winter weather travel safety tips

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#WinterReady

Preventing House Heating Fires

Preparing for power outages.

Winter Travel

Tips for Your Specific Needs

Additional resources.

Being #WinterReady means understanding winter risks you face and taking steps now to prepare. This page will be updated throughout the winter to add more resources and information.

Why should you be #WinterReady?

• Sixty-three percent of temperature-related deaths are attributable to cold exposure .
• Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires , and winter is when most home fires happen. 
• Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car.

Review additional #WinterReady partner resources and tools before the next winter storm hits.

Learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and how to respond.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning . Install a CO detector and check that it has a working battery. Have your heating system checked by a qualified professional. Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.

Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen. Download the free Home Fire Safety Guide from the U.S. Fire Administration for ways to keep your home safe from fires.

Get your car ready for cold weather . Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; make sure your tires are in good condition. Keep an emergency kit in your car including blankets, food and water, first aid, and  other items  you may need if you are stranded

Although trending downward since the early 1980s, heating fires remained the second leading cause of home fires in 2021. An estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters or candles.
• Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isn’t damaged or frayed.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
• Visit the U.S. Fire Administration Home Fires page to learn about how to prepare for and prevent home fires including tips for individuals with disabilities and older adults . 

Learn more about preventing fires.

Winter storms may bring power outages that can disrupt things like communications, utilities,  transportation, stores, gas stations and ATMs, and prevent your ability to use electrically powered medical devices. It’s important to be prepared for power outages.

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
• If you use a generator, ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you can’t heat your home.

Get more power outage tips.

Some people may have generators that they rely on during outages. Learn how to use your generator safely.

Stay Safe During Winter Travel

Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car. Being prepared can help you “expect the unexpected” so your trip isn’t ruined by common problems travelers face in the winter.

Know before you go

• From blizzards, to avalanches , to ice storms, be aware of the winter risks in places you visit. Check the local weather forecasts and warnings before heading out. Visit National Weather Service for up to date forecasts and download the FEMA App for alerts in up to five locations.
• Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out.
• If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling.
• Tell others your route and anticipated arrival time.
• Want more tips on travel safety? Watch this PSA , made in partnership with FEMA and the TSA, for additional tips on travel safety.

On the Road

• Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before you travel.
• Keep your gas tank as full as you can. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread, or any chains or studs required in your local area.
• When driving, increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads.
• Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months and expired items should be replaced regularly.
• Keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company in your phone.
• Consider keeping a power bank for your phone in your car in case your car loses power.
• If stranded , run the engine for about 10 minutes per hour to run the heater and charge your cellphone. Open a window slightly to let fresh air in and avoid  carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning .

Some people have situations that need a little more attention. Whether you need low-cost solutions for home heating , are and older adult , work or play outside , or don’t typically experience winter weather , we have tips for you.

"Low Cost Tips for Keeping your Home Warm"

• To save on heating bills, close the doors of rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in these rooms and keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel at the bottom of all doors to keep drafts out.
• About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through its windows. Keep window coverings like blinds or curtains open during the day to take advantage of the sun’s heat in the winter – especially windows that get direct sunlight. Close them at night to keep heat from escaping. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out. You can also apply inexpensive window insulation kits that create an airtight seal around windows.
• You may be eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which can help you pay your heating bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis. For home improvements that save money on energy, you may qualify for help through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) .

“I am an older adult.”

Use the worksheets and checklists in the  Take Control in 1, 2, 3—Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults to create your plan, then add it to your emergency kit or put it on your refrigerator as a visible reminder that you are prepared.

The CDC recommends friends, family members, or caregivers follow some tips on keeping an older adult safe during the winter months:

• Engage your support network if you need help clearing ice and snow from your property so you can keep outside walkways and steps clear of snow and ice.
• Low lighting is a major cause of falls, so make sure there is enough lighting outdoors, especially near walkways and stairs.
• Have the name and contact information of a nearby family member or friend who can regularly check in on you.
• Make sure your steps are sturdy and have textured grip to  reduce falls  if the weather is icy or wet.
• If you use walking aids such as a cane, walker, or a wheelchair, dry the wheels or tips of each before entering your home.
• Keep a small table or shelf near the entry door to put items while unlocking the door. This reduces distractions and dangers of slipping or tripping while trying to enter your home.
• If your home’s main entrance is often icy during the winter months, use a different entrance if you can. Stay warm by dressing warmly, and remember to eat enough food to keep yourself at a healthy weight.

“I work outside or frequently do outdoor sporting activities.”

Be careful if you spend time outdoors, including for work . Always have a fully charged cellphone and carry a portable recharger, if possible.

If you cannot avoid extremely cold situations – including windchill – follow these recommendations to protect yourself:

• Wear several layers of loose clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
• Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather. Boots should be waterproof and insulated. Wear a hat; it will keep your whole body warmer.
• Move into warm locations during work breaks and try to limit the amount of time outside on extremely cold days.
• Carry cold weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid.
• Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.

“I live somewhere that doesn’t usually see extreme winter weather.”

• Pay attention to local weather forecasts and follow advice from locals.
• Winter storms may cause power outages. Learn what to do before, during and after the power goes out and how to use a portable generator safely .
• Talk to neighbors who may have experienced extreme winter weather in the past. They may have valuable tips and advice.
• Learn how to heat your home safely to prevent home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Turn off and drain the water from outdoor water spigots. Disconnect and drain garden hoses and store them in a garage or shed.

This list will be updated throughout the winter to add more resources as they become available.

• #WinterReady Partners Toolkit

Social Media Toolkits

• #WinterReady Safety Graphics
• #WinterReady Social Media Toolkit
• Holiday Safety Social Media Toolkit | Ready.gov

Staying Warm

• Extreme Cold Prevention Guide | CDC and Extreme Cold Guide Prevention Guide 508 pages | CDC
• Food assistance | USAGov
• Between Extremes: Health Effects of Heat and Cold | NIH.gov
• Workplace Solutions: Preventing Cold-related Illness, Injury, and Death among Workers | CDC.gov
• Homeless Service Provider Preparedness Toolkit | FEMA via connectsolutions

Winterproof Your Home

• Energy Savings Hub | Department of Energy
• Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips | Department of Energy
• Federal Income Tax Credits and Incentives for Energy Efficiency | ENERGY STAR
• 2022 Tax Credit Information | ENERGY STAR
• Energy Saver Guide: Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home | Department of Energy
• Making Our Homes More Efficient: Clean Energy Tax Credits for Consumers | Department of Energy
• Do-It-Yourself Energy Savers Projects | Department of Energy
• Weatherization Assistance Program Funding Opportunities for Communities | Department of Energy

Resources for Kids

• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Winter Weather | CDC.gov

Winter Travel Safety

• Winter Weather Driving Tips: Prepare Your Vehicle | NHTSA.gov
• Winter Driving Tips | NHTSA.gov

Winter Preparedness Flyers

• NHTSA | Winter Driving Tips
• CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet (available in 12 languages on CDC.gov )
• CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet (Spanish)
• CDC | Pictogram Flyer: Danger! Carbon Monoxide Hazard: Using a generator
• CDC | Pictogram Flyer: Danger! Carbon Monoxide Hazard: Using a generator (Spanish)
• CDC | Eat Safe Food After a Power Outage (available in 12 languages on CDC.gov )
• CDC | Eat Safe Food After a Power Outage (Spanish)
• NHTSA | Winter Weather Driving Tips: Prepare Your Vehicle | NHTSA.gov
• CPSC | Winter Activity Safety Infographic
• USFA Winter Residential Building Fires (2014-2016) Infographic | FEMA.gov

Winter Safety

• Winter Activity Safety Infographic | CPSC.gov

Case Studies

• Initiative Helps Rural Amish Communities Become Weather Ready in Jackson, Kentucky | FEMA.gov

FEMA Podcasts, Webinars and Blogs

• Before, During & After | FEMA.gov
• 5 Tips to Stay Warm and Safe This Winter | FEMA.gov
• Staying Safe During Severe Winter Weather | FEMA.gov
• Fire Safety Preparedness and Prevention | FEMA.gov via connectsolutions

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18 Winter Travel Tips for Flights and Road Trips

Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games.

He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already.

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Successful winter travel is all about successfully navigating the weather. In winter, most travelers hope to get to and from their destinations with minimum trouble and maximum enjoyment—and, most importantly, to always arrive safe and sound, no matter what sort of snow, ice, sleet, or freezing rain you may encounter. To that end, here are some winter travel tips and tactics to help you avoid spending the season stuck in airports or on roadsides.

Winter Travel Tips for Flying

1. The worst winter travel problems for travelers frequently occur at connecting airports. If your first outbound flight is canceled and you end up returning to your own home from your local airport, that’s not too bad; if you are stuck in your vacation hotel hoping to get a flight home, that’s a bit worse. But when you’re stuck in a connecting airport in Texas calling hotels and praying for a place to stay, you’re in what I would call your worst-case scenario.

For this reason, you should fly nonstop whenever possible. To find nonstop flights, do all your initial flight searches with the “Nonstop Flights Only” button checked on your favorite booking engine. If you also use search options like “Show Nearby Airports” and “My Dates Are Flexible,” you’ll have a very good sense of how best to get from Point A to B without any Point C for connection.

2. If you absolutely must fly with a connection, watch your layover times carefully. If a weather delay causes you to miss your connection, you might be out of luck; the airline is not necessarily obligated to find you a seat on the next flight, and often cannot logistically do so if flights are full or unavailable. If you have a really tight connection time and your flight is running late, tell a flight attendant who may be able to make arrangements to hold your next flight, or at least get you off your first flight quickly.

3. Check the weather at your connecting cities as well as at your departure and destination airports. You’ll want to know what the weather is like for the departure and arrival airports (particularly if we’re traveling on vacation), but for the same reasons stated above you’ll want to know what is going on at your connecting airport as well. If the weather looks threatening, contact your airline to see if it can reroute you; it may be in its best interest to do so, and save you a lot of grief. Your chances of getting on a different flight will be greatly enhanced if you’ve already done the research yourself to determine which alternate flights might work best. Don’t count on a gate agent to know about or search the schedules of other airlines.

4. Try to book your connection through a southern city where weather shouldn’t be an issue. There are no guarantees here, as northern airports tend to be better equipped to deal with winter conditions, and a snowstorm can almost wholly shut down an airport that more often suffers from too much sun. However, your odds are better in places that rarely see ice or snow.

5. Choose a morning flight. For two reasons: First, you are far less likely to have your flight affected by problems at other airports. Second, if your flight is canceled or badly delayed, your options for alternate flights are greatly increased, improving your odds for getting on a different flight by the end of the day.

6. Consider alternative airports . Very often the problem is not solely weather, but also the overall volume of passengers and flights. In places like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Houston, second-tier airports aren’t too far out of town and are tied into the transportation grid.

7. Get ahead of the game at security. Before you even get in line, put all your gear and spare coins into a pocket of your carry-on bag. With so much valuable stuff getting dumped into plastic bins all day, every day, it’s inevitable that stuff gets left behind, dropped, damaged, broken, or even stolen. If you take 15 seconds to stow everything, you’ll make the time up twice over on either side of the security gate, and won’t risk losing cell phones, wallets, keys, and other essentials. Find more airport security tips here and here .

8. The annual holiday travel rule: Don’t wrap gifts—security will have to rip them open. With the TSA searching checked bags as well as carry-ons, this applies to all of your luggage; not just what you bring onto the plane with you. Consider shipping your gifts ahead of time or wrapping them once you get to your destination. Find more holiday-specific winter travel tips here .

9. Finally, avoid peak travel dates as best you can, particularly holiday weekends. Find out the best and worst days to travel around the holidays here .

Winter Travel Tips for Driving

1. Put some extra clothing and emergency items into your vehicle; these will come in handy if you break down in cold weather. Assemble a basic kit including a pair of gloves , weather-resistant pants and/or coat, maybe an old pair of boots, a blanket , jumper cables , a flashlight with some extra batteries, and a windshield scraper (and maybe a de-icer ), and you should be in good shape. You might also toss a few nutrition bars in as well; things that won’t spoil, are packed with calories, and can bail you out in a pinch.

2. Make sure your car is checked over for winter weather readiness. In particular, you or a mechanic should inspect your tires before the first big winter storm.

3. Once your vehicle is inspected and equipped, follow this advice I heard a while back from a Montana snowplow driver: “See and be seen. Keep your headlights and taillights clean, especially in stormy weather. Keep windows clean and make sure defrosters work well. If snow has built up on your vehicle overnight or after a break from driving, clear it away so it doesn’t blow off and obscure your windows.”

4. Slow down. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends slowing down by about 50 percent in bad weather. Also leave extra space between you and the car in front of you in case of slippery roads.

5. Remember that not all stretches of road are created alike. For example, many recently built small bridges and overpasses have been designed to blend into the surroundings, with a gradual or nonexistent change in elevation. These bridges nonetheless remain susceptible to icing over much more rapidly than regular blacktop. Look out and look ahead for these short stretches of road when temperatures approach or drop below freezing. If you don’t know the ropes of driving on icy surfaces, here’s how to drive on black ice .

6. Some features of modern automobiles may actually serve you poorly in bad conditions. In some SUVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles, for example, you may have better traction when the vehicle is under way, but the four-wheel drive won’t help you stop any faster. Also, skip the cruise control; your cruise control feature may accelerate when you least want it to, such as when you are climbing an icy bridge.

7. Some safety experts recommend putting a bag of kitty litter in the trunk, both for added ballast to offer better traction, and to put under the wheels if you need to get yourself out of a slippery spot.

8. If you’re stranded and have to stay in your car, you can run the engine for heat, but make sure the exhaust pipe is not obstructed by snow or mud. If you prefer not to have the engine running the whole time, close the windows to keep heat in, and run the car for 10 minutes every hour, cracking open a front window when you do so.

9. If you are parking at your hotel or near attractions in bad weather, opt for a spot in an indoor parking garage when available.

Readers: What winter travel tips would you add? Post them in the comments.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The One Winter Travel Accessory You Should Always Pack
• 7 Lightweight Winter Jackets for Travel
• Quiz: Where Should You Travel This Winter?

Editor’s Note: This story was written in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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35 Winter Weather Safety Tips (2024): While Driving, At Home, For Pets & Checklist

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You already know if you live in an area that experiences extreme winters. But sometimes, it doesn’t have to be a severe storm for you to wish you were more prepared. You can use these tips while at home, at work, or traveling.

8 Things To Do If You Get Stuck In Snow

Winter emergency bag checklist.

Depending on the storm, it’s not uncommon for roads to be snow-covered, power to be out, and for you to be trapped for multiple days. So we recommend having enough supplies in your winter emergency bag for 72 hours.

Keep in mind that you need to have supplies for each person you’re traveling with and who’s at home with you. But for work, you only need to focus on enough supplies for yourself (although you can add some extras in for coworkers if you’d like).

• Emergency Kit
• Food & Water
• Blankets & Warm Clothing (Wool Socks, Hat, Gloves, Thick Pants/Tops, Sleeping Bag, etc.)
• Medications & Prescriptions
• Lighting Source
• Toiletries (Hand Sanitizer, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Deodorant, etc.)
• Hand Warmers
• Rock Salt (To Melt Ice On Walkways)
• Sand Or Kitty Litter (To Give Tires Traction If Vehicle Is Stuck)
• Snow Shovel Or Snow Blower (Don’t Forget To Properly Fuel & Oil It)
• Dry Wood (If You Have A Wood-Burning Stove Or Fireplace)
• Portable Generator

5 Cold Weather Safety Tips

Other major tips to remember whether you are at home, work, or traveling:

• Don’t forget about your animals. Bring your pets inside and move livestock to sheltered areas with fresh water and food.
• Check on family or elderly people in your neighborhood. If you know a storm is going to hit, offer to bring them to your house so you can help make sure they’re safe. The more bodies in a room mean the more heat produced, but keep in mind you’ll need extra food, water, blankets, etc.
• Keep doors and windows shut. If you feel a draft coming in through windows and doors, close the curtains, put blankets up as an extra layer around windows, and put towels along the bottom of doors. If there is no draft, it’s best to let sunlight in during the day but cover the windows at night.
• Stay in one room to conserve energy and heat.
• Put on layers.
• Eat and drink regularly.
• If you’re traveling, try to find a gas station, restaurant, or other building to wait for the storm out in and bring your winter emergency bag inside with you.

11 Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Service your vehicle regularly and get it winterized before the winter season.
• Don’t drive unless you absolutely have to.
• Let others know where you’re going, and what route you’re taking, and check in with them during stops and when you arrive at your destination.
• Bring your winter emergency bag with you.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread .
• Keep your gas tank at least half full;  you never know when you could get stranded.
• Drive slowly to give yourself extra time to respond to other vehicles and the elements.
• Increase and decrease your speed slowly.
• Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, keeping your heel on the floor and applying firm, steady pressure is a more effective way to brake than slamming the brake down to the floorboard.
• Do not use cruise control when it’s snowing or on roads covered with snow or ice.
• Only drive on well-traveled roads and avoid back roads .

• Call for help.
• Put on extra layers of clothing and blankets from your winter emergency bag . Activate hand warmers and put some in your shoes and in your pockets to help keep you warm.
• Stay in your vehicle as much as possible. Your vehicle will protect you from severe weather, and it will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• If you’re going to attempt to dig out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you need to . It won’t help anyone if you pass out or injure yourself.
• Try to increase your visibility by tying a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or placing it at the top of a rolled-up window . When it’s dark, turn on the dome light , which only uses a small amount of electricity. If you have flares , light them.
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear. When blocked, it could cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to leak into the vehicle. (You could purchase a CO detector for cars .)
• Only run the engine and heat long enough to remove the chill to conserve fuel.
• Clap your hands and stomp your feet to help keep proper blood flow .

9 Winter Car Seat Safety Tips

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , here are some tips you should follow to help keep your child safe in their car seat during the winter.

• Bring the carrier portion of infant seats inside to keep it at a more comfortable temperature for the baby.
• Dress children in thin layers . For example, a child may wear a long-sleeved onesie, then pants and a sweater on top.
• Remember to put hats, mittens, and socks/booties on your child to help keep them warm without interfering with the car seat straps. If your child is a thumb sucker, consider half-gloves with open fingers or carry an extra pair of mittens , so if they get wet, you can replace them with dry ones.
• You should not be able to pinch the straps of the car seat harness. Tighten the straps thoroughly.
• Never put your children under the straps of a car seat with bulky clothing like winter coats and snowsuits. Instead, place a blanket or coat over the straps after you buckle up your child.
• Monitor your child after the vehicle has warmed up. If you’re getting hot in your winter coat, there’s a chance your child is getting warm with a blanket on him. Pull off the road to a safe area or ask a passenger to check how warm your child is. Adjust the car temperature or remove a blanket as needed.
• Nothing should go beneath the child’s body or between the child’s body and the harness straps.
• Never cover your baby’s face .
• Nothing should go in the car seat that didn’t come with the car seat, including an add-on head support or other accessories. These accessories are available to purchase, but it does not mean they’re safe to use.

If the item didn’t come with the car seat, it has not been crash tested and could interfere with protecting your child in the event of a crash.

• Diapers and wipes
• Food (formula, breastmilk, non-perishable snacks, etc.)

Here are some other general car seat safety tips , and this video does an excellent job showing why it’s important to take your child’s coat off before placing them in their car seat.

12 Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

• Warm up your muscles before you begin shoveling by bending side to side or walking in place.
• Wear layers and remove them as you get warm to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Wear winter boots with grippy soles to keep you warm and give you traction.
• Gloves are more functional , but mittens can help generate more body heat since your fingers are touching.
• Pushing the snow instead of lifting it can reduce the strain on your body. When you do need to lift snow, bend your knees and use your legs.
• Choose an ergonomic shovel .
• Consider a lightweight plastic shovel instead of a heavy metal one to decrease the weight lifted.
• Take breaks after 20 to 30 minutes of shoveling or more frequently if your body needs it.
• Drink water during your breaks and throughout shoveling to stay hydrated.
• Split up your shoveling into multiple chunks. If you know it’s going to be heavy snowfall, consider shoveling periodically throughout the storm to avoid moving large amounts of snow at once.
• Try to shovel shortly after it finishes snowing when it’s lighter and fluffier. Snow that sits becomes wetter, heavier, and harder to move.
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness or burning in the chest, arms, back, or neck

If shoveling is too much for your body to handle, don’t do it. You may be able to find a snow removal assistance program in your city for the elderly and disabled. If you don’t qualify for help but aren’t in a healthy condition to shovel, ask a neighbor for assistance or consider hiring someone.

Are You Prepared For The Next Natural Disaster?

Did you know winter storms aren’t the only emergencies you should prepare for? If you live in hurricane or tornado areas, you should consider securing your property and protecting yourself. It’s best to do your research beforehand, so that if a storm hits, you’re not running around and unsure about what to do and what you need to pack.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

About The Author

Kimberly Alt

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Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travelers. Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Drivers should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA urges drivers to be cautious while driving in adverse weather.

AAA recommends the following tips while driving in snowy and icy conditions:

• Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
• Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
• Stay home . Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
• Drive slowly . Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly . Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Increase your following distance  to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes . Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it . There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills . Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
• Don’t stop going up a hill . There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Be Prepared : Have your vehicle checked by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road.
• Check the Weather:  Check the weather along your route and when possible, delay your trip if bad weather is expected.
• Stay Connected:  Before hitting the road, notify others and let them know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Stay with your vehicle : Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself:  When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.
• Be Visible:  Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Clear the Exhaust Pipe:  Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment of the vehicle while the engine is running.
• Stay Warm:  Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.
• Conserve Fuel:  If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel.

AAA advises drivers to follow guidance from local authorities during winter weather events and, when possible, stay home even after the storm passes. Keeping the roads clear of unnecessary traffic will help first responders, including roadside technicians and tow providers, do their job safely and efficiently. If you must be on the roads, AAA recommends:

• Be prepared by having your vehicle inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road to ensure everything is in good working order.
• Check the weather at your starting point, along your route, and at your destination. If bad weather is expected at any point, if possible, delay your trip until conditions improve.
• Stay connected by notifying your friends and family of your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.
• Slow Down, Move Over when you see first responders, roadside technicians, tow providers, or stranded drivers along the side of the road. Winter conditions make the road more dangerous than usual, and staying alert keeps everyone safe.

If you are stranded while traveling in winter weather, AAA recommends:

• Stay with your vehicle since it provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
• Do not try to walk in a severe storm since it is easy to lose sight of your vehicle and get lost in blowing snow. Also, passing vehicles may not be able to see you.
• Don’t overexert yourself trying to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice, or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the vehicle when the engine is running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. If you don’t have an emergency kit with extra coats and blankets, you may use floor mats or other similar items. The point is to stay warm.
• If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and conserve gasoline.

Emergency Kit

AAA strongly recommends drivers keep a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. But this is especially important in the winter. A well-stocked emergency kit should include the following:

• Cell phone car chargers
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Reflective or warning triangles (put outside of the vehicle to signal a breakdown)
• First-aid kit
• Drinking water and non-perishable food for travelers and pets
• Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, or traction mats)
• Ice scraper or snow brush and shovel
• Gloves, extra coats or sweatshirts, hats, and blankets

AAA Response to Roadside Calls

During big winter storms, AAA will see an increase in calls for roadside assistance. Especially in those areas where the weather will be the most severe. Increased call volume combined with hazardous conditions will cause a delay in response time – especially if an area is inaccessible. When it is possible for roadside technicians and tow providers to go out, the safety of our members is AAA’s greatest concern, and priority is given to those stranded in the most dangerous conditions.

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33 Essential Winter Travel Tips (Whether You Drive or Fly)

If you're traveling this winter, whether by plane, train, or automobile, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind to make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Here are 33 essential winter travel tips to help you get where you're going safely and comfortably, no matter what mode of transportation you're using.

1. Plan ahead.

This is especially important if you're flying, as airport delays and cancelations are more common in winter weather. Check everything you need to know about your destination and plan to arrive a day or two early if possible, just in case your flight is delayed.

2. Dress in layers.

You never know when the temperature will change, so it's always best to be prepared. Wear a base layer of clothing that will keep you warm, even if it gets wet.

Add a middle layer of insulation, such as a sweater or light jacket. And top it off with a waterproof outer layer in case you get caught in the snow or rain.

When you fly, the general rule is to wear your heaviest clothes. This will keep you warm and will prevent your luggage from being overweight.

3. Pack your essentials.

In addition to your clothes, make sure you pack all of your essential toiletries and medications. And don't forget your phone charger!

4. Stay hydrated.

It's important to stay hydrated when traveling, especially in winter weather. Bring a water bottle with you and drink frequently, even if you're not thirsty.

5. Protect your skin .

The cold weather can be harsh on your skin, so make sure to pack some lotion and lip balm. Apply them frequently, especially if you're exposed to the elements.

6. Don't forget your sunscreen.

Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun. So it's wise to apply sunscreen before you go outside.

7. Be mindful of ice and snow.

Ice and snow can make even the most familiar surroundings treacherous. Take extra care when walking, and always keep your hands free in case you need to break your fall.

8. Check the forecast before heading out.

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before you leave the house. This way, you can dress appropriately and be prepared for whatever the day brings.

9. Allow extra time for travel.

Winter weather can slow down even the best-laid plans. So, when making travel plans, always allow yourself some extra time in case of delays.

10. Drive carefully.

Snow and ice can negatively impact driving conditions. Ensure your safety by slowing down and allowing yourself extra time.

11. Know your route.

If you're driving in unfamiliar territory, make sure you know your route before setting out. This way, you can avoid getting lost or stranded in the middle of nowhere.

12. Keep your gas tank full.

It's always a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half full in case you get stranded or have to take a detour.

13. Pack a winter survival kit.

If you're driving in remote areas, it's a good idea to pack a winter survival kit in case you get stranded. This should include food, water, blankets, and other essential items.

14. Bring a map.

A physical map can be a lifesaver if you get lost, don't have access to the Internet, or your phone dies. So, make sure you pack one before heading out on your trip.

15. Tell someone your plans.

It's always a good idea to let someone know your travel plans, especially if you're going to be in a remote area. This way, they can come looking for you if you don't arrive at your destination when expected.

16. Check your car before heading out.

In winter weather, it's important to make sure your car is in good working order before setting out. This includes things like checking your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers. When driving in the winter, be sure to use snow tires or chains and use windshield washer fluid that won’t freeze.

17. Bring a shovel.

A shovel can be a lifesaver if you get stuck in the snow. So, make sure you pack one before heading out on your trip if possible.

18. Bring a bag of sand.

Sand can be used to help get your car out of the snow if you get stuck. So, it's a good idea to have a bag of it in your trunk.

19. Don't travel alone.

If possible, travel with someone else. This way, you can help each other if you run into trouble.

20. Stay on main roads.

In winter weather, it's best to stay on main roads where there is more traffic and better cell phone reception.

21. Keep your phone charged.

It's important to have a fully charged phone in case of an emergency, so make sure you charge it before you leave and keep it plugged in while you're on the road.

22. Bring a power bank.

A power bank can be a lifesaver if your phone dies and you can't charge it.

23. Check your airline’s baggage policy.

If you’re flying, check your airline’s baggage policy before packing. Some airlines have restrictions on how many bags you can bring or how much they can weigh.

24. Get travel insurance.

In the event that your flight is canceled or you get sick while on your trip, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

25. Bring something warm.

Take a blanket, pillow, or something to keep you warm on a cold plane or in the car.

26. Pack snacks.

Pack snacks to keep your energy up while traveling.

27. Ask about winter weather driving rates.

If you’re renting a car, ask about winter weather driving rates. Some companies charge extra for driving in the snow.

28. Use a power strip.

Charging your devices at once is easier if you bring a power strip.

29. Sign up for airline alerts.

If you’re flying, sign up for airline alerts to be notified of any changes to your flight.

30. Keep your headlights on.

When driving, keep your headlights on so you can see and be seen.

31. Bring cash.

It's always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially when you're traveling in remote areas in the winter.

32. Make copies of important documents.

Be sure to make copies of your passport, driver's license, and other important documents.

33. Watch for frostbite.

Frostbite can happen quickly in cold weather, so it's important to be aware of the signs. If your skin starts to feel numb or tingly, seek medical attention immediately.

If you're planning a trip this winter to enjoy the cold season to the fullest, why not head to Europe!

Here you'll find some of the best winter travel destinations to end the year on a great note.

Plus, we've put together a guide on how to up your skincare game for the winter season here .

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12 Easy Health & Safety Tips for Winter Travel

This post is part of a paid partnership with Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic.

When you start to think about how to plan for winter travel, there is a lot more to consider than during the summer. Winter brings with it cold weather conditions, more germs being spread around indoors, and lots of layers that have to fit in your suitcase.

Especially when cold and flu season is underway, taking a few extra precautions will keep you safe and healthy whether flying with kids, going on a road trip with friends, or just driving up to see grandma for the holidays. 

Winter Safety Tips

Generally, when we think of winter safety tips, we only think of driving tips . While you definitely need to get your car inspected and tires looked at before you hit a winter destination, there is a lot more that goes into staying safe when you travel in the winter months. 

Go through your winter travel checklist to make sure you have everything packed and easily accessible in your car. You never know when an emergency could hit.

Winter Travel Checklist

• Get the car inspected.
• Check tire pressure.
• Always have at least a half tank of gas in the car.
• Check weather and road conditions. 
• Pack a flashlight, blanket and snacks in the car. 
• Have a small snow shovel easily accessible. 
• Don’t forget your emergency roadside kit and first aid kit.

Now, let’s see how you can stay safe before you even leave the house this winter. Remember, I am not a medical professional. These tips come from years of travel and a whole lot of common sense picked up along the way. 

Winter Health Tips 

In the past, I’ve gotten sick on more flights and train rides than I can count when the temperature drops. Before you leave home this winter, there are a few things you will want to do to protect your body. 

Hopefully these travel health tips are part of your daily routine, but if not, now is the time to add them in as cold temperatures head this way. They are simple and easy to implement, and won’t put a dent in your wallet. 

Drink plenty of water at home, so you are hydrated when you travel. Airplane travel can suck all of the moisture out of you, which not only creates dry skin, but it also means you aren’t flushing out any germs that enter your body. 

Sanitize Your Nose

Nasty germs are everywhere, so I do my best to protect my hands, face and especially my nose. The nose is a top spot where germs enter and exit the body.

By using Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic, an over-the-counter (OTC) topical solution containing alcohol as the key ingredient, you can help protect yourself and your family from potential infection for up to 12 hours.

It’s clinically-proven to help kill 99.99% of germs and is used by hundreds of hospitals. 

Best of all, it’s safe for kids 2 and older (with adult supervision), so I can protect my boys all year round.

They don’t mind the fresh smell of oranges that is infused into the bottle solution via natural oils in this #1 patented product for daily nasal decolonization (also available in PopSwab® ampules, the perfect size for popping into your purse or cosmetic bag for on-the-go travel). 

Wear a Mask

If you are flying, make sure you pack a mask to protect you from colds, flus and other germs running around the cabin. While you have done everything you can to protect yourself, that extra layer of protection is worth it. 

Exercise regularly, whether you go for a run or hike outside, or have a favorite workout you do in your basement like me. I love to kick off my day with a HIIT workout, getting in my cardio and strength training before I sit at my desk for a few hours. 

According to WebMD.com, “Exercise improves your overall fitness, which can help boost your immune system — the body’s defense against infections.”

As my own doctor has told me, exercise is “low hanging fruit” for you to grab to protect yourself on a number of levels. Exercise doesn’t just protect me from infection, but also can help to prevent my migraines and combat my hereditary high cholesterol (which can lead to some scary health issues like a heart attack).

And don’t tell anyone, but shoveling snow and ice is exercise, so get out there with your kids and shovel the walkway. You can have a nice hot cup of tea or apple cider once you are finished removing snow from your car. 

Cut Back on those Comforting Carbs

Carbs are our natural comfort food during the winter season. We are supposed to pack on a few layers like a bear going into hibernation, right? 

Wrong. 

Continue to load up your shopping cart with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Root vegetables are plentiful this time of year and can help cut your cravings, while still giving you the healthy vitamins your body needs. Leafy greens are packed with nutrients, and easy to sneak into a smoothie for the kids. No more excuses!

Winter Skincare Tips

I don’t know about you, but my skin turns into a desert in winter weather. From space heaters in my office, to going from extreme cold outside to home fires inside, my poor body doesn’t know what the heck is going on. 

Remembering a few winter skincare tips at the start of the season, and maintaining proper skin health throughout the winter can make a huge difference. 

Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Even though you are drinking lots of water, you still need to give your face, neck, elbows, feet and any other spots that get dry from the indoor heat blasting all day a little love. 

Let’s not forget to moisturize our nose either. Yes, that’s a thing. Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic keeps our noses moisturized with a subtle, orange scent. The patented formula also contains inactive ingredients such as jojoba, water, orange oil, lauric acid, vitamin E and more that make it pleasant to apply  and easy to use.

Wash Your Face

I don’t know how many times I tell my boys, but you have to wash your face. While we are all bundled up in jackets, masks and scarves to stay warm, dirt and oil is getting stuck to our skin. 

Give your face a nice scrub to open up those pores so they can breathe again. Dry your face and then apply a nice moisturizer to lock in that dewy glow. 

Hydrate Your Lips

My youngest son has perpetually bright red lips and a little dry ring around his mouth in winter. He licks his lips constantly because they are desperate for hydration. 

Instead of grabbing a moisture-boosting lip balm, like Vaseline that can protect his lips, he just licks them until they crack. 

And then he comes crying to me to fix it. 

Despite this happening every week, and every winter, I still hand him a glass of water and my tiny lip balm that then disappears into his backpack for the rest of the year. 

Winter Packing List

Now that we have your body and skin protected from winter, it’s time to leave the house. Packing for winter always means lots of layers, having an extra blanket in your car, as well as an emergency kit, flashlight and window breaker (we have a Leatherman in our glove compartment at all times, especially if a winter storm hits). 

You’ll want to pack a few personal essentials in your bag before you take off on your winter driving trip too.

• Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic (buy it HERE )
• Hand sanitizer
• Cold medication (just in case)
• Warm layers
• Extra socks
• Waterproof or water resistant jacket
• Hand lotion
• Lip balm to protect lips
• Sunscreen (if you will be out in the snow)

Check out our winter essentials style guide for more tips on what to wear this season. 

Love it? This post is part of a paid partnership with Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic . As always, my opinions are my own, when they aren’t you will be the first to know. 

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Keryn Means

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18 Winter Travel Tips For Cold Weather Destinations

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Categories Travel Tips

Home » Travel » Travel Tips » 18 Winter Travel Tips For Cold Weather Destinations

Many of us have a kind of love-hate relationship with winter. Between the holidays and the cold weather, the season presents a number of challenges for travelers. In this guide, I outline some of the most important winter travel tips to help you stay warm, enjoy the holidays, and save money. The tips in this guide focus on cold-weather travel.

I’ve spent most of the past 10 winters on the road. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned while traveling in cold weather.

1. Travel After the Holidays to Save Money

If possible, consider delaying your winter trip until mid-January or later. The first part of the year is one of the cheaper times to fly because everyone is already home from their holiday vacation. Flight prices decrease considerably. You can also score some good deals on hotels and tours during this time. January and February are slow months for many businesses.

2. Book Flights in Advance if You’re Traveling During the Holidays

The holiday season is the most expensive time of the year to fly due to the high demand for tickets. Everyone wants to make it home for the holidays. Tickets sometimes double in price. If you need to travel during the second half of December, be sure to book at least a couple of months in advance to get a decent price on your flight. Train and bus tickets increase in price during this time as well.

3. Try to Schedule Nonstop Flights When Traveling During the Winter

Every year you see stories in the news about people getting stuck in Airports for days on end and missing the holidays. Scheduling nonstop flights lowers your risk of encountering flight delays caused by winter storms. If you must make a stopover, try to schedule it in a city with a warmer climate where winter weather delays are less likely.

4. Schedule Extra Time in Your Winter Travel Itinerary in Case of Delays

Winter travel is generally slower. Flights get delayed. Cars and buses travel slower due to icy road conditions. The weather is unpredictable. Schedule yourself a few extra days in case there are delays. This relieves stress and increases safety by allowing you to take your time. You don’t want to be in a rush during a snowstorm.

5. Plan Where You’ll Spend the Holidays

If you’re traveling long-term, chances are you’ll be spending the holidays away from friends and family in an unfamiliar destination. If you’re not in the right city, this can be lonely. Many cities essentially shut down from Christmas through New Years. People spend that time with their friends and family. Businesses shut down.

When designing your winter travel itinerary, plan an interesting destination to spend the holidays. For some ideas, check out my guide to the best winter travel destinations.

I spent the last holiday season living in Tijuana. While it wasn’t the best place to spend the season I had a good time. My landlord brought me a big plate of homemade tamales on Christmas morning because she knew that I was spending the day alone. On New Year’s , I went out and watched people lighting off fireworks in the neighborhood where I lived. The number of fireworks going off in the city was absurd. The whole city was covered in a layer of smoke. I’m generally not a big holiday person but spending the season abroad was a memorable experience.

6. Join in the Local Holiday Celebration

Even if you don’t like the holidays or are not a religious person, joining in a local holiday celebration is an interesting cultural experience. Most every culture has some kind of winter festival or celebration that you can join in on. For example, every country has a specific meal that is enjoyed during the winter season. You could also visit a temple or church to experience the local holiday religious ceremonies.

7. Don’t Wrap Gifts

If you’re traveling for the holidays and plan to pack presents for friends or family, wait until you arrive to wrap them. The reason is that security may need to unwrap packages for inspection. This applies to both carry-on items as well as checked items.

8. Pack Warm Clothes for Winter Travel

One major drawback of traveling to a cold-weather destination is the fact that you have to pack a bunch of bulky clothing to keep yourself warm. Luckily, high-quality clothing made using modern manufacturing techniques allows us to pack light yet still stay warm.

Down is a great material for cold weather travel. It is lightweight and compresses down small. A nice down jacket weighs less than a pound and takes up just a liter of space in your pack. Most importantly, it’s incredibly warm.

Another lightweight material that is great for travel is merino wool . It does an excellent job of wicking sweat and trapping heat to keep you warm. Thermal long underwear are an essential piece of clothing for cold weather travel. As an added benefit, merino wool blocks odors.

In addition to warm clothing, you’ll also want to pack winter accessories like a warm hat, gloves, and scarf. For more packing ideas, check out my Ultralight Travel Packing List. Here, I outline how to pack all of your clothing and travel gear into a carry-on sized bag.

9. Dress in Layers

The best practice for staying warm in a cold climate is to layer your clothing. This way, you can easily adapt to temperature changes and different levels of activity. You can bundle up in the cold mornings then remove layers as the weather warms up outside. Try the following layering system:

• Base layer- This is what you wear against your body. Your winter base layer should be long sleeve and long pants. Avoid cotton when choosing a base layer.
• Mid layer- You wear this outside of your base layer. A thick shirt, sweater or fleece jacket works well for your upper body. Jeans work well for your lower body.
• Outer layer- Wear this over your mid-layer. A down jacket is the ideal outer layer for your upper body. You can usually get away without an outer layer for your lower body. For extreme cold, insulated or down pants are nice.
• Waterproof shell- Wear a rain jacket and rain pants over everything else to keep you dry in the rain and snow.

The above layering system works great for temperatures down into the 20s (around -7° Celcius). If you’re traveling in an extremely cold climate, you want to consider packing a parka instead of a down jacket. These are bulky but can keep you warm down well below zero.

For help choosing the best clothing materials for layering, check out my down vs fleece vs wool pros and cons list. 

10. Protect Yourself From Cold Injuries Like Frostbite

Frostbite develops when tissue or skin freezes. Often times the damage is irreversible. Luckily frostbite is easily preventable. Simply keep warm. Your fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks are the most common places for frostbite to develop. Be sure to wear warm gloves, socks, a scarf, and a hat to keep these high-risk areas warm. For extreme cold, consider a face mask.

11. Participate in a Winter Sport or Activity

While snowy weather makes some activities impossible, it opens up other opportunities. Take advantage of the snow and go skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledding, or ice skating. Even if you don’t know how to do any of these things, a winter trip is a great time to learn a new skill. Take a few lessons and you’ll be skiing in no time.

12. Schedule Indoor Activities

You don’t have to be out and about sightseeing and being active every day of your winter trip. If it’s cold and snowy out, stay indoors. Read a book. Watch a movie. Go to a bar or restaurant. Walk around a mall. Sit by a fire. There are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy during the winter.

13. Pack Smart for Winter Travel

Packing for winter travel is challenging. Particularly for ultralight travelers who like to stick to carry-on bags. Warm clothing is bulky and heavy. A pair of boots and a jacket could fill an entire suitcase if you don’t pack right. Here are a few tips for packing for a winter trip:

• Wear bulky items to the airport- This way, they aren’t taking up valuable space in your luggage.
• Carry ultralight clothing and gear- These items use high tech materials that are durable, quick-drying, and incredibly lightweight. For example, an ultralight down jacket can keep you warm well below freezing and weighs less than a pound.
• Don’t pack duplicate items- You don’t need multiple jackets or pairs of boots. Just pack one pair.
• Pack a good thermal base layer- These are lightweight, provide a lot of warmth, and weigh very little. Wear them under your favorite clothes and you’ll stay plenty warm. You don’t need to pack a bunch of bulky sweaters and jeans.

It is possible to pack everything that you need for winter travel into a carry-on bag and still be prepared. For help with this, check out my Ultralight Travel Packing List.

14. Drive Safely in Snowy and Icy Winter Conditions

Many travelers decide to road trip to their winter destination instead of flying. This is particularly common during the holidays. Driving is much more economical if you’re traveling with the whole family.

If you plan to rent a car or drive your own vehicle during your winter trip, be prepared for winter road conditions. While driving in the winter, you should:

• Have the proper tires- All-season or snow tires increase traction in the snow and ice.
• Keep the gas tank full- If you get stuck in the snow, you want to make sure that you have enough fuel to keep the car’s heater going until you can get a tow.
• Have chains- Sometimes they are required to drive over a pass or during a heavy snowstorm.
• Carry extra food and water- So you have something to eat and drink if you get stuck or in an emergency.
• Carry a shovel and some sand- To dig yourself out and help get traction if you get stuck in the snow.
• Have a window scraper- to remove snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows before you hit the road.

If you have never driven in winter conditions before, you may want to reconsider your plans. Snow and ice increases your chances of being involved in an auto accident considerably. You can always take public or private transportation instead if you’re not comfortable driving in winter conditions.

15. Consider Buying Winter Clothing or Gear at your Destination

If you live in a warm climate, chances are you don’t have the proper clothing and gear for winter travel. The local shops probably don’t even stock cold-weather gear. If this is the case, consider waiting until you arrive at your destination to pick up what you need. That way, you can pick up the perfect gear for the climate that you’re traveling in.

A warm winter jacket or a pair of boots make for an excellent souvenir. You’ll also save money because you can avoid checking a bag when you fly. The only drawback to doing this is that you’ll be cold when you arrive because you won’t have the proper clothing or gear. Make your winter clothes shopping trip a priority.

16. Consider Renting Winter Travel Gear Instead of Bringing your Own

If your winter trip involves outdoor sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or ice skating, you may be better off just renting the gear. Particularly if you’re just learning or don’t already have your own.

By renting gear, you save on the cost of transporting it. As an added bonus, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of dragging it around for the duration of your trip. Before your trip, add up the costs and consider your options. Even if you already own your own, it may be cheaper and more convenient to rent.

17. See the Northern Lights

This is one winter travel experience that is on everyone’s bucket list. The northern lights are caused charged particles from the sun interacting with gas molecules in the earth’s atmosphere. You can only view the aurora borealis at far northern latitudes.

The best place to travel to see the northern lights depends on a number of factors. One of the world’s best viewing locations is in Fairbanks, Alaska. Here, you can see the northern lights on average 4 out of 5 nights between August 21st and April 21st.

Other places where you can view the northern lights include Northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland as well as Iceland, Greenland, and Russia.

18. Travel Somewhere Warm During the Winter

If you’re not a fan of cold weather, travel somewhere warm instead. There are plenty of incredible travel destinations that are warm year-round. Alternatively, you could travel to the opposite hemisphere where it’s summer.

Final Thoughts

Due to the holidays and weather conditions, winter is one of the most difficult times to travel. The season is stressful, cold, and often busy. It’s also slightly more dangerous due to the risks that cold weather carries. If you pack right and take your time, you can have a safe, warm, and enjoyable winter trip.

Do you like to travel during the winter? Share your winter travel tips in the comments below!

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Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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• Travel Guide

12 Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips | Expert Tips in 2024

• 8 minute read

• March 28, 2024

Are you ready to tackle the challenges of winter driving with confidence? As temperatures drop and snowflakes begin to fall, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate safely on icy roads.

In this guide, we’ll unveil 12 essential winter driving safety tips, curated by experts to help you steer through the season with ease. From preparing your vehicle for frosty conditions to mastering the art of gentle braking, we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up and join us as we explore the essential strategies for staying safe behind the wheel when the mercury dips.

1. Check weather conditions before driving.

Checking weather conditions before driving is essential for ensuring safety on the road. By staying informed about the weather forecast, you can anticipate potential hazards such as snowstorms, icy roads, or heavy rain.

This allows you to plan your journey accordingly, possibly adjusting your route or delaying your trip if conditions are unsafe. Being aware of the weather helps you make informed decisions to avoid accidents and reach your destination safely.

2. Prepare your vehicle adequately.

Preparing your vehicle adequately is crucial for safe driving, especially in winter conditions. This involves several steps, including:

• Checking tire pressure and ensuring tires are properly inflated for optimal traction.
• Ensuring your vehicle’s fluids, such as antifreeze, are at appropriate levels to prevent freezing.
• Having a full tank of gas to avoid the risk of running out in cold weather.
• Inspecting brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and defrosters to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Equipping your vehicle with necessary items like an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, and emergency supplies in case of a breakdown.
• Consider installing winter tires for improved traction on snow and ice.

By adequately preparing your vehicle, you reduce the risk of mechanical failures and increase your safety while driving in winter.

3. Slow down and increase the following distance.

Slowing down and increasing the following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you is crucial for safe driving, especially in adverse weather conditions.

When you slow down, you give yourself more time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or slippery road conditions. Additionally, increasing the following distance allows for more space between vehicles, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions and providing ample time to brake safely.

By adhering to these practices, you can maintain better control of your vehicle, mitigate the risk of accidents, and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

4. Consider using winter tires for better traction.

Winter tires are specially designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, including snow, ice, and slush. Unlike all-season tires, winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, allowing them to grip the road more effectively. Additionally, winter tires feature deeper tread patterns and unique tread designs with sipes (small cuts in the tread blocks) to bite into snow and ice, enhancing traction and braking performance.

Using winter tires significantly improves your vehicle’s ability to navigate through winter hazards, reducing the risk of skidding, sliding, and losing control. This enhanced grip helps you accelerate, brake, and maneuver more safely on slippery surfaces, ultimately enhancing overall driving safety during the winter months.

It’s important to note that while all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles can improve traction, they do not provide the same level of grip as winter tires on snow and ice. Therefore, equipping your vehicle with winter tires remains the most effective way to enhance winter driving safety.

5. Brake gently to avoid skidding.

Braking gently is essential to prevent skidding, especially in slippery road conditions like snow or ice. When you apply sudden or forceful braking, the wheels can lock up, causing your vehicle to lose traction and slide uncontrollably.

By braking gently, you allow the wheels to maintain some level of rotation, which helps preserve traction with the road surface. This gradual braking action allows the tires to grip the road more effectively, reducing the likelihood of skidding and helping you maintain control of your vehicle.

Furthermore, if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), gentle braking enables the ABS to function properly. ABS systems automatically modulate braking pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and maintain steering control during emergency braking situations, further enhancing safety on slippery roads.

6. Avoid using cruise control.

Avoiding the use of cruise control is important, especially in winter driving conditions. Cruise control is designed to maintain a constant speed set by the driver, but it can be problematic on slippery roads for several reasons.

Firstly, cruise control can cause your vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly when it encounters icy or slippery patches, as it tries to maintain the set speed. This sudden acceleration can lead to loss of traction and potential loss of control.

Secondly, when driving in winter conditions, it’s essential to maintain full control over your vehicle’s speed, acceleration, and deceleration. By keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal, you’re better able to react quickly to changing road conditions, such as patches of black ice or sudden obstacles.

Lastly, using cruise control can lull drivers into a false sense of security, leading to decreased attentiveness and slower reaction times in emergencies.

Therefore, it’s safer to avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions and instead maintain manual control over your vehicle’s speed, allowing you to respond effectively to the ever-changing road conditions.

7. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is vital for safe driving, especially in challenging conditions like winter weather.

Remaining vigilant allows you to anticipate potential hazards such as icy patches, reduced visibility, or other drivers’ actions. By staying focused on the road and your surroundings, you can react quickly to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or swerving vehicles.

Furthermore, being aware of your surroundings involves constantly scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors, and monitoring traffic around you. This helps you maintain situational awareness and proactively adjust your driving to ensure safety.

Additionally, staying alert means avoiding distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio while driving. These distractions can significantly impair your ability to react to dangers on the road.

8. Pack a winter survival kit in your vehicle.

Packing a winter survival kit in your vehicle is essential for staying safe during cold weather and potential emergencies. This kit should include items to help you stay warm, hydrated, and visible in case you become stranded or encounter difficulties on the road. Some essential items to include in a winter survival kit are:

9. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.

10. ensure proper lighting for visibility..

Ensuring proper lighting for visibility is crucial for safe driving, particularly in low-light conditions or during inclement weather. Adequate lighting not only allows you to see the road clearly but also makes your vehicle more visible to other drivers, reducing the risk of accidents.

Firstly, headlights play a vital role in illuminating the road ahead, providing essential visibility for nighttime driving and in adverse weather such as fog or heavy rain. Properly functioning headlights allow you to detect obstacles, pedestrians, or wildlife on the road, enabling you to react promptly and avoid potential hazards.

Additionally, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are essential for signaling your intentions to other drivers. Taillights make your vehicle visible from behind, while brake lights alert drivers behind you when you’re slowing down or stopping. Turn signals indicate your intention to change lanes or make a turn, enhancing communication and preventing collisions.

11. Stay informed about road conditions.

Staying informed about road conditions is essential for safe and efficient travel, especially during challenging weather or unforeseen circumstances. By remaining updated on road conditions, drivers can anticipate potential hazards and adjust their routes or driving behaviors accordingly, minimizing the risk of accidents or delays.

One of the primary ways to stay informed about road conditions is through various sources of information, such as traffic reports, weather forecasts, and navigation apps. Traffic reports provide real-time updates on accidents, road closures, or congestion, allowing drivers to plan alternate routes and avoid potential delays.

Additionally, monitoring weather forecasts helps drivers prepare for adverse weather conditions, such as snowstorms, heavy rain, or high winds. By knowing what weather conditions to expect, drivers can adjust their driving habits, such as reducing speed or increasing following distance, to ensure safety on the road.

Navigation apps, equipped with real-time traffic data and incident reports, also play a crucial role in keeping drivers informed about road conditions. These apps provide up-to-date information on traffic flow, construction zones, and accidents, helping drivers make informed decisions about their travel routes and schedules.

Furthermore, listening to radio broadcasts or checking social media channels can provide additional updates on road conditions, especially during emergencies or severe weather events. Sharing information with other drivers about road closures, accidents, or hazardous conditions can contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.

12. Consider staying home if conditions are severe.

Considering staying home if conditions are severe is a crucial safety measure for drivers facing challenging weather or hazardous road conditions. When weather conditions pose a significant risk to road safety, such as heavy snowfall, ice storms, or severe flooding, the safest option may be to avoid traveling altogether.

By choosing to stay home during severe weather events, drivers can protect themselves and others from potential accidents, injuries, or getting stranded on the road. Additionally, staying off the roads reduces the burden on emergency services and road maintenance crews, allowing them to focus on clearing roads and assisting those in need more effectively.

Before deciding to stay home, it’s essential to assess the severity of the weather conditions and consider whether the trip is truly necessary. Alternative options, such as telecommuting, rescheduling appointments, or delaying travel plans, may be viable alternatives to venturing out in dangerous conditions.

Conclusion.

Winter driving presents unique challenges that require careful preparation and adherence to safety guidelines. By following essential winter driving safety tips, including checking weather conditions, preparing your vehicle, adjusting your driving habits, and staying informed about road conditions, drivers can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safer travel during the colder months.

Key practices such as slowing down, maintaining proper following distances, avoiding distractions, and staying alert to changing road conditions are vital for navigating safely through snow, ice, and other winter hazards. Additionally, equipping your vehicle with winter tires, packing a winter survival kit, and considering staying home during severe weather can further enhance safety on the road.

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Winter Weather Safety Tips for Travel and Home

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Winter weather.

It blankets the landscape in beauty, but it packs a wallop, too. Every year, people die from accidents on the roads, in homes and even while shoveling snow. Plan ahead to stay safe with these winter weather safety tips for travel and home.

Table of Contents

Winter Weather Safety Tips

Winter weather travel, winter weather safety tips for at home, winter weather personal safety, enjoy the winter weather.

We’ve searched the internet for the best resources and winter weather safety tips.

The National Weather Service provides a comprehensive resource for weather related information, including a storm preparation checklist, winter driving tips, and up-to-date information on current weather conditions.

Air travel experiences significant disruption in major storms, whether winter snowstorms or summer hurricanes. Before leaving for the airport, check with your airline for current flight status. It’s always easier to wait at home than in a crowded airport! The website, Flightstats , offers comprehensive information as well — you can search by flight, airport or route.

Car travel  requires patience above all else. If the roads are bad, delay your trip. If you must be on the roads follow these winter weather safety tips: slow down, make sure windows are clear of ice and snow, check fluids and fill gas tank often — don’t let your gas run low!

Whether driving across town or across the country, stock it with an emergency safety kit. A winter weather safety kit provides the safety equipment you need to stay safe until help can arrive.

Keep blankets, bottled water and snacks on-hand. If you get stranded, you’ll have the supplies you need to wait for help.

Also, don’t let the engine idle without ensuring the exhaust is clear. Buried in a snowbank, the tailpipe can clog and the car can fill with carbon monoxide. Dig snow away from the tailpipe and make sure it stays clear.

Do not wander away from your car if stranded. Stay with it. Put the flashers on. Call for help with your cell phone. Keep calm.

Heating your home:  Ensure that fireplaces are clean and working properly. Do not heat the house by stove or oven.

My son just called me yesterday to ask about safe space heaters. His small apartment is really old and has some really cold spots! We talked about the importance of keeping space heaters clear of clutter and away from furniture, blankets and curtains. They should not be used with extension cords. And, an important feature, especially if there are pets and small kids in the home, is an automatic shut off feature if the space heater tips over.

I recommended these to him:

• Lasko Portable Space Heater for bathrooms and small spaces . Small and portable, this space heater is also safe for use in steamy bathrooms. It comes with an integrated ALCI safety plug (a device that shuts off power to the unit in a fraction of a second in the event of a short), has Automatic Overheat Protection, a self-regulating ceramic heating element and an exterior that stays cool to the touch – taking the worry out of using the heater for long periods of time.
• Honeywell HeatGenius Ceramic Heater . This space heater is larger, intended for larger rooms. But, the safety features are just as important! This large room heater offers 3x Overheat Protection, thermal insulated wiring, cool touch plastic housing, tip over protection, and a 2 hour auto-off heat phase timer option.
• Lasko Ellipse Ceramic Tower Heater with child lock. On sale right now, this Lasko oscillating tower heater has a thermostat with remote control so you can shut it off after you get in bed, and loads of safety features including a Tip-Over Switch, Child Lock, and Timer.

Carbon Monoxide and Fire/Smoke Alarms:  All homes should have working smoke detectors . And a carbon monoxide detector is important, too, especially if you use a gas fireplace, gas heat, gas stove or gas water heater in your home.

Develop and practice fire escape plans with your family, too.

Simply put, dress for the weather. Layers work best. Cover your head, hands and face.

Understand the symptoms of frostbite , which starts with the skin looking flushed. Then it turns white or grayish yellow. It might tingle, and then will feel numb. Often, people with frostbite don’t realize they have it, but is noticed by someone else.

Hypothermia, equally dangerous, occurs when the body’s core temperature drops. Signs of hypothermia include slurred speech, mental confusion, lack of coordination (stumbling or inability to make hands work together), drowsiness, failing eyesight and poor judgment.

Beware of over-exertion. Every year, 1200 people die from heart attacks caused by shoveling snow. If you’re not healthy enough to walk around the block, shoveling heavy snow is probably not a good choice! A cubic foot of snow weighs anywhere from 7 to 15 pounds. Shoveling snow IS a workout!

Enjoy the snow using these winter weather safety tips to keep your family healthy.

And, when it’s just too cold or you’ve had enough, our list of things to do in a hotel when bad weather hits works at home, too.

Winter Driving Tips

Download file: Winter Driving Tips

Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

Stay Safe During & After a Winter Storm

Winter storms are dangerous. They can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. This can make being outside dangerous, so you should limit your time outside. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you may also face hazards inside your home.

• Stay Safe Indoors
• Stay Safe Outdoors

Protect yourself and your loved ones during a winter storm. Take extra steps to make sure you heat your home safely, and follow the tips below.

Heat your home safely.

If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember these safety tips:

• Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats
• Fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace
• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters. Check with your local fire department to make sure that kerosene heaters are legal in your area.
• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Make sure to keep them away from any flammable materials, like curtains or blankets.
• Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space.
• Have your heating system serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
• Make sure you have proper ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don’t substitute.
• Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture, or bedding. Never cover your space heater.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
• Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
• If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.

Check out our infographic, Be Ready! Winter Weather for tips on getting your family, home, and car ready for a winter storm.

Light your home safely.

If there is a power failure:

• If you do use candles, never leave lit candles unattended.
• Visit What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly for more information on power outage safety.

Use generators and other appliances safely.

• Generators should be located at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent and in a space where rain and snow will not reach them.
• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector.
• Never using generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.
• Plug in appliances to the generator using individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords.
• Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet.
• Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

Conserve heat.

• Some gas-fueled heaters, such as vent-less gas fireplaces, require some ventilation. Otherwise, if you don’t need extra ventilation, keep as much heat as possible inside your home.
• Avoid unnecessarily opening doors or windows.
• Close off unneeded rooms.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• Close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night.

Make sure babies and older adults stay warm.

Infants less than one year old should never sleep in a cold room because they lose body heat more easily than adults. Follow these tips to keep your baby safe and warm during the extreme cold:

• Remove any pillows or other soft bedding. These can increase the risk of smothering and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) .
• Dress babies in warmer clothing such as footed pajamas, one-piece wearable blankets, or sleep sacks.
• Try to maintain a warm temperature inside your home. If you’re not able to keep your home warm, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere.
• In an emergency, you can keep your baby warm using your own body heat. If you must sleep, take precautions to prevent rolling on or smothering your baby.

Older Adults

Older adults often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity. Check on elderly friends and neighbors often to make sure their homes are heated properly.

If you are over 65 years of age, check the temperature in your home often during extremely cold weather.

Keep a water supply.

Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture or break. When you are expecting very cold or freezing temperatures:

• Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
• Keep the temperature inside your home warm.
• Allow heated air to reach pipes. For example, open cabinet doors beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
• If you cannot thaw your pipes, or the pipes have broken open, use bottled water or get water from a neighbor’s home.
• As an emergency measure, if no other water is available, snow can be melted for water. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most germs but won’t get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow.
• Visit Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency  to learn more.

Eat well-balanced meals, and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.

Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages—they cause your body to lose heat faster. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help keep yourself warm. If you have any dietary restrictions, ask your doctor.

Try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather. Make any trips outside as brief as possible, and remember these tips below to protect your health and safety.

Dress warmly and stay dry

Adults and children should wear

• a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
• sleeves that are snug at the wrist
• mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
• water-resistant coat and boots
• several layers of loose-fitting clothing
• Inner Layer: Wear fabrics that will hold more body heat and don’t absorb moisture. Wool, silk, or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
• Insulation Layer: An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers, like wool, goose down, or a fleece work best.
• Outer Layer: The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be tightly woven, and preferably water and wind resistant, to reduce loss of body heat.

Dress warmly before you go outside in cold weather.

Additional Tips:

• Stay dry—wet clothing chills the body quickly.
• Excess sweating will cause your body to lose more heat, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.
• Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. Getting these materials on your skin will cause your body to lose a lot more heat.
• Do not ignore shivering—it’s an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.
• If you have asthma, breathing in cold, dry air can trigger an asthma attack.  Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent asthma attacks when outside in winter weather and remember to follow your Asthma Action Plan .

Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) is a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.

In adults, warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion or feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. In babies, signs include bright red, cold skin, and very low energy.

If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately. If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up .

Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It can lead to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes.  Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part).

Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical care. If you are not able to get medical help right away, take steps to protect yourself and others .

Infographic: Avoid, Spot, Treat – Frostbite and hpothermia

Stay off the ice.

Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many injuries related to cold weather happen from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

Avoid exerting yourself, and stay safe during cleanup.

Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly to avoid excess sweating. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.

Visit Clean Up Safely After a Disaster  for more information on safe cleanup after a disaster.

Be safe during outdoor activities.

• Let your friends and family know where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing.
• Do not leave any areas of your skin exposed to the cold, and avoid getting wet.
• Try not to sweat or become too tired.
• Be prepared to take emergency shelter.
• Pack dry clothing, a two-way radio, waterproof matches, and paraffin fire starters with you.
• Do not use alcohol and other mood altering substances, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
• Avoid walking on ice.
• Carefully watch for signs of cold-weather health problems, like hypothermia and frostbite.

Be careful while traveling.

• Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service .
• Do not travel in low visibility conditions.
• Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
• Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow—this can cause your windshield to shatter.
• If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with you.
• If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
• Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car  before you leave.
• Always carry extra warm clothing and blankets with you. Don’t rely on a car to provide enough heat. The car could break down.

If you get stranded:

Staying in your car when stranded is often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice covered. These steps will increase your safety when stranded:

• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing).
• Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
• Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
• Do not eat snow because it will lower your body temperature.
• Huddle with other people for warmth.

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Oswego County under a winter storm watch Wednesday and Thursday

O n Monday at 3:03 p.m. a winter storm watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid from Wednesday 2 p.m. until Thursday 8 p.m. for Oswego County.

The weather service adds, "Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 7 inches or more possible. The greatest accumulations will be on the Tug Hill Plateau."

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute," says the weather service. "Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly."

Winter driving guide: Tips from the weather service for safe and sound travels

Winter's icy grip often turns roads treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When you find yourself on snowy or freezing rain-slicked roads, your top priority should be safety. Slow down and exercise caution. In temperatures near freezing, it's prudent to assume icy patches on the road and adjust your driving accordingly. Be on alert for ice accumulating on power lines and tree branches, as they may break and fall. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions altogether. But if you must venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines, and never touch a downed power line. If you encounter one, dial 911 immediately. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:

1. Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

2. Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

3. Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car's antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers

4. Be aware of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

5. Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the weather service are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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