Cold snap and snow
Step by step through a winter storm or extreme cold at home, from heating safely to spotting hypothermia.
What to do in a winter storm or extreme cold
01/08
Call 911 if anyone shows signs of hypothermia.
Signs: shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech, drowsiness. A body temperature below 95°F is an emergency. Get them into a warm room. Warm the chest, neck, head and groin first.
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0 of 14 · you have · From Ready.gov (FEMAOfficial sources
- Winter Weather · Ready.gov (FEMA) · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Prepare for Cold Weather · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Preparing for a Winter Storm · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Winter Storm Safety · American Red Cross · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Understanding Cold Weather Alerts · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Safety Guidelines: During & After a Winter Storm · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Preventing Hypothermia · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Basics · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Last checked 2026-11-02
- What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02
- During Extremely Cold Weather · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Essential Tasks After it Warms Up · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02
- Caution! Winter Storm Dangers Linger · National Weather Service · Last checked 2026-11-02