Stay warm, safe, and functional in extreme cold and winter storm conditions.
Cold weather kills through hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Winter storms can knock out power for days or weeks, freeze pipes, and make roads impassable. This guide covers home preparation, vehicle winterization, dressing for extreme cold, surviving a power outage in winter, and what to do if stranded in a snowstorm.
Step 1 of 8
Insulate pipes (especially exterior walls). Seal drafts with weather stripping and caulk. Service your heating system. Stock heating fuel (wood, oil, propane). Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas.
Important Warning
Carbon monoxide kills silently. Never use a gas stove, oven, or outdoor heater for indoor heating.
Continue learning with these related guides.
Recognize, prevent, and treat dangerously low body temperature in any environment.
Construct effective shelters from natural and improvised materials in any environment.
Keep essential devices running with generators, solar panels, and power banks.