk of a heart and winter storms. Sign up for your attack. Avoid overexertion when • Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, community’s warning system. The shoveling snow. confusion, fumbling hands, Emergency Alert System (EAS) and memory loss, slurred speech, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Watch for signs of frostbite and drowsiness. hypothermia and begin treatment Administration (NOAA) Weather Go to a warm room. right away. • Actions: Radio also provide emergency alerts. Warm the center of the body Check on neighbors. Older adults first—chest, neck, head, and Gather supplies in case you need to groin. Keep dry and wrapped up stay home for several days without and young children are more at risk in extreme cold. in warm blankets, including the power. Keep in mind each person’s head and neck. specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Create an emergency supply kit for Take an Active Role your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, in Your Safety bottled water, and non-perishable Go to Ready.gov and snacks. Keep the gas tank full. search for winter storm. Learn the signs of and basic Download the FEMA app treatments for frostbite and to get more information hypothermia. For more information, about preparing for a winter visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ storm. FEMA V-1014 staysafe/index.html. Catalog No. 17233-15