Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids (water and juice; limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol) to prevent dehydration.
How to Be Prepared at Home
Keep a battery-powered radio and extra batteries for news and official broadcasts.
Store food that can be prepared without an electric or gas stove.
Stock emergency water and cooking supplies.
Have flashlights, battery-powered lamps, and extra batteries in case of a power outage. Candles and matches can be a fire hazard.
If you have a wood stove or fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them and knows fire prevention rules.
Keep in touch with elderly neighbors or family.
Be Prepared if You Go out
Wear layers of thin clothing instead of single layers of thick clothing.
Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. If you add unaccustomed exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, you may risk heart attack or stroke.
Mittens are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
Cover your mouth with scarves to protect your lungs from directly inhaling the extremely cold air.
Winter Driving Tips
If you must travel, take public transportation whenever possible. If you must use a car, take winter driving seriously. Travel by daylight, and keep others informed of your schedule. Drive with extreme caution; never try to save time by driving fast or using back-road shortcuts.
Make sure your car has fuel, and is equipped with chains or snow tires.
Keep your car "winterized" with antifreeze. Carry a "winter car kit" that includes a windshield scaper, flashlight, tow chain or rope, shovel, tire chains, a blanket, a bag of sand or salt, a fluorescent distress flag, and an emergency flare, in case you are trapped in a winter storm. Keep extra outerwear and pre-packaged food in the car. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly and there is windshield washer fluid in the car.
If a Blizzard Traps You in Your Car
Pull off the highway; stay calm and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
Turn on your emergency flashers and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk in deep snow.
If you run the engine to keep warm, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
Exercise to maintain body heat (by clapping and moving around), but avoid over-exertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat as a blanket.
Never let everyone in the car sleep at one time. One person should look out for the rescue crews.
Be careful not to use up battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat and radio - with supply.
At night, turn on the inside dome light, so work crews can spot you.