When forecasters start talking about arctic air and subzero wind chills, the risks go beyond being uncomfortable. Deep cold can injure people in minutes, strand drivers, and split water pipes inside walls. A little preparation before the temperature bottoms out protects your family, your neighbors and your home.
At a Glance
- Stay home when you can, and if you must drive, go fully stocked and fully fueled.
- Dress in loose layers and cover the fingers, toes, ears and nose, which are most prone to frostbite.
- Pace yourself shoveling and use the right ice treatment for very low temperatures.
- Keep water moving and warm air reaching your pipes to help prevent a costly burst.
- Check in on infants, older relatives, neighbors who live alone and pets.
Plan Your Days Around the Coldest Hours
The simplest safety step during an extreme cold event is to limit your time outdoors. Move errands to the warmest part of the day or postpone them until the cold breaks. If your employer allows remote work, this is a good time to use it.
If travel cannot wait, prepare as though you might be stuck for a while:
- Fill the gas tank (or fully charge an electric vehicle) before you leave.
- Carry blankets, a spare hat and gloves, water and snacks that will not freeze solid.
- Pack a working flashlight, a phone charger and a basic emergency kit.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
- Slow down, add following distance and watch for black ice on bridges and shaded stretches.
Riding the bus or train? Dress for a longer wait than usual and keep moving at the stop to generate warmth.
Dress Like You Mean It
Layering works because each layer traps a pocket of warm air. Loose-fitting layers hold more of that air than tight ones. A good approach looks like this:
| Layer | Job | Good choices |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Moves sweat away from skin | Wool or synthetic thermal wear; skip cotton |
| Middle | Holds in body heat | Fleece, wool sweaters, insulated vests |
| Outer | Blocks wind and moisture | Windproof, water-resistant coat and pants |
| Extremities | Protects high-risk areas | Mittens, warm socks, hat covering the ears, scarf or face mask |
Mittens generally keep hands warmer than gloves because your fingers share heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value, so change out of damp layers as soon as you come inside.
Know the Warning Signs
Numbness and skin that looks white, grayish or waxy can signal frostbite. Shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness can signal hypothermia. Get the person somewhere warm and seek medical help right away for either.
Respect the Shovel and the Ice
Clearing heavy snow in frigid air is real exertion, and cold weather already makes the heart work harder. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or other health concerns, follow your doctor’s advice and consider hiring help. Everyone else should take breaks, push snow rather than lift it when possible, and stop if anything feels wrong.
Ice is just as serious. Ordinary rock salt loses much of its effectiveness in deep cold, so look for an ice melt product rated for very low temperatures on your steps, sidewalk and driveway. Sand or kitty litter adds grip where melting is slow. When you walk, take short, flat-footed steps, keep your hands free, and consider slip-on traction cleats for your shoes.
Keeping your walkways clear also matters for visitors. A delivery driver or guest who slips on your property may look to you for their medical bills, which is one reason personal liability coverage is part of most homeowners and renters policies. Limits and terms vary, so it is worth knowing what yours provides.
Keep the Water Flowing
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive problems a cold snap can cause. When water freezes it expands, and the pressure can crack a pipe or fitting. The damage often shows up only after the ice thaws and water starts pouring out.
- Let faucets drip. A slow trickle from taps on outside walls keeps water moving and relieves pressure.
- Open cabinet doors. Let warm room air reach the pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Foam sleeves on pipes in basements, crawl spaces and garages are inexpensive and easy to install.
- Hold the heat steady. Avoid big overnight setbacks on the thermostat during an extreme cold event.
- Know your shutoff. Make sure everyone in the house can find and turn off the main water valve fast.
If a tap produces only a trickle, a pipe may already be frozen. Thaw it gently with a hair dryer or warm towels, never an open flame, and keep the faucet open as it thaws.
Insurance Angle
Homeowners policies may cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, but insurers can deny or limit claims if they find the home was not reasonably heated or maintained. Coverage varies, so review your policy before winter or ask Callicott Insurance Agency to walk through it with you.
Look Out for the Most Vulnerable
Babies lose body heat faster than adults and cannot tell you they are cold, so keep them indoors and dressed in warm layers. Older adults may not notice they are getting chilled, and some medications affect temperature regulation. A phone call or a knock on a neighbor’s door during a cold wave can make a real difference.
Pets need attention too. Bring them inside, shorten walks, wipe salt and ice melt from their paws, and never leave them in a cold car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a polar vortex?
It is a large area of very cold air that normally circles the polar region. When it weakens or shifts, frigid air can spill south and bring unusually low temperatures for days at a time.
Should I warm up my car in the garage?
Never run a vehicle inside an attached or closed garage, even with the door open. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and seep into the house.
Is a space heater safe to use during a cold snap?
It can be if you use a model with tip-over and overheat shutoff, keep it a safe distance from anything flammable, plug it directly into the wall and turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Get Winter-Ready Before the Deep Freeze
Questions about how your home or auto policy handles winter damage? Reach out to Callicott Insurance Agency for a quick, no-pressure review.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Coverage varies by insurer, policy and state; review your own policy or talk with a licensed agent about your situation.