UpOnly Learning Presents: Family Emergency Guide — Natural Disasters, Power and Internet Outages

Family Emergency Guide

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Last checked: October 26, 2026

Official guidanceThis guide summarizes official guidance. It does not replace instructions from local officials. In the United States, call 911 in an emergency. If your 911 call does not go through.

Related pages: Emergency Kit Checklist · Family Emergency Plan

What it is

  • The National Weather Service (NWS) says winter storms can bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the entire United States and its territories.[1]
  • NWS says blizzards happen when strong wind causes blowing snow and whiteout conditions.[1]
  • CDC says winter storms "can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads."[2]
  • The American Red Cross says to "check on loved ones and neighbors."[3]

For students

  • Ready.gov Kids says, "Mittens are warmer than gloves."[9]
  • Ready.gov Kids says, "Put on dry clothes as soon as you come inside."[9]
  • Ready.gov Kids says, "If you can't feel your fingers, toes, ears or nose, or they appear pale white, tell a grown-up."[9]
  • Ready.gov Kids says, "Tell a grown-up immediately if you can't stop shivering, have trouble remembering things, feel tired or talk funny."[9]

Before

  • The Red Cross says, "Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day."[3]
  • The Red Cross says to learn first aid and how to recognize frostbite and hypothermia.[3]
  • The Red Cross says to make sure your home can be heated safely before winter.[3]
  • CDC says to install battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area.[4]
  • CDC says to prepare your home and car, plan ahead, and stock supplies before a storm.[2]

During

  • CDC says to limit time outdoors during a winter storm.[2]
  • The Red Cross says, "Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet (1 meter) from the heat!"[3]
  • The Red Cross says to use battery-powered lights instead of candles.[3]
  • The Red Cross says to "never heat your home with a cooking oven or stove."[3]
  • The Red Cross says, "Only use generators, grills, and camp stoves outdoors and away from windows."[3]
  • CDC says never to run a car in an attached garage, even with the door open.[4]
  • The Red Cross says to wear layers and water-resistant boots, and to cover exposed skin.[3]

Know the warning signs

  • Hypothermia (adults): CDC lists shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.[5]
  • Hypothermia (infants): CDC lists bright red, cold skin and very low energy.[5]
  • CDC says, "Hypothermia is a medical emergency," and if a person's temperature "is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately!"[5]
  • Frostbite: CDC says redness or pain in any skin area may be the first sign, and skin may look white or grayish-yellow and feel firm or waxy.[6]
  • CDC says, "Do not rub or massage areas with frostbite," and "Do not use a fireplace, heat lamp, radiator, or stove for warming."[6]
  • CDC says carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.[4]
  • The Red Cross says that if you feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away.[3]

After

  • The Red Cross says to avoid damaged or fallen power lines, and to watch for falling branches and ice.[3]
  • The Red Cross says to take breaks and work with a partner when shoveling snow.[3]
  • The Red Cross says, "Go to a public library, shopping mall, or warming center if your home becomes too cold."[3]

Watch vs. Warning (NWS)

  • Winter Storm Watch: "Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event."[7]
  • Winter Storm Warning: Issued "for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow"; NWS says, "Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations."[7]
  • Blizzard Warning: Frequent wind gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow, cutting visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more.[7]
  • Ice Storm Warning: Ice buildup of about 1/4 inch or more.[7]
  • Extreme Cold Watch: "Be Prepared." "Extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible."[8]
  • Extreme Cold Warning: "Take Action!" "Extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are expected or occurring."[8]
  • Cold Weather Advisory: "Be Aware." "A Cold Weather Advisory is issued for dangerously cold conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria."[8]

Sources

Last checked: October 26, 2026. Each numbered source below was opened and checked on the date shown. Numbers in brackets in the text, like [1], point to this list.

  1. [1] National Weather Service, Winter Safety
    Published by
    National Weather Service (NWS)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.weather.gov/safety/winter
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  2. [2] CDC, About Winter Weather
    Published by
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/about/index.html
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  3. [3] American Red Cross, Winter Storm
    Published by
    American Red Cross
    Level
    Not a government agency (non-governmental organization)
    Found at
    www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  4. [4] CDC, About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
    Published by
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  5. [5] CDC, Preventing Hypothermia
    Published by
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  6. [6] CDC, Preventing Frostbite
    Published by
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/preventing-frostbite.html
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  7. [7] National Weather Service, Winter Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories
    Published by
    National Weather Service (NWS)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.weather.gov/safety/winter-ww
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  8. [8] National Weather Service, Cold Watches, Warnings and Advisories
    Published by
    National Weather Service (NWS)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.weather.gov/safety/cold-ww
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  9. [9] Ready.gov (FEMA), Know the Facts: Winter Storms and Extreme Cold (Kids)
    Published by
    Ready.gov (FEMA)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.ready.gov/kids/know-the-facts/winter-storms-extreme-cold
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026

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