Category: Health & Safety

⚡ Staying Safe in Extreme Cold

Extreme cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, falls, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other serious health problems. Older adults, infants, people without reliable heat, outdoor workers, and people with certain medical conditions may be especially vulnerable.

Check the weather forecast and wind chill before going outside. If conditions are dangerous, stay indoors whenever possible.

Prepare Before Cold Weather Arrives

Make sure your heating system works properly.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Keep flashlights and extra batteries available.
Charge phones and portable power banks.
Refill important medication.
Keep blankets and warm clothing accessible.
Store water and nonperishable food.
Arrange for snow and ice removal.
Know where you can go if your home loses heat.
Check on relatives and neighbors who may need help.

Do not wait for a power outage or major storm before preparing.

Helpful Resources: Browse Cold Weather Essentials for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Dress in Layers

When going outside, wear:

Several loose layers
A warm coat
A hat
A scarf or face covering
Gloves or mittens
Warm socks
Water-resistant boots with nonslip soles

Loose layers trap warm air. Replace wet clothing immediately because wet clothing removes body heat quickly.

Avoid staying outside longer than necessary. Take regular indoor warming breaks.

Prevent Slips and Falls

Snow and ice can be difficult to see.

Walk slowly.
Take short steps.
Use cleared and treated walkways.
Hold railings.
Keep your hands free for balance.
Wear boots with good traction.
Use a cane tip or traction device designed for ice when appropriate.
Avoid carrying heavy objects across slippery surfaces.
Do not climb ladders to remove snow or ice.
Use extra caution when entering buildings or vehicles.

If a surface appears wet during freezing weather, assume it may be icy.

Heat Your Home Safely

Use heating equipment according to its instructions.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from bedding, curtains, furniture, and other combustible materials.
Place heaters on a stable surface.
Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
Turn portable heaters off before sleeping or leaving the room.
Keep children and pets away from heating equipment.
Have fireplaces, chimneys, and heating systems inspected as recommended.

Never use a gas stove, oven, grill, or outdoor heater to warm your home.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death.

Never operate a:

Generator
Grill
Charcoal burner
Camping stove
Fuel-burning outdoor heater

inside a home, garage, basement, shed, enclosed porch, or near doors, windows, and vents.

Possible signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Nausea or vomiting
Chest pain
Confusion
Unusual sleepiness
Loss of consciousness

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or exposure is suspected, move everyone outside into fresh air and call 911. Do not reenter until emergency professionals say it is safe.

Recognize Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

Warning signs include:

Intense or ongoing shivering
Confusion
Slurred speech
Unusual sleepiness
Memory problems
Poor coordination
Slow reactions
Weak pulse
Slow or shallow breathing
Stiffness
Loss of consciousness

Shivering may stop as hypothermia becomes more severe. Do not assume that someone is improving because they are no longer shivering.

If hypothermia is suspected:

Call 911.
Move the person to a warmer, dry location.
Remove wet clothing.
Wrap the person in dry blankets.
Warm the center of the body gradually.
Monitor breathing and responsiveness.
Begin CPR if the person is not breathing normally and you are able.

Do not place the person in a very hot bath, apply intense heat directly to the skin, massage the arms or legs, or give alcohol.

Recognize Frostbite

Frostbite most often affects the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin.

Warning signs include:

Numbness
Tingling or pain
White, gray, yellow, or waxy skin
Skin that feels unusually firm
Blisters
Loss of normal movement or sensation

If frostbite is suspected:

Move indoors.
Remove wet clothing and jewelry.
Protect the affected area.
Seek medical care.
Avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes when possible.

Do not rub or massage the area. Do not use a heating pad, radiator, fireplace, or very hot water. Do not thaw the area if it may freeze again.

If the Power Goes Out

Keep doors and windows closed.
Block drafts when safe.
Gather in one room.
Wear several layers.
Use blankets and sleeping bags.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Use flashlights instead of candles.
Monitor indoor temperature.
Move to a warming center or another heated location before the home becomes dangerously cold.

Call 911 if someone develops confusion, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or other emergency symptoms.

Protect Pipes Without Creating a Hazard

Before freezing weather:

Insulate vulnerable pipes.
Disconnect outdoor hoses.
Open cabinet doors so warm air reaches plumbing.
Allow faucets to drip if recommended locally.
Know where the main water shutoff is located.

Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. Use a safer heat source or contact a qualified professional.

Check on People Who May Need Help

Contact relatives, friends, and neighbors who:

Live alone
Are older
Have limited mobility
Depend on medical equipment
Do not have reliable heat
Have difficulty understanding weather alerts
May be unable to obtain food or medication

If someone’s home is dangerously cold, help them reach a warming center or another safe location.

Quick Cold-Weather Checklist

Check the forecast and wind chill.
Dress in loose, dry layers.
Limit time outdoors.
Walk carefully on ice.
Heat the home safely.
Test carbon monoxide alarms.
Keep generators and grills outdoors.
Watch for hypothermia and frostbite.
Prepare for power outages.
Check on people who may need assistance.
Call 911 for serious symptoms or immediate danger.

Suggested Guides

Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.