Winter storm and ice safety
Under a winter storm warning, stay off roads if you can, keep generators and grills outdoors at least 20 feet from windows and doors, and watch for frostbite and hypothermia.
Winter storms can bring heavy snow, ice, extreme cold and high winds, and can knock out heat, power and phone service for days. Ready.gov says they raise the risk of car crashes, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion.
During: stay safe
- Stay off roads if at all possible. If you're stranded in your car, stay inside it.
- Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven. Use generators and grills only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
- Limit time outside and dress in layers. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Hypothermia (body temperature below 95°F) is an emergency. Warm the center of the body first and call 911.
Source: (Ready.gov: Winter Weather)
After: recover
- Check on older neighbors and anyone without heat or power.
- Report outages to your utility and stay far from downed power lines and tree limbs weighed down by snow.
- Watch for frozen or burst pipes and shut off water at the main if a pipe breaks.
- Photograph roof, tree and water damage before repairs, then contact your insurer.
Official sources
- NWS winter safetyWarnings, wind chill and travel · NWS
- CDC: Winter weatherBefore, during and after a winter storm · CDC
- Ready.gov: Winter weatherGenerators, frostbite, hypothermia · Ready.gov
- Ready.gov: Power outagesFood, medicine and staying warm · Ready.gov
Get help
- Power outagesOutage maps and generator safety
- Roads & closures511, road conditions, flooding
- Find shelterOpen shelters and hotel help
- Tarps & roof helpTarps, roof help and volunteer crews
- Mental health & familySomeone to talk to, finding family
- Safety firstGas, power lines, CO, floodwater
- After the storm: housing, mental health, money
- Insurance photo checklist
Live alerts for your area: pick your state · Current weather events
Common questions
What is the difference between a winter storm watch and warning?
Ready.gov says a watch means a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is possible, usually 12 to 48 hours ahead. A warning means hazardous winter weather is imminent or occurring.
Can I use my oven or gas stove to heat my home?
No. Ready.gov says never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven, because of carbon monoxide and fire risk.
How far from the house should a generator be?
Ready.gov says generators and fuel should be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.