What to Do If You’re Caught in a Winter Storm

When caught in a winter storm, there are important steps you can take to protect yourself, whether you're outside, in a vehicle, or inside your home or office.

Outside

If you are caught outside, try to find shelter. Cover all exposed body parts to prevent frostbite. If there is no shelter nearby, create a windbreak, lean-to, or snow cave to shield yourself from the wind. Building a fire will help generate heat and attract attention. You can also place rocks around the fire to reflect and absorb heat. When it comes to drinking water, avoid eating unmelted snow as it can lower your body temperature. It’s important to keep moving your arms, legs, fingers, and toes periodically to maintain blood circulation and warmth. Avoid heavy exertion, like shoveling snow or walking through deep snow, as it may put a strain on your body, possibly leading to a heart attack or hypothermia.

In Vehicles

If you must drive during a storm, it's important to slow down. Roads may look wet, but they could still be slippery. Ensure your vehicle is completely clear of ice and snow before heading out, as snow flying off vehicles can cause accidents. Let someone know where you're going and what route you'll take so they can inform others if something happens. Before leaving, make sure to carry a fully charged mobile phone, a car charger, and an emergency kit. If you start to skid while driving, remain calm, ease off the gas pedal, and steer in the direction you want the car to go. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. If visibility is poor, pull over and stop. Turn off your lights and use your parking brake to avoid a collision from another vehicle following your tail lights. If your car gets stuck, stay inside the vehicle. If you leave, you risk becoming disoriented and lost in the snow. Run the motor for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, but crack the window slightly to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Clear snow from the exhaust pipe and make sure to be visible to rescuers by tying a brightly colored cloth, like red, to the antenna or door. After the snow stops falling, raise the hood of the car to signal that you need help.

Inside

If you're inside during a winter storm, it's important to stay inside and use heat sources like a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Ensure proper ventilation and use fire safeguards. If you have a gas furnace, make sure it’s not blocked by a snowdrift once it's safe to go outside. Close off rooms that are not necessary to keep the heat concentrated in the areas that you need most. Use towels or rags to block cracks under doors and close blinds or curtains to help retain heat. Eating and drinking is important as food helps your body produce energy and heat. Drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration, as cold air tends to be dry. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to maintain warmth, and remember to remove layers to avoid sweating, which can lead to chilling.