During Any Storm / Emergency

  • Monitor your National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or keep a local radio and/or TV station on for information and emergency instructions.
  • Have your emergency survival kit ready to go if told to evacuate.
  • If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions.
  • For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.
  • If advised to evacuate, tell others where you are going, turn off utilities if told to, then leave immediately, following routes designated by local officials.
  • Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.
  • Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

Heating Equipment

  • Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
  • Fireplace with ample supply of wood
  • Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
  • Portable space heaters - Unvented kerosene heaters are prohibited in MA
  • Install and check smoke detectors.
  • Install and check at least one carbon monoxide detectors

Keep Pipes From Freezing

  • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
  • Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
  • Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
  • Know how to shut off water valves.

Have Disaster Supplies on Hand, in Case the Power Goes Out

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit
  • One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
  • Non-electric can opener
  • One-week supply of essential prescription medications.
  • Extra blankets and sleeping bags
  • Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)

Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

  • In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
  • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Talk to Your Family

  • Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter storm.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

During the Storm

If Indoors

  • Stay indoors and dress warmly.
  • Conserve fuel.
    • Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. Close off unused rooms.
  • If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags.
    • Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
    • Listen to the radio or television to get the latest information.

If Outdoors

  • Dress warmly.
    • Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellant. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.
    • Stretch before you go out.
    • If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also take frequent breaks.
  • Cover your mouth.
    • Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
  • Avoid overexertion.
    • Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
    • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Keep dry.
    • Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
    • Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Frostbite & Hypothermia

  • Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.
  • Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
  • If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.
  • Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.