Winter Storm FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about winter storm safety, avoiding frozen pipes, driving in blizzard conditions, and stocking the right supplies before the storm arrives — because when a storm rolls in, the time to prepare is before the first flake falls.
Common Questions
How do I prepare for a winter storm, snow storm, or extreme cold weather?
Winterize your home: insulate pipes, service heating systems, stock heating fuel. Build a cold-weather kit with wool blankets, hand warmers, a CO-detector-paired heat source, 5 gallons of water per person (indoors to prevent freezing), and extra food. Snow storms and winter storms share the same preparation. Never use outdoor heaters or generators indoors.
What should I do when it snows?
Stay indoors unless travel is essential. If driving is necessary, clear all windows, reduce speed, and carry a winter car kit (blanket, food, water, ice scraper, shovel). At home, check on neighbors, conserve heating fuel, and never operate generators, heaters, or grills indoors.
What is the difference between a winter storm watch and warning?
A winter storm watch means severe winter weather is possible in 12 to 48 hours; prepare supplies and review plans. A winter storm warning means severe winter weather is happening or imminent; shelter in place and avoid travel.
What is a blizzard warning?
A blizzard warning means sustained winds of 35 mph or more with heavy snow or blowing snow reducing visibility to under 1/4 mile, lasting 3+ hours. It is life-threatening; stay indoors, avoid travel, and expect power outages.
How do I prevent frozen pipes?
Keep indoor temperature at 55 degrees F or higher, open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air, let cold-water faucets drip slightly to relieve pressure, and insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets before first freeze.
What supplies should I have for a winter storm?
Wool blankets, hand warmers, a safe alternative heat source (and working CO detector), 5 gallons of water per person, 3 days of non-perishable food, flashlight, NOAA radio, extra batteries, rock salt, snow shovel, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
How do I drive safely in a blizzard?
Avoid driving. If you must drive, carry a winter car kit (blanket, food, water, shovel, sand, flashlight), keep fuel above half tank, drive slowly with headlights on, increase following distance, and never run the engine while stopped with snow blocking the exhaust.
What is hypothermia and how do I treat it?
Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature (under 95 degrees F). Signs include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, slow heart rate. Move the person to warmth, remove wet clothing, wrap in dry blankets, warm the core first (chest, neck, groin), and call 911 for severe cases.