FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 24, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Health Provides Tips to Stay Warm, Healthy During Power Outage
RICHMOND, Va. – With this weekend’s winter storm bringing snow and ice throughout the Commonwealth, widespread power outages can also be anticipated. The Virginia Department of Health shares tips for staying safe, warm and healthy when the power is out.
“With the forecast for extremely cold temperatures and wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia are real concerns especially if you lose power in your home,” said Virginia Health Commissioner B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD. “Now is the time to prepare! Plan ahead to ensure that you and your loved ones have safe ways to stay warm, keep food and medicines at proper temperatures, and stay hydrated. The Virginia Department of Health is here to help you with tips to keep your family safe and happy.”
If you lose power, the priority is to stay dry and warm to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Use extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats to stay warm. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes.
- Use alternative heating sources:
- Fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry wood or a gas log fireplace.
- Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters.
- Keep heat sources at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.
- Ensure that you properly ventilate emergency heat sources to prevent carbon monoxide
- Do not use generators indoors.
- For a list warming shelters in your area, contact your locality or call 2-1-1 or visit org.
In the case of an power outage, it’s important to take careful precautions to ensure food safety.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- If the doors stay closed, food will stay safe up to:
- Four hours in a refrigerator,
- 24 hours in a half-full freezer, and
- 48 hours in a full freezer.
- If you must remove food, put it in a cooler with frozen gel packs or dry ice to keep it cold. Refrigerated food must stay at a temperature of 40°F or lower and frozen food must stay at a temperature of 0°F or lower.
- When power returns:
- Thawed food can usually be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold” (40°F or below).
- Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.
- Never taste food to know if it is safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves indoors.
- Eating healthy meals will help keep your body temperature warm. Here are tips on breastfeeding, feeding infants, and preparing and storing powered formula during a power outage.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated even during the cold to prevent hypothermia. The extreme cold can affect your water pipes.
- Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously. Open cabinet doors under the kitchen and bathroom sinks so warm air can reach the pipes.
- If tap water isn’t available, use bottled water.
- Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. They cause your body to lose heat faster.
- Drink warm beverages or broth to stay warm.
Medication
Consult your healthcare provider for your specific needs. In general, throw out refrigerated medicine when the power is out for a day or more, unless your healthcare provider or the drug’s label says otherwise.
Remember to stay warm during these extremely cold temperatures. If you notice signs of frostbite and hypothermia , seek medical attention immediately. If you have any immediate needs, contact call 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org
For more information, visit the VDH Winter Storm Response webpage or contact your local health department.
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