Over the last five years weather events and injuries have increased. The largest number of reported injuries resulted from tornadoes, ice storms, and thunderstorms and wind. If you do not have to go outdoors the best advice is to stay inside and curl up with a good movie or book.
Cold Weather Safety
Prepare for a Winter Storm
During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before a winter storm hits.
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.
Prevent Hypothermia & Frostbite
Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Stay safe this winter by learning more about hypothermia and frostbite, including who is most at risk, signs and symptoms, and what to do if someone develops hypothermia or frostbite.
Bring Your Pets Indoors
If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
Pets and animals are impacted by emergencies. It is critical to include their needs in your family’s preparedness efforts.
Enjoying the Winter Weather
Avoid Injuries While Enjoying the Winter Weather
Whether you are skiing, snowboarding, sledding or skating, take safety precautions such as learning basic skills and using the appropriate gear for the sport.
Prepare Your Car for Winter
In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car:
- Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
- Make sure the cooling system is in good working order
- Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
- If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch
- Check the tire pressure; tire pressure drops as the temperature drops
- Check your wiper blades and replace if needed
- Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze
The National Safety Council eliminates preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.
Treat Frostbite Immediately
Use first aid to help someone who may have hypothermia or frostbite. Online and classroom courses are available at workplaces and other organizations through National Safety Council (NSC). Download the NSC first aid app and you will be ready to give first aid for frostbite, hypothermia and many other emergencies.
Read More
Ice Strength and Safety
Always use caution while fishing or recreating on ice.
How can you tell if ice is safe?
There are no guarantees. Always consider ice to be potentially dangerous. You can't judge ice conditions by appearance or thickness alone; many other factors like water depth, size of waterbody, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, age of ice, and local weather conditions impact ice strength.
Ice tips to remember:
- New ice is stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
- Ice doesn't freeze uniformly. Continue to check ice conditions frequently as you venture out onto the ice.
- Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often more dangerous. Avoid traveling onto ice-bound rivers and streams, as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. Many lakes and ponds may contain spring holes and other areas of currents that can create deceptively dangerous thin spots.
Before heading out onto the ice
- Tell someone your plans, including where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Come prepared. Carry a cell phone in case of emergency. Always carry ice picks and rope with you on the ice. In case of emergency, drive the nails into the ice and pull yourself to safety while kicking (see tips for falling in below).
- Wear your life jacket. If you fall in, a life jacket will keep you at the surface and can provide insulation against the effects of cold water.
Ice thickness guidelines
The guidelines below are for clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds. White ice or snow ice is only about half as strong as new clear ice and can be very treacherous. Use an ice chisel, auger, or cordless drill to make a hole in the ice and determine its thickness and condition. Bring a tape measure to check ice thickness at regular intervals.
Ice Thickness (inches) |
Permissible Load (on new clear/blue ice on lakes or ponds) |
2" or less |
STAY OFF! |
4" |
Ice fishing or other activities on foot |
5" |
Snowmobile or ATV |
8"–12" |
Car or small pickup truck |
12"–15" |
Medium truck |
If you fall in:
- Don't panic: Call for help if there are people nearby.
- Don't remove winter clothing: Air trapped in your clothes can provide warmth and help you float.
- Turn the direction you came from: Ice you previously walked on should be the safest.
- Place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface and kick your legs: If you have ice picks or a pair of nails, use them to pull yourself up onto the ice while kicking.
- Lie flat and roll away: Once your torso is on firm ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.
- Find shelter and get warm: Change out of wet clothing and find warm, dry coverings. If you are in a remote area, get to or start a campfire. Otherwise, get to a car or house. Seek medical advice from your physician for medical attention.
If someone else falls in:
Remember the phrase "Preach-Reach-Throw-Go."
- Preach: Call 911 if you can. Shout to the victim to reassure them help is on the way.
- Reach: If you can safely reach them from shore, extend an object like a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or ladder to them.
- Throw: Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim.
- Go: If the situation is too dangerous for you to perform a rescue, call 911 or go to find help. Untrained rescuers can become victims themselves.
If a pet falls in:
Do not attempt to rescue the pet, go find help. Well-meaning pet owners can easily become victims themselves when trying to assist their pets. Remember to always keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice.
Video: FAQ What is a Watch
Tornado | Rain and Floods | Earthquakes | Lightning | Volcanoes | Winter Storm
EPAP for Patients - phe.gov
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system.
People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.
If you have questions about using EPAP during a disaster, call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470.
Read More
Extra Measures for People with Special Needs
- Write down your specific needs, limitations, capabilities, and medications. Keep this list near you always–perhaps in your purse or wallet.
- Find someone nearby (a spouse, roommate, friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker) who will agree to assist you in case of an emergency. Give him or her a copy of your list. You may also want to provide a spare key to your home, or directions to find a key.
- Keep aware of weather conditions through whatever means are accessible to you. Some options are closed captioning or scrolled warnings on TV, radio bulletins, or call-in weather information lines.
Disaster Safety Plans
Download Emergency Preparedness Checklist
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
Checklist on Emergency Preparedness
A Family Communication Plan
A Family Communication Plan - Spanish Version
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
Backpack Emergency Card
Backpack Emergency Card - Spanish Version
Emergency Kit Checklist
Emergency Kit Checklist - Spanish Version
Family Communication Plan Template
Pet Emergency Kit
Pet Emergency Kit - Spanish Version
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lenses solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Public Downloads
All items are free to view, share, and download.
Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)
When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.
Download Personal Forms
Download Organ Donation Content
Global Glossary on Organ Donation ond Transplantation NEW
Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work English
Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work Spanish
The Gift of Life for Families Everywhere (Spanish and English) Brochure
Transplantation System Infographic
What You Need to Know About Donation
Download People with Special Needs Preparedness Planning Steps, Activities and Videos
American Sign Language - Apply for Disaster Assistance
American Sign Language - How to Register for Disaster Assistance
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish
Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs
Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish
Earthquake Safety Video Preparedness for People with Mobility Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs of People with Disabilities
FEMA Accessible Assisting Applicants with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
FEMA Accessible HHS Emergency Prescription Assistance Program
FEMA Accessible Other Needs Assistance
Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs
Presentation for Seniors and People with Disabilities Power Point
We Prepare Everyday - Open Caption and Interpreter Preparedness Video
Download Severe Weather Educational Fact Sheets, Videos, Coloring and Activity Books
5 Weird Disasters in 60 Seconds
8 Tips to Cleanup Mold
8 Tips to Cleanup Mold - Spanish
Be Ready Floods Infographic
Be Ready Floods Infographic - Spanish
Flood Education and Awareness Coloring and Activity Workbook
Flood Hazards A National Threat Fact Sheet
Flood Smart DIY in 5 Steps
Focus on Floods Check Your River Level Fact Sheet
Focus on Floods Have a Plan Fact Sheet
Focus on Floods Sign Up for Flood Alerts Fact Sheet
Focus on Floods Turn Around Dont Drown Fact Sheet
Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages and Floods Fact Sheet
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Floods Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Hurricanes Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Lightning Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Tornadoes Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Winter Storms Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie SKYWARN Storms Ahead Coloring and Activity Book
Rip Current Safety for Kids
Severe Weather Preparedness
Stay a Float in Flooding Tips to Prepare
Staying Cool in Extreme Heat
What is El Niño - Interview with NWS Miami
What You Need to Know About El Niño - Animated Video
Flood Insurance 101 Part 1
Flood Insurance 101 Part 2
Flood Insurance 101 - FAQ
Flood Insurance Animation
When the Clouds Form - Flood Preparedness Animated Video
Download Ready Wrigley Activity Books
Educational materials in 23 different languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
Read More
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
Flooding and Mold Safety Awareness Activity Book
Lead In Water Safety Awareness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Coping After A Disaster Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Earthquake Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Extreme Heat Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Flu Season Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Hurricane Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Tornado Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Winter Weather Preparedness Activity Book
Zika and Mosquito Bites Safety Awareness Activity Book
Zombie Preparedness Graphic Story Book
Download Emergency Preparedness Activities
Adventures of Terry and Gracie Story Book
Be Smart Get Prepared Image
Comic Strip 1 Supply Kit
Comic Strip 2 Family Plan
Comic Strip 3 Weather Preparedness
Escape Grid
Family Communication Plan Template
Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image
Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image PDF Version
Know Your Alerts and Warnings
Pack It Up Game
Ready Family Supply Checklist 1
Download Emergency Preparedness Activity Books
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 1
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 2
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 3
Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book English
Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book Spanish
Earthquake Safety Activities for Children and Teachers
Emergency Preparedness Activity Book 11-12-13
Focus on Floods Living Local Activity Worksheets
Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring and Activity Book
Fred The Preparedness Dog Activity Book
Hurricane Awareness Activity Book
Prepare with Pedro Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Kids Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Hurricanes Activity Book
World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide
Download Emergency Preparedness Coloring Pages
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book
Disaster Preparedness Earthquake Coloring and Activity Book
Disaster Preparedness Flood and Landslide Coloring Book
Disaster Preparedness Safety Coloring and Story Book
Earthquake Preparedness Coloring Book
Flying and Swimming Animals Living Local Coloring Sheet
Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring Pages
Quakesafe Emergency Preparedness Coloring Book
Download Emergency Preparedness Puzzles
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 1 Activity Book
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 2 Activity Book
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 3 Activity Book
Disaster Word Search Activity Book
Download Emergency Learning Activities
100-Year Flood It's All About Chance
2-1-1 An Easy-to-remember Three-digit Number to Obtain Free Services and Resources
4 Seasons of Safety Tour
911 Call for Emergency Learning and Safety Activity Book
A First Priority Evacuation Order Checklist
Air Conditioned Shelter Emergency Evacutation or Use of Cooling Centers
Air Filtration - Wildfire Smoke Factsheet - Indoors
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
Alternatives to N95 Respirators and Understanding the Difference
Child Safety Coloring & Activity Book
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home - Everyday Steps and Extra Steps When Someone is Sick
Cloth Face Coverings Questions and Answers
DIY Face Mask Template and Easy and Quick Making a Mask_(Optimized)
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - Spanish
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area - Spanish
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic - Spanish
Emergency Safeguarding Your Valuables Facilitator Activity Guide
Emergency Savings Fitness Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future
FAQ What is a Watch
How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Video
Kids Injury Prevention and Safety Activity Book
National Park Service Definitions for Fire and Wildfire
Parents Prevent Lead Poisoning for Kids Coloring Book
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness - Spanish
What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment
What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment - Spanish
World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide
Playlist: Danger Rangers
Seven animal heroes called the "Danger Rangers," their robot Fallbot, and their artificial intelligence called SAVO teach children about safety through examples, such as environmental hazards and unsafe places.
Read More: Wikipedia
The Great Race
Episode 107: The Great Race
Worley the Weasel and his badger friends...
Episode 107: The Great Race
Worley the Weasel and his badger friends want to hold a secret race. Find out who wins this great race and how the Danger Rangers leap ...into action just in time to show the children the value of pedestrian street smarts.
Safe and Sound
Episode 106: Safe & Sound
The hottest new rock bands, the Decibulls,...
Episode 106: Safe & Sound
The hottest new rock bands, the Decibulls, are literally shaking up Hollywood with their dangerously loud music. When buildings start creating serious fall hazards from their ...music vibrations, the Danger Rangers must teach kids how to Play It Safe while playing it cool with music!
Where the Fun Never Stops
Episode 104: Where the Fun Never Stops
The Danger Rangers discover a...
Episode 104: Where the Fun Never Stops
The Danger Rangers discover a mysterious pattern of events causing children to play dangerously; our superheroes show children how to have fun and Play ...it Safe at the playground.
Fires & Liars
Episode 103: Fires & Liars
When two mischievous boys play with...
Episode 103: Fires & Liars
When two mischievous boys play with fireworks, the Danger Rangers must come to their rescue - and teach them how to have a Danger Proof Plan ...for a fire emergency.
Dog Days
Episode 110: Dog Days
Everything is "going to the dogs" at the local...
Episode 110: Dog Days
Everything is "going to the dogs" at the local pooch parade when a stray pup enters the show. The Danger Rangers team up to save the day, ...teaching kids about the dangers of dog bites and how to avoid them and Play It Safe when approaching dogs.
Go Games
Episode 113: Go Games
Junior Danger Ranger Talya sets out to shoot a...
Episode 113: Go Games
Junior Danger Ranger Talya sets out to shoot a film about the Danger Rangers as they prepare for a bike, skateboard, and rollerblading competition called the "Go ...Games." Teens from all over the world come to compete, but Talya's camera lens focus in on Chancy McSpill and his sidekick Duncan, a pair who think trying every dangerous trick in the book will win the race. The Danger Rangers must race on the chase to slow Chancy down and help him learn that cheating doesn't always win. Find out how to be the real winner when you Play It Safe.
Kitty's Surprise Party
Episode 114: Kitty's Surprise Party
The Danger Rangers celebrate...
Episode 114: Kitty's Surprise Party
The Danger Rangers celebrate Kitty's birthday with a surprise party, inviting many of the children she has helped over the years. They remind everyone how to ...be Danger Ranger Ready!
Fallbot Forget Me Not
Episode 115: Fallbot Forget-Me-Not
When Fallbot blows a circuit board...
Episode 115: Fallbot Forget-Me-Not
When Fallbot blows a circuit board and loses his memory, the Danger Rangers scramble to unscramble his circuits and reinstall all the safety tips he used to ...know so well. However, until Fallbot's completely reprogrammed, he's a rolling disaster waiting to happen! This episode reuses six songs from the series.
Water Works
Episode 102: Water Works
When Commander Octagon builds his vast...
Episode 102: Water Works
When Commander Octagon builds his vast underwater hideout he causes the world's oceans to rise and only the Danger Rangers can save the day! Watch how ...the team of superheroes makes sure everyone is Water Safe.
Wet and Wild
Episode 112: Wet & Wild
The Danger Rangers take a cruise ship vacation....
Episode 112: Wet & Wild
The Danger Rangers take a cruise ship vacation. However, while helping a young girl overcome her fear of the water, and trying to calm down hyperactive ...funsters, the Brayski Brothers, our heroes get very little rest and relaxation. But when the Brayski's win a treasure hunt, they share their "loot" and everyone gets a great series of lessons in water safety.
Mission 547: Safety Rules!
Episode 116:Mission 547: Safety Rules!
The Danger Rangers each receive...
Episode 116:Mission 547: Safety Rules!
The Danger Rangers each receive their own safety assignments - covering many of the most important safety tips from the series.
Cave Save
Episode 108: Cave Save
After hearing tales of old-timer Diaz's mining...
Episode 108: Cave Save
After hearing tales of old-timer Diaz's mining adventures, some children decide to do a little mining of their own and end up loosing their way. The ...Danger Rangers are off to the rescue finding the missing children and showing them that abandoned homes and dark caves are no place to play.
The Great Race
Episode 107: The Great Race
Worley the Weasel and his badger friends want to hold a secret race. Find out who wins this great race and how the Danger Rangers leap ...into action just in time to show the children the value of pedestrian street smarts.
Video Playlist Section