Winter storms can make traveling across the city extremely dangerous, cause electrical and water outages, and negatively impact critical community services such as public transportation, childcare, and city services. Be prepared this winter.
What to do now to prepare for a winter storm
- Prepare an emergency kit and stock emergency supplies.
- Make a family communication plan.
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings.
- Monitor local news.
- Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.
- Wrap pipes that run outside or under a house in pipe insulation or rags to avoid cracks due to water freezing in them.
- Review your property insurance and safeguard critical documents.
- Get trained on specific needs your family may have.
What to do during a winter storm
- Stay indoors and off the roads.
- Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm.
- Bring pets into a warm place and out of the storm or severe cold.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.
- Cover or bring in plants inside to avoid frost damage.
- Never heat a home with a cooktop or oven, charcoal grill, or gasoline or propane heater indoors, as these items cause electric shock, and/or cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Monitor local news.
What to do after a winter storm
- Only drive if necessary.
- Dress in warm clothing and stay dry to prevent prolonged exposure to cold and wind.
- Monitor local news.