How to Survive a Blizzard

Co-authored by Steve Linton

Last Updated: October 15, 2022 References

Blizzards are major winter storms that produce intense snowfall, gale force winds, below-freezing temperatures and often whiteout conditions. If a blizzard is forecast for your area, or if you find yourself outdoors during one, the following tips can help you survive. The most important thing you can do is to prepare for the blizzard before it hits. However, there are also some steps you can take if you are caught in the storm.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing Yourself

1
Have a heat source ready. If your home has a fireplace, make sure you know how to use it safely. When a winter storm warning is issued, bring enough firewood inside to last for a few days.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Steve Linton
Custom Home Builder
Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.}
- If you have a generator, be sure to have enough fuel to keep it running for a few days. Keep the generator completely outdoors, not in a garage. Running a generator indoors can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death.^{[2]
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- Double check that all your windows and doors are sealed properly to prevent heat from seeping out.^{[3]
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  Barry Zakar
  Handyman
  Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.}
- Upgrade the insulation of your home.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Steve Linton
  Custom Home Builder
  Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.}
- Ensure that the water lines that are exposed to freezing temperatures are well insulated.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Steve Linton
  Custom Home Builder
  Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.}
2
Make sure to have supplies. Fill up water bottles and jugs when a storm warning is issued. Have a well-stocked cupboard of non-perishable foods that do not require preparation. Keep a first aid kit and a week's supply of necessary medications.^{[6]
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3
Be prepared in case of fire. Downed power lines and your emergency heat source both raise the risk of fire. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Make sure your home's smoke detectors are working.^{[7]
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4
Have other emergency items on hand. Keep a battery-powered radio in your home, as well as at least one flashlight per person. Make sure to have multiple extra batteries for each. Have enough warm blankets, sleeping bags, and clean clothes for everyone in your household.^{[8]
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5
Check your car's battery. Cold weather can reduce your battery's power. If you are stuck in your car during a blizzard, it is vital that your battery is strong enough to start your engine in order to keep you warm. Look for any signs of corrosion or wear of your battery's cables, tray, and hold-down brackets. If your car's battery is four years old or older, it may be time to replace it. Make sure to do this early on in the season, not right before a blizzard hits.^{[9]
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6
Winterize your car. Make sure your car is well-prepared for cold weather.
- Check your tire's treads. If they're worn down, consider replacing them. If winter storms are frequent in your area, you may also want to invest in snow tires. You will need much more grip when driving on ice.^{[10]
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- Change your oil and replace it with a less viscous oil meant for cold weather. Cold weather will slow oil's ability to flow.^{[11]
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- Make sure your cooling system is well-prepared. If necessary, flush your system and refill it with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. Even in freezing temperatures, your engine can overheat enough to suffer significant damage.^{[12]
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7
Put together a survival kit for your car. If you can, keep this kit in your car's backseat rather than your trunk. You want the kit to be as easily accessible as possible in case of emergency. The components of the kit are:
- Insulation to keep yourself warm: blankets or a sleeping bag, a change of clothes, and a set of warm outer garments (a coat, mittens, ski cap, scarf, etc...).
- Fuel for your body: bottled water, non-perishable and high calorie foods such as meal replacement bars, and an emergency supply of necessary medications.
- Tools to keep your car running: booster cables, a tow rope, a tool kit, and a shovel.
- Methods of alerting rescuers: road flares, an extra charged phone battery, and a transistor radio with spare batteries.
- Other survival gear: a knife, a first-aid kit, a small can for melting snow for drinking water, water-proof matches, a flashlight, and a large sealable plastic bucket to use as a toilet.^{[13]
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8
Avoid driving during a blizzard warning. Do your best to get home before the blizzard begins. No matter how well-prepared your car may be, you will be safer in a building. Road conditions can deteriorate swiftly, leading to unsafe driving conditions and crashes.^{[14]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Surviving in a Car

1
Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear. Clear away any snow and ice that may accumulate around it. Do this immediately. A blocked exhaust pipe may cause carbon monoxide to build up in a sealed car, causing poisoning and death.^{[15]
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2
Alert others to your presence. Turn on your hazard lights or set road flares. This will help rescuers find you and prevent other drivers from hitting your car.^{[16]
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Research source} If your cell phone is working, call emergency services.
3
Stay in your car. Other than to clear the exhaust or set flares, you should not leave your car. Your car will provide warmth and protection you will need to survive.
- An exception would be if you see a building nearby that you can safely get to. Attempt to seek shelter there instead.^{[17]
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- The low visibility of a blizzard means that you will be easily lost. Even if you don't go far, there is a good chance you will not be able to find your way back to your car. Do not take that risk.
4
Keep active. Do small exercises, such as clapping your hands or wiggling in your seat. This will help keep your heart rate and circulation at a safe level. When stuck in a confined space like a car, you will be more prone to poor circulation. Poor circulation contributes to frostbite.^{[18]
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5
Turn your engine on periodically. Start your engine once an hour to help stay warm. Run the heat for no more than 20 minutes at a time.^{[19]
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Research source} Make sure to keep checking that your exhaust is clean.
6
Stay hydrated and well-nourished. Drink from your bottled water regularly. Eat from your emergency supplies. This will help to prevent hypothermia.
- If you run out of water, do not eat snow. The cold will reduce your body temperature. Instead, melt snow using the can and matches from your emergency kit. Only drink once thoroughly melted.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Surviving Outdoors

1
Seek dry shelter as soon as possible. This should be your top priority. Look for nearby buildings and cars. If none are available, look for any structure you can huddle under to protect from the wind and snow. Stay there until the storm passes or help arrives.
- Build a snow shelter if you can't find cover and are in an area unlikely to be found by rescuers, such as in the wilderness. If you're in a more populous area, a snow shelter is not advised, as it will make it much harder for rescuers to find you.^{[20]
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2
Call for help. If you have a cell phone with you, try calling both your city's emergency number and any loved ones who may be able to help. If cell towers are down, turn your phone off to conserve power and try again later. Periodically shout for help in case someone is nearby who can assist you.
3
Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated will help to prevent hypothermia. If you have a water bottle with you, drink from it. However, do not eat snow, as this will drop your body temperature, and snow often contains chemicals such as car exhaustion. Find a means of melting it first, and boil it if possible to make sure it is clean.
4
Do minor, non-strenuous exercises. Clap your hands, wave your arms, kick your legs. This will keep your heart rate up and keep the blood circulating in your extremities. Good circulation will help to prevent frostbite.^{[21]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Waiting Out the Storm

1
Change out of wet clothing. If you arrive home after being stuck outside, change out of your cold, wet clothes as soon as possible. Frostbite can happen quickly, and it's important to warm yourself up as soon as possible. Wear a full set of warm, comfortable clothing for the duration of the storm.
2
Gather your family in one well-insulated spot. The room you pick should be one that contains your heat source and supplies. Try to choose one that has few windows or doors to help keep it insulated. Close off the rest of the house by shutting all windows and both internal and external doors. Cover windows with blankets and stuff towels under the doors.^{[22]
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3
Stay aware. Periodically check the latest weather news for your area. This will help you determine how to stay safe and ration your supplies.
- If you have power and cable, watch the weather or local news station. Check online for immediate updates.
- If your power or Internet is out, listen to your radio for news. While you may be tempted to use your phone's Internet service, save the battery for emergency calls.
4
Stay inside. Unless absolutely necessary, do not leave your home. Remember that there may be downed power lines nearby that you can't see in the low visibility of a blizzard. Only leave to start and maintain the generator, retrieve extra firewood, or if someone in your household has a medical emergency.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I protect my house from blizzards?

Steve Linton
Custom Home Builder
Steve Linton is the President of Deltec Homes, a custom home building company in Asheville, North Carolina. With nearly 20 years of experience, he oversees all home building projects for Deltec Homes. He specializes in hurricane-resistant homes, green home design, and sustainable building. Steve holds a BS in Structural Engineering from Cornell University and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Steve Linton

Custom Home Builder

Expert Answer

If you are designing your house from scratch, keep in mind that it should withstand harsh weather. Equip it to survive when there is a shortage of resources, like power, water, or fuel.
Question

What precautions can I take before a blizzard?

Steve Linton
Custom Home Builder
Steve Linton is the President of Deltec Homes, a custom home building company in Asheville, North Carolina. With nearly 20 years of experience, he oversees all home building projects for Deltec Homes. He specializes in hurricane-resistant homes, green home design, and sustainable building. Steve holds a BS in Structural Engineering from Cornell University and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Steve Linton

Custom Home Builder

Expert Answer

Upgrade the insulation of your house. Remove old branches from trees that can fall near the building. Keep carbon monoxide and smoke detectors with a battery backup. Check that the water lines are insulated. Also, confirm that the heating systems are working.
Question

What do I do if something is on fire in a blizzard?

Community Answer

If you do not have an extinguisher, try to find a blanket or rag and put it out with that (ie. smother the flame).