Cold Weather Guide

1. Overview

A hard (killing) freeze describes when temperatures are below 28 degrees for several hours. Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. A winter storm can last a few hours or several days. They can knock out heat, power and communication services.

2. Before Cold Weather

  • Residents who have no alternative means of shelter and suffer from a medical condition that requires medical attention by a skilled professional should register with the Orange County Special Needs Registry to receive assistance during a disaster.
  • Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, especially before you go to sleep.
  • Take appropriate measures to protect delicate plants from the cold temperatures.
  • Use thermal wrapping material to prevent your water pipes from freezing or bursting.

3. During Cold Weather

  • Dress warmly in loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat. Protect your face and cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air. Wear mittens instead of gloves -- they allow your fingers to move freely in contact with one another and will keep your hands much warmer.
  • Keep flammable materials, such as newspapers or clothing, away from portable heaters.
  • Be extra careful with kerosene heaters. Make sure the room is well ventilated. These heaters give off toxic fumes that can make you sick or even kill you.
  • Never use a charcoal grill to warm your house.
  • Make routine checkups on the elderly. Make sure their furnaces are working and heating the house properly.
  • Make sure outdoor pets have warm and dry shelter with sufficient food and unfrozen water.
  • Wear several layers of clothing to keep you warm outdoors. A hat is also important since 20 percent of body heat escapes through the head.
  • Since cold weather strains the heart, refrain from engaging in heavy physical activity or you may be risking a heart attack.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes the body to lose heat more rapidly -- even though one may feel warmer after drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Flow water through outdoor pipes or allow a slow drip to protect them from the cold temperatures.

4. After Cold Weather

  • If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g. SHELTER 20472)
  • Bring any personal items to shelters that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens and a hat.
  • Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
  • Restock your emergency supplies to be ready in case another storm hits.

For more information about how to prepare for cold weather, visit America's PrepareAthon site.