Prepare Your House for Winter
- Trim Tree Limbs - Make sure any tree limbs or branches surrounding your home are at least three feet away from the house.
- Insulate Windows/Attic - You can lower your home's energy costs by up to 20% and make your home more comfortable by reducing drafts.
- Clear Gutters & Downspouts - After the leaves have fallen, clean out your gutters to avoid clogging, which can cause ice dams and expensive repairs.
- Check On The Roof - A roof inspection can help you spot any potential issues and help to avoid a leaky roof after a heavy snowfall.
- Inspect the Fireplace - Inspect your fireplace on the inside & outside of your house to make sure it is in good shape for the season and there isn't any damage.
- Install & test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Checklist for at Home
- Flashlight & Batteries
- Candles
- Blankets & Warm Clothing
- Prescription Medications Filled
- Cell Phone/charger
- Non-perishable Food
- Bottled Water
- Bag of Salt & Shovel
Checklist for in Your Car
- First Aid Kit
- Tank full of gas
- Blankets & warm clothing
- Windshield scraper/brush
- Cell Phone/Charger
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight/batteries
- Tool Kit
- Salt/sand/kitty litter & shovel
- Non-perishable food/water
Winter Traveling Tips
- Pack an emergency supply kit
- Winterize your vehicle:
- Install Winter/new wipers
- Mount winter tires
- Keep washer fluid full
- Service your vehicle regularly
- Maintain proper tire pressure
- Keep the gas tank at least half full
- Clean all debris from your vehicle
- Keep your rear window defroster in working order
- Pack a winter safety kit
- Stay mobile (charge your devices)
- Check road conditions
- Check the NWS forecast
- Share your travel plans with family or friends
Frostbite
Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
- Numbness
- White/grayish-yellow skin
- Firm or waxy skin
Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
- Confusion
- Exhaustion
- Shivering
- Fumbling Hands
- Memory Loss
- Difficulty Speaking
- Sleepiness
- Stiff Muscles
Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first-chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
- Dress in layers/Cover exposed skin/Limit time outside
- Don't forget your pets - bring them indoors
- Shovel Smart - Stay hydrated/Take frequent breaks/Only move small amounts with each pass
- Shoveling heavy, wet snow can put a big strain on the heart
For more information visit Ready.gov.
