At home:

• Keep handy a battery-powered flashlight, NOAA weather radio and portable radio, extra food (canned or dried food is best), can opener, and bottled water (at least 3 gallons per person).
• Make sure each member of household has a warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots.
• Ensure that extra blankets and heavy clothes are available.
• Keep on hand items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.

In a vehicle:

• Ensure the vehicle is winterized by late fall. Keep the gas tank close to full.
• Have the following emergency supplies in your auto: shovel, blankets, windshield scraper, container of sand, battery booster cables, tow chain or rope, flashlight, battery-operated radio, first-aid kit and high energy snacks (e.g. nuts, raisins).
• If travel is necessary, let someone know your destination and arrival time. Take along a cell-phone in case you must call for help.

Outside:

• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers. Wear wool hat and mittens.
• Keep your clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body heat.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body more rapidly.

At home:

• To save heat, close off unneeded rooms, cover windows at night and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• Maintain adequate food and water intake. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.

If stranded in a vehicle:

• Attach a bright cloth to your antenna to attract attention and then remain in the vehicle.
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. However, open the window slightly for fresh air and make sure that the e exhaust pipe isn't blocked.
• Get attention by turning on the dome light and emergency flashers when running the engine.
• Exercise by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

If stranded outside:

• Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.
• Prepare a windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
• Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

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