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Winter Storms and Travel: Essential Tips for Safety

June 22, 2026 · The Clime Team
Winter Storms and Travel: Essential Tips for Safety

Winter storms can pose significant challenges to travelers across the United States. Understanding how to prepare and respond can make a crucial difference in ensuring safety during these conditions.

1. How Can I Prepare My Vehicle for Winter Travel?

Ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready is vital for safe travel during winter storms. Regular maintenance checks, such as testing the battery, checking and topping off antifreeze and other fluids, and ensuring tire pressure is adequate, are essential. Drivers are also advised to use winter-grade windshield washer fluid and keep an emergency kit in their vehicle with essentials like sand, kitty litter for traction, a tow rope, and an extra phone charger. Maintaining at least half a tank of gas is also recommended to avoid fuel line freeze-up and ensure heat in emergencies. (kiplinger.com)

2. What Should I Include in an Emergency Car Kit?

An emergency car kit is crucial for winter travel. Essential items include a cell phone with a portable charger, extra warm clothing, a windshield scraper, a shovel, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, a flashlight with extra batteries, water, snack food, a first aid kit with necessary medications, tow chains or rope, tire chains, canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair, cat litter or sand for traction, booster cables, hazard or other reflectors, a bright-colored flag or help signs, emergency flares, road maps, waterproof matches, and a can to melt snow for water. (cdc.gov)

3. How Should I Dress During a Winter Storm?

Dressing appropriately is essential to protect against the cold. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. (mass.gov)

4. What Are the Risks of Driving During a Winter Storm?

Driving during a winter storm can be extremely hazardous. In 2023, there were 320 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 22,293 injury crashes that occurred when there was snow or sleet on the roads. It's harder to control or stop your vehicle on slick or snow-covered surfaces. If you must drive, slow down, increase your following distance, and avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges. (nhtsa.gov)

5. How Can I Stay Safe if I Get Stranded?

If you get stranded during a winter storm, stay with your car and don't overexert yourself. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing). Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Stay awake to remain less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. (cdc.gov)

6. How Can I Stay Informed About Winter Storms?

Regularly listen to weather forecasts and check your emergency supplies when expecting a winter storm or extreme cold. Even though we can't always predict extreme cold in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes give you several days of notice to prepare. (cdc.gov)

7. How Can I Protect My Home During a Winter Storm?

To protect your home during a winter storm, weatherproof it by insulating water lines that run along exterior walls, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm or thermal-pane windows. Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structures during a storm. If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. (cdc.gov)

By following these guidelines, you can enhance your safety and preparedness during winter storms.

For real-time updates and detailed information on winter weather conditions, consider using Planes Live. This platform provides comprehensive weather forecasts and alerts, helping you stay informed and make timely decisions during winter storms.

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