Be Prepared - Winter

First Snow
Rain with a Temperature Near Freezing
Freezing Drizzle
Flash Freeze
Don't Forget Your Pets!
Science of Wind Chill
Smart Shoveling
Hypothermia
Dressing for the Cold
Ice Storms

First Snow

While lots of snow in the middle of winter can certainly cause dangerous travel conditions, many times it’s the first little bit of snow of the season that can cause accidents. Be extra careful as you and other drivers adjust to driving in poor conditions. Slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let the first snow sneak up on you!

Sneaky Winter Hazards: First snow. The first snow of the year can often cause major problems on the road as people adjust to the poor driving conditions. Safety tips: slow down; don't use cruise control; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Rain with a Temperature Near Freezing

Rain may seem like less of a winter driving hazard than snow, but when temperatures are near freezing, that’s not the case. Ice can form quickly and make roads slick. In these conditions, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let this winter hazard sneak up on you!

Sneaky Winter Hazards: Rain with a temperature near freezing. Ice can form on roads and lead to dangerous travel when the air temperature or road temperature drops below freezing. Safety tips: slow down; don't use cruise control; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Freezing Rain is the Worst. Freezing rain is more dangerous than snow, as ice can form on pavement. Watch out for falling branches and powerlines. Use extreme caution if there is, or recently was, freezing rain.

Freezing Drizzle

When surface temperatures are below freezing, drizzle will form a thin layer of ice on the roads. This difficult-to-see ice can cause very dangerous travel conditions. When it’s drizzling in the winter, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let freezing drizzle sneak up on you!

Sneaky Winter Hazards: Freezing drizzle. The fine layer of ice that forms during freezing drizzle may be hard to notice on the road, but it is one of winter's most dangerous types of weather. Safety tips: slow down; don't use cruise control; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Flash Freeze

Even when it’s not precipitating, wet roads can quickly turn icy as temperatures dip below freezing. These unexpected slippery conditions can make driving hazardous. When roads look wet in the winter, stay cautious, slow down, and don’t use cruise control. Don’t let flash freezes sneak up on you!

Sneaky Winter Hazards: Flash freeze. Wet roads can freeze quickly at night or when there is a rapid drop in temperature behind a cold front. Safety tips: slow down; don't use cruise control; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Don't Forget Your Pets!

Don't forget about your pets this winter! Make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest with plenty of food and water.

Donâ€™t forget your pets! Even with a natural fur coat, winter can be deadly for your pets unless proper care is given. Keep them warm and dry, and indoors whenever possible. Provide plenty of food and water. Dehydration is especially dangerous in winter. When outside, keep them bundled up. Limit outside time, and thoroughly clean, including paws, when bringing them in.

Science of Wind Chill

Extremely cold air affects millions of people across the United States every winter and even into parts of the spring. This Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values, which can cause your body to lose heat quickly.

Smart Shoveling

Slippery sidewalks and roads aren’t the only things to look out for in late winter and early spring snow storms--shoveling snow can be a health risk as well. Remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and move only small amounts with each shovel pass.

Shovel smart! Shoveling heavy, wet snow can cause back injuries and heart attacks. Donâ€™t push yourself! Dress warmly, making sure to cover your head, fingers and toes. Stay hydrated, but avoid heavy meals right before or after shoveling. Move only small amounts of snow with each pass of the shovel. Take frequent breaks. Stop shoveling entirely if you feel exhausted!

Hypothermia

If you notice someone exhibiting warning signs of hypothermia, get them to a warm place right away. Learn more about how to protect yourself from the cold at weather.gov/safety/cold

Warnings signs of hypothermia: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles.

Dressing for the Cold

Bundling up and staying dry are two of the best things you can do to stay safe from cold temperatures this fall and winter. Wear layers to stay warm and continue to follow CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19, including wearing a mask. Learn to protect yourself from the cold at weather.gov/safety/cold

Ice Storms

Is your home ready for an ice storm? Ice storms can cause power outages that can last up to several days, affecting both you and the surrounding area — that’s why it’s important to have a week’s supply of food and prescriptions. What else would you need? Ice storms can easily break tree branches, so trim weak or damaged branches around your home, and don’t park your car under trees. After you’ve parked, don’t leave your wipers raised...contrary to popular belief, doing so increases the chance of wiper damage.

Are you ready for ice storms? Trim weak or damaged branches around your home. Don't leave vehicle wipers raised. Have a week's worth of food and prescriptions. Don't park your car under trees. Keep devices charged.