Winter Storm Preparedness: Essential Steps for Safety and Survival

Stay safe this season with essential winter storm preparedness tips. Learn how to protect your home, vehicle, and family from severe winter weather to minimize risks and stay ready for any emergency.

Essential steps for a safe winter season

Know winter weather terms

Winter brings a variety of weather phenomena, each with unique characteristics and impacts. 

Understanding key winter weather terms helps you stay informed, prepared, and safe when cold-weather conditions strike.

Winter storm warning

A winter storm warning is issued when severe winter weather, such as heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet, is imminent or already happening. 

These warnings are typically released 12 to 24 hours in advance to give people time to prepare for dangerous conditions.

Winter storm watch

A winter storm watch is issued to notify the public about the potential for blizzards, heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet. 

These watches are typically issued 12 to 48 hours before a winter storm is expected to begin.

Winter storm outlook

A winter storm outlook indicates that winter storm conditions are possible within the next two to five days.

It serves as an early heads-up, urging people to monitor local weather updates for the latest information.

Winter storm outlook signals possible storm conditions in the next 2–5 days

Winter weather advisory

A winter weather advisory is issued when winter conditions are expected to cause travel difficulties or other inconveniences. 

While not typically life-threatening if caution is used, these conditions can still be hazardous and disruptive.

Blizzard warning

A blizzard warning is issued when strong winds of 35 mph or higher, along with heavy or blowing snow, reduce visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more.

Wind chill temperature

Wind chill temperature measures how cold it actually feels on exposed skin when wind is combined with low temperatures.

When wind speeds increase, heat is pulled from the body more quickly, causing body temperature to drop faster and making the air feel much colder than the actual temperature.

Wind chill temperature board

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Where to get information?

Staying informed is essential for winter storm preparedness and safety. Here are the best sources to get accurate and up-to-date information about winter storms:

• National Weather Service (NWS): The NWS provides official winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories, along with detailed forecasts and radar maps. Visit weather.gov or follow their social media accounts for updates.

• NOAA Weather Radio: This 24/7 radio network delivers real-time weather alerts, including emergency warnings for your local area.

• Local News Channels and Radio Stations: Television and radio broadcasters provide live coverage of winter storms, school closings, road conditions, and local safety alerts.

• Weather Websites and Mobile Apps: Platforms like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, Weather365 and Weather Underground offer interactive radar maps, hourly forecasts, and storm tracking tools for mobile devices.

• State and Local Emergency Management Agencies: Check official websites and social media pages for storm preparedness tips, shelter locations, and safety updates specific to your region.

Reliable sources to get information about winter storm

Winter storm preparedness

Winter storm preparedness is essential for staying safe during severe winter weather. Knowing what to do in the face of a winter storm helps minimize risks and ensures you’re ready for any emergency.

Prepare your home

Getting your home ready for a winter storm can protect your family, prevent property damage, and keep everyone safe when severe weather strikes. 

Here’s how to prepare effectively:

• Create an emergency winter preparedness kit that includes the essential items: water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle, important family documents, extra clothes and blankets.

• Seal leaks and insulate walls, attics, and basements to maintain heat and save on fuel costs.

• Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing, and know where your water valves are in case you need to shut them off.

• Clean gutters to stop ice dams from forming on your roof, which can cause interior water damage.

• Clear storm drains to prevent water backup and basement flooding.

• Have a backup heating source like a wood stove or portable heater to stay warm during outages.

• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near sleeping areas, as CO poisoning risks rise when using alternative heating or generators indoors.

• Keep generators and fuel-based heating systems properly vented outside to prevent CO buildup.

How to prepare for your home before a winter storm comes

Prepare your vehicle

Preparing your vehicle ahead of a winter storm is essential for staying safe on icy, snow-covered roads and avoiding emergencies. Here’s what you need to do:

• Use the proper antifreeze and water mixture in the cooling system.

• Top off windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade solution and replace worn wiper blades for better visibility.

• Have your radiator, engine, and heating system inspected before winter arrives.

• Check brakes, brake fluid, oil, and the car battery to ensure they are in good condition for cold weather.

• Make sure your tires have adequate tread for snow and icy conditions, and check tire pressure regularly in cold weather.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-ups and ice buildup.

• Your vehicle should always be equipped with essential winter supplies. It should include:

👉 Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio

👉 Flashlight with extra batteries

👉 Cell phone and charger

👉 Road maps

👉 Tow chains or rope

👉 Windshield scraper, jumper cables, and a shovel

👉 Blankets, extra clothes, and flares for emergencies

👉 Non-perishable food, bottled water, and a first aid kit

👉 Tire repair kit, air pump, and emergency “Help” sign

By preparing your vehicle and keeping a fully stocked emergency kit, you’ll be ready for any situation when a winter storm strikes.

How to prepare your vehicle for this winter season?

Conclusion

Being ready before severe weather hits is the key to staying safe and minimizing risks. From winterizing your home and vehicle to stocking up on essential supplies, proper winter storm preparedness ensures you and your family can handle power outages, heavy snow, and icy conditions with confidence. Start preparing early so you can face any winter storm safely and stress-free.