Purpose

This page provides general winter storm preparedness awareness for households, including blizzards, extreme cold, and ice storms.

Scope and Limits

This information supports planning and risk recognition only.

It does not provide medical advice, rescue guidance, vehicle repair instructions, electrical work guidance, or generator operation instructions.

Authority Override

Official instructions from local authorities and weather/emergency agencies override this page at all times.

If authorities issue travel restrictions, evacuation orders, or shelter instructions, follow them immediately.

FAST FACTS THAT AFFECT LIFE SAFETY

• Winter storms can include heavy snow, blizzards, blowing snow, freezing rain, ice storms, and extreme cold.

• Blizzard conditions are defined by dangerously reduced visibility and strong winds, not just “a lot of snow.”

• The highest-risk period is often travel and power loss, when people are exposed to cold, crashes, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

WHY WINTER STORMS ARE SO DANGEROUS

Whiteouts and disorientation

Visibility can drop so low that travel becomes unsafe or impossible.

Ice and freezing rain

Roads, steps, and walkways become high-injury zones, and outages become more likely.

Extended outages and isolation

Blocked roads and downed lines can delay help and supplies for days.

Carbon monoxide poisoning risk

Improper use of generators, heaters, and fuel-burning devices can kill quickly, especially during outages.

Cold injury risk

Extreme cold and wind increase risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for children, seniors, and anyone without reliable heat.

NON-NEGOTIABLE TRIGGERS

Shelter in place when:

• Blizzard, blowing snow, or extreme cold warnings are issued for your area.

• Roads are closed, visibility is dangerous, or officials advise staying off the roads.

Escalate your plan when:

• Power is out and indoor temperatures are falling toward unsafe levels.

• You rely on powered medical equipment or refrigerated medications and your backup plan is failing.

WHAT NOT TO DO

This section is the priority.

Do not travel in whiteout conditions

• Do not drive “to see if it’s okay.” Visibility and road conditions can change rapidly.

Do not create carbon monoxide risk during outages

• Do not use generators inside homes, garages, or near open doors/windows.

• Do not use charcoal grills, camp stoves, or other outdoor fuel-burning devices indoors.

• Do not assume ventilation is “good enough.” CO can kill without warning.

Do not ignore winter alerts terminology

• Do not treat watches, warnings, and advisories as the same thing. Warning means hazardous conditions are expected or occurring.

Do not approach downed lines or damaged trees

• Do not go near downed power lines or heavily loaded branches.

Do not overexert after the storm

• Do not rush heavy shoveling or cleanup if you are not medically fit. Follow local safety guidance.

Do not re-enter closed roads or restricted areas

• Do not drive around road closures or barricades.

SPECIAL NOTE — IF YOU ARE STRANDED IN A VEHICLE

Primary rule

• Do not leave your vehicle unless you can clearly see a safe, nearby shelter and conditions allow safe movement.

Carbon monoxide caution

• If the engine is running for heat, carbon monoxide risk becomes critical. Keep the exhaust area clear of snow and avoid enclosed/blocked airflow around the vehicle.

Visibility

• Make your vehicle easier to locate using safe visibility measures appropriate to your location and conditions.

This page does not provide step-by-step instructions for vehicle survival tactics. Follow local authority guidance and emergency services instructions whenever available.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Kept high-level and low-liability.

Planning priorities

• Monitor official weather alerts and follow travel restrictions.

• Plan for multi-day isolation and outages, especially in rural areas.

• Identify a safe indoor “warm room” location for your household if heat fails (no special equipment required).

Safety equipment priorities

• Use working carbon monoxide alarms and follow generator safety guidance during outages.

WINTER STORM ESSENTIALS

This is a planning checklist, not an operating guide.

Home essentials

• Light sources and spare batteries

• Food and drinking water for at least 72 hours

• Warm clothing and blankets suitable for prolonged indoor cold

• Backup charging options for phones

• A basic first aid kit and essential medications

Vehicle essentials

• Warm layers and spare gloves/socks

• Basic visibility items appropriate for roadside safety

• Small food and water reserves suitable for cold conditions

GOVERNMENT WINTER STORM RESOURCES

Canada

Winter storms — how to prepare

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/winter-storms/how-prepare.html

Severe winter weather alerts and warning types

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/seasonal-weather-hazards/severe-winter.html

Be prepared for winter weather

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/seasonal-weather-hazards/be-prepared-for-winter.html

Alert Ready — National emergency alert system

https://www.alertready.ca/

British Columbia — PreparedBC storms and severe weather

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather/storms

United States

CDC — Carbon monoxide safety (generators and fuel-burning devices)

https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

National Weather Service — Blizzard definition

https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=BLIZZARD

Last Reviewed

February 2026

Sources checked: Government of Canada (winter storms; severe winter alerts; winter preparedness), PreparedBC, CDC (CO safety), U.S. National Weather Service (blizzard definition).