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How to Stay Safe This Winter

February 27, 2024 | Emma Talkington

Close up of hands starting an outdoor generator with snow on the ground

Last summer, many states and territories experienced extreme weather events, from record-breaking heat waves, to unexpected impacts from the Canadian wildfires, to extreme flooding events and unusually strong typhoons. However, summer isn’t the only season that brings extreme weather events.

Severe winter weather continues to create more and more challenges for communities across the United States. In October 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shared that they anticipate 2024 to have “wetter-than-average conditions for northern Alaska, portions of the West, the southern Plains, Southeast, Gulf Coast and lower mid-Atlantic and drier-than-average conditions across the northern tier of the U.S.” These abnormal conditions can cause an increase in the frequency and intensity of winter storms and extreme weather events. States need to continue adapting and responding to significant winter weather impacts—from extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall to their lasting impacts on affected communities. States where these freezing temperatures are not the norm need to take special care in preparing for and responding to these winter weather impacts, and even states that are more prepared for these types of weather events need to be ready for fluctuating temperatures and more significant snowfalls.

State health agencies can develop press releases, fact sheets, and guidance documents to help the public prepare for the environmental health impacts of winter storms and freezing temperatures. To help states and their communities prepare for their winter seasons, several resources are linked below.

Winter Weather Resources

Several states, including New York, have already been impacted by major snowstorms this season. Federal agencies, like CDC and FEMA, share tips for preparing before a winter storm hits and what to do to stay safe during the storm. For states in the Northeast and Midwest, snow and winter weather are to be expected, so health agencies in these regions already have well-developed resources and messaging tools that other states can look to when developing their own resources.

Federal Resources

State and Local Resources

Extreme Cold Resources

There are other cold weather impacts for states to anticipate aside from snow and ice storms. Last season, several states experienced freezing temperatures despite a snow drought. Such low temperatures bring the risk of freezing pipes and dangerous icy roads, as well as physical harm like frostbite and hypothermia. States should pay special attention to preparations for unhoused populations, who are more severely affected by extremely cold weather.

Federal and NGO Resources

State and Local Resources

Carbon Monoxide Prevention and Indoor Air Resources

One major concern that may not be top of mind for many is carbon monoxide poisoning. Storms and freezing temperatures can cause power outages, leading people to rely on backup generators. However, some will move their generators indoors, which can be harmful or even deadly as generator exhaust accumulates. Generators are not the only thing that can cause poor indoor air quality, though. The Vermont Department of Health has resources—included below—on safely operating wood stoves, which may still be common in some states.

Federal Resources

State Resources

Food and Water Safety Resources

As noted above, winter storms and low temperatures can cause power outages and contribute to water distribution system issues, making both food and water potentially dangerous to consume. The resources below provide important guidance on how to keep food safe during a power outage and how to ensure you have a safe supply of water before a storm hits.

Federal Resources

State Resources

Evolving Needs and Preparation

Extreme winter weather and precipitation are not new weather phenomena. However, they are increasingly impacting jurisdictions less equipped to respond to them. In 2021, for example, Texas was hit with a major winter storm that brought freezing temperatures and snow, causing many to be without power for days. Federal agencies like CDC, EPA, FDA, and FEMA continue to update their websites with up-to-date guidance and resources that states and their communities can use to prepare for winter weather storms.

ASTHO works with states to prepare for both expected and unexpected climate-related disasters. In October, ASTHO’s membership approved the revised Climate and Health Policy Statement, which supports recommendations to increase the “capacity to prevent, protect, and respond to the impacts of climate and extreme weather,” such as increasing funding and training opportunities, building public awareness through messaging and education, and strengthening partnerships. ASTHO also supports the Climate Change Collaborative, which shares resources and best practices around the public health impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Finally, ASTHO provides support, in partnership with CDC, to state health agencies who are not funded through CDC’s Climate-Ready States and Cities Initiative. Through this peer-to-peer fellowship program, health agencies develop community-focused pilot projects on the impacts of climate change.

As extreme weather events and disasters continue to occur more often and with greater severity, public health agencies must continuously adapt and update their strategies to support their communities through these dangerous and often devastating incidents. Looking to peer agencies and national resources can help states and territories better prepare for these events. ASTHO aims to continue supporting state and territorial health agencies as they prepare for and respond to the myriad public health risks these incidents can present.