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Winter Preparedness

Winter Weather and Extreme Cold Safety

A winter storm in New England can range from a moderate snowfall over a few hours to a Nor'easter, bringing blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts several days. People can become stranded in their automobiles or trapped at home, without utilities or other services. The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or the entire region for days, weeks or even months. Storm effects, in New England, include large snow accumulation, extremely cold temperatures, heavy, wet snow or icing on trees and power lines, roof collapses, coastal flooding and beach erosion. Winter storms are also deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the actual storm. The major causes are automobile or other transportation accidents, exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion, 'freezing to death' and asphyxiation from improper heating sources. House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources, like unattended fires and space heaters.

The following articles and information provide safety guidelines:

Steps before the Storm

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter Storm Preparedness

"After the Storm"

Power Outage Safety Tips

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Extreme Cold Safety

Roof Safety and Storm Drain Information

Winter Pet Safety

Winter Weather Additional Resources