Essential Winter Storm Safety Tips for 2026

Winter storms can bring heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures, posing significant risks to safety and property. Preparing in advance is crucial to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe during these events. Here are key safety tips to consider:

1. How Can You Prepare Before a Winter Storm?

• Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and heed any winter weather advisories or warnings.

• Gather Emergency Supplies: Assemble a kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and warm clothing.

• Protect Your Home: Insulate pipes, seal gaps, and ensure your heating system is functioning properly.

2. What Should You Do During a Winter Storm?

• Stay Indoors: Limit travel and stay in a warm, safe area.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear layers of loose-fitting, water-resistant clothing, including gloves, hats, and scarves.

• Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite: Recognize signs like confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, severe shivering, pain, numbness, or changes in skin color. Seek shelter immediately if these symptoms occur.

3. How Can You Protect Your Vehicle?

• Winterize Your Car: Check the battery, tire pressure, and fluid levels. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter-grade windshield washer fluid.

• Keep an Emergency Kit: Include items like sand or kitty litter for traction, a tow rope, and an extra phone charger.

• Maintain Fuel Levels: Keep at least half a tank of gas to prevent fuel line freeze-up and ensure heat during emergencies.

4. What Are the Risks of Freezing Rain?

Freezing rain can lead to hazardous conditions, including widespread power outages due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. It's considered the most dangerous form of winter weather. (axios.com)

5. How Can You Prevent Frozen Pipes?

• Drip Faucets: Allow a small trickle of water to flow through faucets on exterior walls when temperatures drop below freezing.

• Open Cabinet Doors: Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air circulation around pipes.

• Disconnect Hoses: Remove garden hoses from outdoor spigots and cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.

6. What Should You Do After a Winter Storm?

• Check for Hazards: Look for downed power lines, damaged trees, or structural damage to your home.

• Clear Snow Safely: Use proper techniques to shovel snow to avoid injury.

• Stay Informed: Continue to monitor weather updates and follow guidance from local authorities.

By taking these precautions, you can enhance your safety and minimize the impact of winter storms in 2026.

Highlights:

• What to Check on Your Car Before a Winter Storm, Published on Thursday, January 22
• Winter storm preparedness guide - everything you need to know, Published on Monday, February 02
• Winter Storm 'Fern' checklist: 5 things you need to have on-hand when the snow and ice hit, Published on Friday, January 23