Winter storms and freezing temperatures bring beautiful scenery — but they also create serious, life-threatening hazards. Every year, thousands of people experience hypothermia, frostbite, slips and falls, carbon monoxide poisoning, and cardiac emergencies triggered by cold exposure and physical exertion.

Most of these emergencies occur at home or in the community, long before EMS arrives. This BVAC Winter Safety Guide explains the most common cold-weather dangers, how to recognize early warning signs, and the steps you can take to keep your family safe during snowstorms, deep freezes, and severe winter conditions.

Hypothermia: The Most Overlooked Winter Emergency

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it — and it can develop quickly in both children and older adults, even during mild winter temperatures.

Early Warning Signs of Hypothermia

• Persistent shivering

• Fatigue, confusion, or irritability

• Slurred or slow speech

• Pale, cold, or bluish skin

• Poor coordination or stumbling

What to Do

• Move the person indoors immediately

• Remove wet or damp clothing

• Wrap them in warm blankets

• Offer warm (not hot) beverages if they are awake

• Call 911 if symptoms worsen

BVAC Reminder: Hypothermia can be mistaken for tiredness or “just being cold.” Always treat early symptoms seriously.

Frostbite: Can Happen Faster Than You Think

Frostbite affects areas with the least circulation — fingers, toes, ears, and the nose — and can develop in minutes during extreme cold or strong wind.

Symptoms of Frostbite

• Numbness, tingling, or stinging

• Pale, gray, or waxy skin

• Hard or frozen-feeling tissue

• Blisters after rewarming

First Aid for Frostbite

• Move indoors as quickly as possible

• Rewarm with warm (not hot) water, ideally 99–104°F

• Do not rub or massage the area — this can cause deeper tissue damage

• Cover with a dry, sterile dressing

• Seek emergency medical care for blistering or deep injury

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Slips, Trips & Falls: The Most Common Winter Injury

Ice-covered sidewalks, stairs, and driveways are responsible for thousands of fractures, sprains, and head injuries each year.

Winter Fall Prevention

• Wear boots with non-slip traction

• Salt or sand walkways daily

• Take small, deliberate steps

• Use handrails when available

• Keep hands free for balance (avoid walking with hands in pockets)

If Someone Falls

• Control bleeding with direct pressure

• Avoid moving the person if you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury

• Call 911 for severe pain, confusion, deformities, or loss of consciousness

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Snow Shoveling & Heart Attacks: A Serious Winter Risk

Snow shoveling is one of the highest-risk activities for winter cardiac events, especially for adults over 40 or anyone with a history of heart disease.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

• Chest pressure or squeezing

• Pain radiating to arm, jaw, or back

• Sudden shortness of breath

• Nausea, sweating, or dizziness

Shoveling Safely

• Warm up for 5–10 minutes before starting

• Push snow rather than lifting it

• Take breaks every 10–15 minutes

• Stop immediately if you feel chest pain, lightheadedness, or unusual fatigue

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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Spikes During Winter Storms

CO is an invisible, odorless gas that becomes deadly quickly — especially during power outages, generator use, and improper heating.

Prevention Tips

• Never heat your home with an oven or stove

• Keep generators outside, at least 20 feet from doors and windows

• Install CO detectors on every level of your home

• Have furnaces, chimneys, and fireplaces inspected yearly

Signs of CO Poisoning

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Confusion or altered mental state

If you suspect CO poisoning:
Leave the home immediately, call 911, and get into fresh air.

 Winter Driving Emergencies

Snow, ice, and poor visibility can make winter driving extremely dangerous.

Before You Drive

• Clear all snow from windows, roof, headlights, and mirrors

• Keep an emergency car kit:

  • Blanket

  • Water & snacks

  • Shovel

  • Flares or reflectors

  • Phone charger

• Drive slowly and increase following distance

If Your Car Gets Stuck

• Stay inside the vehicle

• Check that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow

• Run the heater in short intervals

• Conserve battery and call for assistance

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Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather

A winter-ready home prevents emergencies before they happen.

• Insulate exposed pipes to prevent bursts

• Keep flashlights, batteries, and candles accessible

• Store extra blankets and warm clothing

• Know where your shut-off valves are

• Keep your first aid kit stocked

• Have extra medications and food supplies for multi-day storms

Learn Winter Emergency Response Skills at BVAC

BVAC Rescue Response Training Center in Bayside, Queens offers courses that prepare families, workplaces, and community responders for cold-weather emergencies:

✔ AHA BLS CPR
✔ First Response Essentials
✔ Stop the Bleed
✔ EpiPen & Naloxone/NARCAN Training
✔ TECC & Tactical Medicine
✔ Family & Workplace Emergency Preparedness Training

These skills help you respond effectively when storms delay EMS, roads become hazardous, or emergencies strike at home.

Winter Is Beautiful — But Preparation Saves Lives

Cold weather doesn’t have to be dangerous. With awareness, preparation, and the right training, you can protect your family, neighbors, workplace team, and community all season long.

Stay warm. Stay prepared. Stay safe. – BVAC Rescue Response Training Center