Temperatures
The perception of what constitutes “extreme cold” can vary depending on the region and what residents are accustomed to.
Northern US
Temps at or below 0°F
Southern US
Temps at or near the freezing mark of 32°F.
Winter Weather Safety Tips for Your Home and Car
Cold weather emergencies can happen quickly, whether it’s a sudden freeze, a winter storm, or a power outage that leaves your home without heat. Exposure to low temperatures, both in and outdoors, can cause life threatening health issues for anyone, not just vulnerable groups. With a few smart precautions - both inside your home and in your vehicle - you can protect your family and stay safe during severe winter weather.
Disaster Planning
What is Meant by Extreme Cold?
What constitutes extreme cold, and its effects can vary across different areas of the country.
Dangers
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. It occurs when your body falls below 95°F (35°C).
Frostbite
Frostbite is a condition in which the tissue below the skin freezes. It can result from exposure to cold weather conditions that cause the underlying tissues to freeze. Frostbite can also occur from direct contact with extremely cold surfaces like ice, cold metals, or frozen liquids.
Disaster Planning
Before an Extreme Cold Pattern Hits
Planning for extremely cold weather every winter is the wise thing to do, even if it’s uncommon in your area because there is always a chance. Part of your preparations should include anticipation of a power outage. That changes the game completely and is something we all should be prepared for.
#1 prepare your home
- Learn how to build a short-term food and water supply.
- Have alternative equipment for cooking, heating, and lighting.
- Maintain a first aid kit for medical emergencies.
- Install smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
- Insulate water pipelines running through outside walls.
- Inspect your fireplace yearly.
- Weatherproof with weather stripping, insulation, insulated doors, storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.
- Store lots of blankets and winter clothing.
#2 prepare your car
- Ensure your vehicle meets all required maintenance standards
- Have your radiator professionally serviced
- Have your antifreeze levels checked
- Ensure your tire pressure is checked
- Replace windshield wiper fluid with wintertime mixture
- Either replace tires or put on winter tires
- Keep the tank nearly full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
#3 Winter Survival Items
These are items you will want to store with your auto kit during winter months. It includes items that will help you through extremely cold weather if you get caught out in the elements.
These items include:
- Blankets
- Hat
- Gloves
- Body & hand warmers
- Small snow shovel
- Ice scraper
- Warm socks
- Hiking boots
Disaster Planning
During Extreme Cold
We may not be able to control the weather but there is a lot we can do during a cold blast that will help keep our families and pets safer.
#1 Indoor Safety Precautions
Indoor safety includes things you can do to make sure your family and pets stay warm and safe during a power outage. Here are some important things to look out for.
Using Alternative Fuel and Heating Devices
Extreme cold weather often goes hand in hand with power outages which then leads people to use alternative equipment and devices to heat, produce light, and cook inside. With the use of space heaters and fireplaces, the risk of household fires increases, and so does the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you are using alternative heating equipment that can be used without electricity, always operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Only use fuel-powered generators outdoors and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. Learn more about storing alternative fuels and heating devices.
Taking Care of Your Water Pipes
Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture. When freezing temperatures are expected:
- Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
- Keep the indoor temperature warm.
- Improve the circulation of heated air near pipes. For example, open kitchen cabinet doors beneath the kitchen
- If your pipes freeze, thaw them slowly by directing the warm air from an electric hair dryer onto the pipes.
- If you cannot thaw your pipes or the pipes rupture, then use bottled water.
- If no other water is available - snow can be melted for water. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 60 seconds.
Monitor Body Temperature
Infants
Infants can’t make body heat by shivering. Provide warm clothing for infants and try to maintain a warm indoor temperature. If the temperature cannot be maintained, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere. In an emergency, you can keep an infant warm using your own body heat. If you must sleep, take precautions to prevent rolling on the baby. Pillows and other soft bedding can also present a risk of smothering; remove them from the area near the baby.
Over 65
Older adults often make less body heat because of slower metabolism and less physical activity. If you are over 65 years of age, check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather. Also, check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure their homes are adequately heated.
Remember Your Pets
If you have pets, bring them indoors. If it's too cold for you, it's most likely too cold for them. If you cannot bring them inside, your pets will need extra care and attention during cold weather. Always check on them regularly to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
- Provide warm shelter: Set up a draft-free shelter that is big enough for them to stand and turn around in but small enough to retain as much body heat as possible. Use some form of material, like straw, to insulate them from the cold. Always face the entrance away from incoming wind or snow.
- Coat length: Keep your pet’s coat as long as possible during the winter months. For short-haired pets, consider placing a coat or sweater that covers from the neck to the tail and around the stomach.
- Food and water: Carefully place the food away from any possible snow drifts, ice, or other obstacles. Watch that their drinking water does not freeze.
- Elderly or sickly pets: Regardless of hair length, place them in a warm coat to keep them as warm as possible.
#2 Outdoor Safety Precautions
Outdoor safety includes things you can do to make sure your family and pets stay warm and safe when they venture outside. Here are some important things to look out for.
Dress in Layers
If you don’t start with wearing these three layers, at least take all layers with you so you can adjust as either the weather or your activity level changes.
- Base Layer – Underwear Layer: This wicking layer removes sweat from the body to the fabric’s outer surface and dries rapidly, so the sweat does not saturate the fabric. Fabric options include polyester, nylon, wool, and silk. The fit should be comfortably snug.
- Middle Layer – Insulating Layer: This layer’s job is to retain body heat to help you from getting cold. Options include synthetic, down, wool, and flannel materials.
- Outer Layer – Shell Layer: This layer’s job is to protect you from wind and rain. Anything breathable and waterproof will do.
If You Get Stranded
If you find yourself stranded in your car during cold winter weather, here are some steps you can take to stay safe.
- Stay in Your Car: Unless you can see help close to where you are, stay inside your car. It can provide shelter and will be easier for rescuers to find.
- Display a Sign of Trouble: Tie a bright-colored cloth to the car’s antenna to signal the need for help and raise the hood of your car if it's not snowing.
- Stay Warm: You can run your engine for 10 to 15 minutes per hour, or even longer if you have a strong battery and enough gas.
- Check Your Tailpipe: Before you run your engine, make sure the snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe which could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide inside the car.
- Dress Warm Before You Leave: Dress for the conditions you will be driving in. You can always adjust the layers as necessary. If you need more warmth, wrap your entire body and head in blankets.
#3 Cold Weather Emergencies
Cold weather emergencies can be life threatening, even inside your home if you have lost power. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms and knowing what actions to take can save your life.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. It occurs when the body temperature falls below 95°F.
Signs & symptoms
shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness
Actions to take
- Call 911.
- Get the person indoors and remove any wet clothing.
- Cover them with warm coats or blankets.
- Monitor their breathing. If there are no signs of life, begin CPR.
- If conscious, provide warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the person can drink.
- Do not attempt to warm up the victim too quickly.
- Apply a warm, dry compress to the center of the body around the neck, chest, and groin areas
- Do not attempt to warm arms and legs first as this can stress the heart and lungs.
- Do not rub or massage the person’s skin as it can cause further damage.
- If you cannot get the person indoors, protect their neck and head from the wind and insulate them from the cold ground.
Frostbite
Frostbite is a condition in which the tissue below the skin freezes. It is a progressive condition and has three stages. Frostnip: mild form, presents with pale skin or red skin; Superficial: skin is soft, and ice crystals may appear; and Severe/deep: affects all layers of the skin and tissues below.
Signs & symptoms
cold, numb, pale, hard, waxy skin; pins and needles; burning/stinging sensation; skin discoloration: red, white, blue, or grayish yellow; muscle and joint stiffness; blistering after rewarming
Actions to take
- Check for hypothermia (see above)
- Protect the skin: don’t try to thaw any frozen skin that has a chance of freezing again. If the skin has already thawed, wrap the area up so that it will not re-freeze.
- If possible, get the person out of the cold and into a warm space and remove wet clothing.
Disaster Planning
After Extreme Cold Eases
After extreme cold weather has passed and things start to warm up, there are still some precautions and wise steps you should take.
#1 Assess damage
- Check for Damage: Inspect your home and property for any damage that may have been caused by the cold weather including pipes, the home’s exterior, and landscaping.
- Health Check: Check on family, friends, and neighbors to monitor for signs of cold-related health issues.
#2 Restock supplies
- Be sure to restock all the items you and your family used during this time.
- This could include items like food, bottled water, and medical supplies.
- If the electricity went out, this might include items like candles and alternative fuel used to power equipment used to keep you and your family warm.
- Replace these items as soon as you can to make sure you are prepared for the next cold spell.
#3 Review your plan
How well did your plan work? Did you have everything that you needed during the cold snap or did you find yourself lacking in any way? Review what worked and what did not to see what other items you can add or improvements you can make to better prepare your home’s ability to withstand the cold.
Use this cold spell to improve your plan for next winter.