Winter storms can disrupt power, transportation, and daily life, but with proper preparation and knowledge of available recovery resources, communities and individuals can stay safe and recover more quickly. Here you’ll find a comprehensive guide to preparing for and recovering from severe winter weather.
Winter Storm Hazards
Dangers include: extreme cold, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, freezing rain, and strong winds.
Impacts: power outages, blocked roads, communication failures, and risk of hypothermia or frostbite.
Vulnerable Groups: older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable.
1. Understanding Winter Storm Risks
Winter storms can cause:
- Power outages
- Blocked roads and travel hazards
- Burst pipes and home damage
- Increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite
Listening for alerts such as a Winter Storm Watch or Warning from the weather service is key. These advisories signal when conditions are becoming threatening or already dangerous.
2. Planning and Preparedness
Emergency Plan
Create a simple family plan before storm season:
- Identify a safe room or “warm zone” in your home.
- Establish how family members will communicate if phones or cell service fails.
- Include plans for pets and livestock.
Before winter arrives:
- Insulate your home – weather-strip doors and windows.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if using alternate heating.
- Prepare your vehicle with antifreeze, snow tires, and an emergency kit containing warm clothes, food, and blankets.
3. Build a Winter Emergency Kit
Your winter emergency kit should cover at least 72 hours and include:
- Non-perishable food and water
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Warm blankets and wool clothing
- Snow shovel, sand or cat litter (for traction)
- Extra medications and supplies for pets
The CDC offers guidance on what to include and why these supplies matter:
👉 CDC Winter Weather Preparedness: https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/safety/index.html
4. Safety During a Winter Storm
When a storm is active:
Stay Indoors
Avoid unnecessary travel. Exposure to extreme cold can cause cold-related injuries in minutes.
Power Outage Safety
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- If using a generator, keep it outside and away from windows—to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Driving Safety
If travel is unavoidable:
- Tell someone your route and arrival time.
- Keep your winter survival kit in the car.
- Stay on main roads. Driving in ice and snow without preparation increases crash risk.
5. Official Resources—Preparedness and Recovery
United States Government Resources
These sites offer official guides, checklists, and preparedness tools:
- Ready.gov – Winter Weather Preparedness – Tips on risks, readiness, and safety:
https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather - Ready.gov Winter Ready Toolkit – Shareable social resources and quick preparedness messages:
https://www.ready.gov/winterready-social-media-toolkit - CDC Winter Weather Safety – What to do before and during winter storms:
https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/safety/index.html - National Weather Service Winter Tips – Weather prep info for homes and vehicles:
https://www.weather.gov/winter (search topic)
Red Cross Resources
The American Red Cross offers winter storm preparedness guides and emergency apps:
- Red Cross winter storm safety and first-aid tips:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html
You can also download the Red Cross Emergency App for alerts and preparedness checklists.
6. Disaster Assistance for Recovery
In the U.S., agencies like FEMA and USDA offer support after winter storm disasters:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA can support response activities and provide emergency assistance after a storm, including:
- Temporary housing
- Essential home repairs
- Emergency crisis counseling
Whether assistance is available depends on a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act. If that hasn’t been issued yet, direct individual assistance may not be available even when emergency declarations are in effect.
Check eligibility and apply here:
🔗 https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
USDA Assistance for Agriculture
Farms affected by winter storms may qualify for financial programs like:
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock or Honeybees
- Livestock Indemnity Program
- Crop disaster help
Learn about these at Farmers.gov:
🔗 https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/winter-storm
Recovery & Assistance Resources
Small Business Loans: The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and businesses to repair property damage.
Immediate Help:
Shelter: Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 to find the nearest open emergency shelter.
2-1-1 Service: Call 2-1-1 for confidential help finding food, heating assistance, and community resources.
Crisis Counseling: Contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 if you are experiencing emotional distress.
Financial & Property Recovery:
Federal Aid: Apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 if a federal disaster has been declared for your area.
Agricultural Support: Farmers can access the USDA Disaster Resource Center for emergency loans and livestock indemnity programs.
In short
Winter storm preparedness is about foresight, while recovery depends on community resilience and available resources. By combining personal readiness with awareness of official aid channels, individuals and families can weather the storm more safely and bounce back faster.
