January 2026 Winter Storm Response

If a winter storm heads your way, make sure you understand the warning and advisories. Winter storms, including blizzards, can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.

Make sure you have an emergency plan, listen to weather forecasts regularly, limit your time outside, and have an emergency supply kit on hand.

• If power lines are down, call your local utility and emergency services. Have extra blankets and warm winter coats on hand to stay warm during power outages.
• If using a portable space heater, make sure it has an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements and is placed at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials.
• 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.

Start your winter preparations by securing your house. Winter is when most home fires happen, and heating is the second leading cause of home fires.  Check out this Home Fire Safety Guide for tips on ways to keep your home safe.

Here are other ways to keep your home warm and safe this winter:

• Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and make sure the batteries are working.
• Never leave lit candles or other flames unattended.
• Have your chimney or flue inspected every year.
• Keep blinds and curtains open during the day to absorb heat from the sun. Close them at night to keep the heat from escaping.
• To save on heating bills, close the doors and shut the vents of rooms you are not using. Keep the basement door closed.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Insulate walls and attics.
• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
• Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.

Make sure your car is travel ready for the winter.

• Check the forecast and road conditions before you leave.
• Check antifreeze level and have radiator system serviced.
• Replace worn tires and check tire air pressure.
• Always carry extra warm clothing and blankets with you. Don't rely on a car to provide enough heat. The car could break down.
• Keep an emergency kit for your car.

When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. It is very important to remember to take caution during extremely cold temperatures and severe winter weather to prevent injuries and illness, such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia occurs most commonly at very cold environmental temperatures, but can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Redness or pain in any skin area may be due to frostbite, an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Seek medical care if you suspect frostbite or hypothermia.

• During the severe winter weather, try to stay indoors. Limit your time outdoors.
• If you must go out, make sure your family is safe by dressing warmly and limiting exposure to the cold to prevent frostbite.
  • Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes to prevent frostbite.
  • Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.
  • Be aware of the wind chill factor.
  • Avoid getting wet and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia.
  • Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors.
• 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.
• Eating healthy meals will help keep your body temperature warm.
• It’s important to stay hydrated even during the cold to prevent hypothermia. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. They cause your body to lose heat faster. Drink warm drinks or broth.

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.

Stay safe while shoveling by following these tips:

• ​Check the weather, temperature, and wind chill before setting foot outside.
• Dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing.
•  Use the right tool and the proper technique. Choose a shovel with a small, plastic blade as it will weigh less than a shovel with a metal blade.
• Use a proper shoveling technique to reduce strain on the body.
• Don’t overdo it. Take breaks to catch your breath and drink water.
• Try pushing the snow rather than lifting and throwing it.
• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is a dangerous condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Symptoms in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Seek immediate medical attention if a person’s temperature is below 95° F.

Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don't overdo it.

Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many injuries related to cold weather happen from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Icy sidewalk can be especially hazardous for the elderly.

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.

Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common during winter as you spend more time indoors. Protect yourself and your family with these tips.

• Stay up to date on your respiratory vaccines.
• Practice good hygiene
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Wash or sanitize hands often
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces often
  • Keep reading about respiratory viruses and hygiene
• Stay home if you are sick.

VDOT provides weather advisories on current road conditions and weather forecasts. Travelers can easily access travel conditions by dialing 5-1-1, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This information is also available on the website at www.virginiadot.org.

• 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.

Don't forget about your pets this winter! Make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest with plenty of food and water.

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.

If you must work in cold environments or temperatures, take these precautions:

• Wear appropriate clothing.
  • Wear several layers of loose clothing for better insulation.
  • Some clothing may restrict movement, which could be dangerous.
• Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands, and feet.
  • Boots should be waterproof and insulated.
  • Wear a hat. Hats reduce body heat escaping from your head.
• Move into warm locations during breaks.
• Carry extra socks, gloves, hat, jacket, clothes, and blankets.
• Include a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.
• Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.