Cold weather can be deadly, especially in places not used to extreme cold. A December 2024 study found that cold-related deaths have more than doubled between 1999 and 2022, with over 3,500 deaths reported in 2022.
Climate change doesn’t only mean rising temperatures; it also causes extreme weather, including extreme cold.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency defines extreme cold as “temperatures that are lower than historical averages to the point that it creates a dangerous environment for people, animals, and critical infrastructure.”
“There’s rightfully been a focus on heat deaths because of the context of global warming. But both can be true,” said Michael Liu, the study’s lead author, in a Washington Post article. “Cold-related deaths are still a public health risk.”
Cold weather-related injuries and deaths are preventable. Preparing ahead of time ensures you can stay safe when cold weather hits.
Stay informed
Following local news and weather reports will keep you aware of extreme weather in your area so you can plan accordingly. Many state and local governments provide emergency text and mobile app alert services.
The National Weather Service automatically sends English and Spanish Wireless Emergency Alerts related to weather emergencies to compatible cell phones. Although iPhones, Androids, and most smartphones are WEA-compatible, you may need to check your device’s settings to ensure they are turned on.
Make a cold weather kit
When planning for cold weather, prepare for the worst-case scenario. Extremely cold temperatures, snow, and ice can cause power outages, frozen or burst pipes, loss of wireless and cell signals, and hazardous driving conditions.
A cold weather kit for your home should include:
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Extra water and non-perishable food to last a few days
- Baby supplies, such as diapers and formula to last a few days
- Pet supplies, such as food and litter to last a few days
- Warm clothes and blankets
- Sufficient amounts of your prescription medications and special medical equipment
You may also wish to add a battery-powered NOAA weather radio in your kit. These radios, which can be purchased for as little as $20, allow you to receive weather updates during power and internet outages.
Experts recommend staying indoors and avoiding driving in extreme cold. If you must drive, make sure your car has a cold weather kit before the winter. In addition to the equipment in a home cold weather kit, the National Weather Service suggests that a winter car survival kit also include:
- Jumper cables
- Cat litter or sand for tire traction
- Shovel
- Ice scraper
- Blankets/sleeping bag and warm clothes
- Hand warmers
- Charged cell phone with a spare charger
- Basic tool kit
Become familiar with warming centers
Many cities offer warming centers for people who need short-term shelter during cold weather. Check nearby centers’ locations, operating hours, and pet policies in advance. If your local warming centers don’t accept pets, other locations, like kennels and vet clinics, may temporarily board pets.
Learn how to use heating and power devices safely
Many deaths in cold weather are not from cold temperatures but from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of heaters and generators.
All living spaces should be equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which should be tested monthly. Some fire departments provide free and low-cost detectors.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, heaters are the second leading cause of house fires.
“Space heaters are involved in more than 1,000 home fires across the country every year and factor into the vast majority of home heating-related deaths,” said former Department Of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at FEMA’s 2024 #WinterReady Extreme Cold Summit.
Space heaters should never be left unattended, used around unsupervised children or pets, or left on overnight. They should be plugged directly into a power outlet, not power strips and extension cords. Additionally, they shouldn’t be operated on unstable or uneven surfaces.
The U.S. Fire Administration also recommends that you “keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.”
Generators and portable coal- or gasoline-powered power stations can help you stay warm and maintain power during outages. However, these devices should never be used indoors, as they produce deadly carbon monoxide. Generators should be set up outdoors, at least 20 feet from vents, windows, and doors.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can also be a risk when trying to stay warm inside a vehicle. To avoid this, never leave your car running inside a garage, even if the door and windows are open.
For more information about cold weather resources, check with your local government and FEMA and the National Weather Service.