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Winter Infographics

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Cold impacts: vulnerable populations (actions)

Cold impacts: vulnerable populations (description)

Frostbite & Hypothermia: Know Your Actions

Don't Slip!

Don't Underestimate Sleet Dangers

Thank you for removing snow from the roof of your car

Trucks & SUVs can lose traction in ice and snow

Winter Storm Planning Timeline

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Cold Impacts: Vulnerable Populations:
Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme cold, but these groups are more vulnerable than most: newborns, the elderly, people with chronic illness, outdoor workers, and the unhoused. Age and certain conditions make the body less able to regulate temperature.
Dress in loose layers and cover all exposed skin. Consume hot foods and warm drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Limit or avoid time outdoors. Check on family, friends and neighbors.

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Cold Impacts: Vulnerable Populations:
Newborns: newborns are extra sensitive to cold. They lose body heat more easily than adults and canâ€™t make enough body heat by shivering.
Elderly: older adults often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity, making them more susceptible to the cold.
Chronic Illness: people with certain chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk for cold-related illnesses.
Outdoor workers: outdoor workers such as farmers, construction workers, and utility personnel face higher risks of exposure to cold.
Unhoused: People without adequate clothing and/or shelter are at an increased risk of cold-related illnesses.

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Frostbite & Hypothermia: Know Your Actions.
If someone might have frostbite or hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately!
Get to a warm area. Remove wet clothing. Warm up with dry layers of blankets or clothing. Place skin affected by frostbite in warm water (not hot).
Frostbite caution: do not use fireplaces or artificial heat sources for warming. Do not rub or put pressure on areas with frostbite.

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Donâ€™t slip! Icy surfaces can lead to serious injuries! Help prevent ice by salting walkways and turning off sprinklers in advance of the cold. Walk on treated or non-icy surfaces with better traction, if possible. Wear proper winter footwear with rubber treads. Take slow, short steps so that youâ€™ll be able to react to icy conditions.

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Donâ€™t underestimate sleet dangers! Take it easy when shoveling. Sleet can be much more dense than snow. Go slowly and donâ€™t overexert yourself. Use extreme caution when driving. Sleet can cause dangerous road conditions and reduced visibility. Reduce speed, allow plenty of stopping distance, and do not use cruise control.

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Pictured: A man brushes snow from the roof of his car. Text: Thank you for removing snow from the roof of your car

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Pictured: A truck tire with snow between the treads. Text: Trucks & SUVs can lose traction in ice and snow. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in bad weather. All vehicles are susceptible to ice and snow. Know your limits.

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A few days out: if the forecast calls for winter weather, start preparing now. Have emergency supplies for your home & car. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.
The day before: forecast accuracy continues to improve, so keep checking the latest. Adjust plans. Have multiple ways to receive Warnings. Bring pets indoors and ensure they have water.
During and after: remain vigilant and stay informed. Drive only if necessary. Check on neighbors and family. Properly ventilate emergency heat sources. Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home. Take it easy when shoveling.

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Flood	Fog	Space Weather	Wind	Winter

US Dept of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Weather-Ready Nation
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Silver Spring, MD 20910

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