Extreme Cold Weather Preparedness
Staying warm and safe is important when temperatures drop significantly below normal. In regions unaccustomed to winter weather, near or below freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered “extreme cold.”
Extremely cold weather can sometimes be accompanied by a winter storm and cause many indoor and outdoor hazards, such as:
- Power outages
- Hazardous road conditions
- Icy sidewalks and driveways
- House fires due to inadequate heating systems or fireplaces
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from electric generators, stoves and other similar devices
To keep yourself and your family safe, use this toolkit to learn and share ways to prevent cold weather-related health problems and learn what to do if a cold weather health emergency affects your family.
Extremely cold weather is a possibility every winter. Be aware, be prepared and plan ahead.
For additional information and resources visit:
Social Media Messaging
Share the following images and messages on social media. Select each image to enlarge, then right click and “save as.”
English
|
Suggested Messaging:
Older adults, younger children, people who are unhoused or people who live in a home that is poorly insulated or without heat are more vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia. These are serious conditions that could impact your health. Stay alert of any extreme cold weather by monitoring your local tv and radio stations for up-to-date information.
Learn more about the effect of extreme cold at:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/ExtremeCold.aspx
|
|
Suggested Messaging:
Extreme cold is a serious threat to many Californians every year. Stock up on emergency supplies by making a list of important items for your home, like flashlights, first aid kits, and backup batteries.
|
|
Suggested Messaging:
If your area is prone to long periods of cold temperatures, or if you live in a more rural area, stock up on food, water, and medicine.
Keep several days’ supply of these essentials for each family member and your pets:
- Water stored in clean containers or purchased bottled water (5 gallons per person) in case your water pipes freeze and rupture.
- Shelf-stable food that doesn’t need cooking or refrigeration, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods (don’t forget the can opener!) and dried fruits. Remember baby food and formula if you have infants and pet food for your pets.
- Medicines that your family or pets need.
|
|
Suggested Messaging:
Extreme cold isn’t always predictable, so prepare your home in advance. If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for heating during winter, have your chimney or flue inspected and check the batteries in or install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
Learn more about extreme cold home preparation at:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Carbon-Monoxide-Poisoning.aspx
|
Suggested Messaging:
Avoid driving during dangerous winter conditions. If you have to drive, prepare ahead:
- Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
- Replace your wiper blades.
- Replace worn tires and check the air pressure.
- Keep your car’s gas tank near full.
- Have your car’s battery life checked.
Suggested Messaging:
If you plan to travel during extreme cold weather, prepare your car with an emergency kit with:
- Blankets
- First aid kit
- Windshield scraper
- Booster cables
- Tool kit
- Tire chains (in areas with heavy snow)
- Enough water and food for all passengers, including pets
- Flashlight and extra batteries
Suggested Messaging:
When the weather is extremely cold, dress warmly to avoid illnesses and other risks, like heart attacks. If you’re going outside during cold weather, wear:
- At least three layers of loose-fitting clothing
- A base layer of wool, silk or synthetic fabrics
- An outer layer of wind or rain protection
- A hat, hood or beanie
- Insulated gloves
- Insulated and waterproof boots
This type of winter clothing will help your body stay warm and dry. Learn more about outdoor safety during extremely cold weather at
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/ExtremeCold.aspx
|
Suggested Messaging:
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat fast. This could lead to hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, which can be life threatening. Prevent hypothermia by dressing warmly, staying dry, limiting outdoor activity during wind chill, and avoiding prolonged exposure to elements.
|
|
Suggested Messaging:
Frostbite can cause permanent damage to your body and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation (removal of a body part). Watch for signs of frostbite:
- Loss of feeling and color of the skin around the face, fingers, and toes
- White or grayish-yellow looking skin
- Firm or waxy skin
- Numbness
Prevent frostbite by dressing warmly for extreme cold and avoid staying outside too long.
|