Getting stranded in a blizzard can happen fast, sometimes before you even realize it. Whiteout conditions, freezing temperatures, and howling winds can turn a quick trip into something much riskier than you expected.
The safest move is to stay sheltered, conserve heat, and signal for help until things calm down. Those first few moments really matter, and knowing what to do could keep you safe.
Blizzards aren’t just about snow. They slash visibility, block roads, and bring wind chills that can be brutal.
Vehicles get stuck easily, and if you try to walk for help, you could get lost or suffer frostbite in just minutes. If you understand these dangers ahead of time, you’ll probably make better choices when things get tough.
If you prepare and have a plan, you can ride out a blizzard until rescue or better weather shows up. This guide covers how to get ready, what to do if you’re stuck in your car or outdoors, how to stay safe at home, and how to spot cold-related illnesses.
Understanding Blizzard Hazards
A blizzard can turn into a life-threatening situation in no time, combining extreme cold, strong winds, and almost zero visibility. These conditions can cause your body to lose heat fast, lead to physical injuries, and make finding your way nearly impossible, especially out in the open or on the road.
Defining Blizzards and Snowstorms
A blizzard is a harsh winter storm with winds blowing at least 35 mph, snow swirling around, and visibility dropping below a quarter mile for three hours or more.
A regular snowstorm might dump a lot of snow, but the winds are usually lighter. A blizzard’s dangerous mix of wind and snow can wipe out your sense of direction completely.
You don’t even need new snow for a blizzard. Winds can whip up loose snow from the ground, making drifts that block roads and trap vehicles.
Blizzards usually form when cold, dry air slams into moist, warm air, creating strong pressure differences. This setup cranks up the high winds that make blizzards so dangerous.
Common Dangers: Hypothermia, Frostbite, and Disorientation
Hypothermia sets in when your body loses heat faster than it can make it, dropping your core temp below 95°F (35°C). Even mild hypothermia can mess with your judgment and coordination.
Frostbite happens when skin and tissue start to freeze, usually on fingers, toes, ears, and your nose. If you notice numbness, pale skin, or a waxy feel, those are big warning signs.
Cold air and wind chill make both problems worse. For instance, 0°F with a 35 mph wind feels like -30°F, and frostbite can set in under 10 minutes.
Whiteout conditions can completely erase landmarks, making it almost impossible to know which way to go. People can wander away from shelter without even realizing it.
Impact of High Winds and Heavy Snowfall
High winds can knock down trees, power lines, and even parts of buildings. That leads to power outages and blocked roads.
Wind-driven snow can drop visibility to zero, making travel extremely risky.
Heavy snowfall can pile up fast, collapsing weak roofs and trapping vehicles or people. Snowdrifts might reach several feet deep, even if the actual snowfall isn’t that much.
When wind and snow combine, the risk of wind chill shoots up, pulling heat from your body even faster. That’s why good clothing, shelter, and limiting your time outside really matter.
Preparing Before a Blizzard
You can cut down your risk in a blizzard by staying updated, stocking up on essentials, and making sure your home and car are ready. If you do these things early, you’ll be in a much better position if you get stuck or the power goes out.
Monitoring Weather Forecasts and Alerts
Weather forecasts usually give the first heads-up about a coming storm. Check trusted sources like the National Weather Service, local meteorologists, or reliable weather apps.
Sign up for emergency alerts through your phone or local agencies. These can warn you about worsening weather, road closures, or outages.
Check updates a few times a day, since storms can shift quickly. If you see a blizzard watch or warning, finish your preparations right away.
Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio handy so you can get updates even if the power’s out. This is especially important if you live somewhere with spotty cell service.
Assembling an Emergency Kit and Supplies
It’s smart to have a blizzard emergency kit ready before winter hits. Keep it somewhere easy to grab.
Here’s what you’ll want:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blankets or sleeping bags | Keep body heat in during power loss |
| Flashlights with extra batteries | Provide light when electricity fails |
| First aid kit | Treat minor injuries |
| Non-perishable food | Maintain nutrition without cooking |
| Bottled water | Prevent dehydration |
| Portable phone charger | Keep communication devices working |
Candles work as backup light, but use them carefully to avoid fires.
Pack extra warm clothes, gloves, hats, and sturdy boots in case you need to step outside. Don’t forget a small supply of any medications you absolutely need, especially if roads might be blocked.
Winterizing Your Home and Vehicle
Insulate your home to trap heat and keep the cold out. Seal up gaps around doors and windows.
Get your heating system checked before winter. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, clean the chimney to lower fire risks. Store extra fuel or firewood in case the power fails.
Winterize your car with antifreeze, a full gas tank, and winter tires. Use windshield wiper fluid that won’t freeze.
Keep a car emergency kit in your vehicle—include blankets, food, water, a flashlight, and a small shovel. Toss in some sand or cat litter for traction if you get stuck on ice.
What to Do if Stranded in Your Vehicle
Your vehicle can be a lifesaver, sheltering you from wind, snow, and ice. Survival depends on using it smartly—staying warm, avoiding fumes, and making sure rescuers can spot you.
Staying Inside and Conserving Heat
Stay inside the car to shield yourself from wind chill and blowing snow. The enclosed space helps keep your body heat in, especially if you have blankets, sleeping bags, or extra clothes from your kit.
Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour to warm up, blasting the heater when you do. In between, wear hats, gloves, and layers to stay warm.
You can insulate the cabin by stuffing floor mats, newspapers, or spare clothes against the doors and windows. If you’re with others, huddle together—shared body heat helps.
Ration food and water from your kit. Snack on protein bars or something similar to keep your energy up.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Buildup
Carbon monoxide can be deadly if you’re not careful. Keep the tailpipe clear of snow and ice so exhaust doesn’t back up into the car.
Crack a small downwind window when the engine’s running. That lets in fresh air and helps keep fumes from building up.
If you notice a headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, shut off the engine and get more fresh air right away.
Limit how long you run the engine. Short intervals save fuel and lower the risk of carbon monoxide sneaking up on you.
Signaling for Help and Staying Visible
Rescuers need to spot you, so make your car stand out. Tie something bright or reflective to the antenna, roof rack, or door handles. Mylar blankets or colored cloths show up well against snow.
When you run the engine, turn on hazard lights and the dome light to catch attention. Glow sticks in the windows work too.
If it’s safe, stomp out big letters or symbols in the snow nearby. Use a flashlight or mirror to reflect sunlight toward passing vehicles or aircraft.
The more visible you are, the better your odds of getting found—even when visibility is poor.
What to Do if Stranded Outdoors
Getting stuck outside in a snowstorm is incredibly dangerous. Hypothermia and frostbite can set in fast if you lose heat quicker than you can make it.
You’ll need to find shelter, keep your clothes dry, and get safe drinking water without cooling your body down more.
Finding or Creating Shelter
Shelter is your first priority. If you see dense trees or a rock overhang, use it right away.
If nothing’s around, build something from snow. A snow cave or trench blocks wind and insulates with packed snow. Keep the entrance small to trap warmth.
If snow is too loose, use branches, backpacks, or gear to make a windbreak. Put blankets, evergreen boughs, or spare clothes on the ground to keep your body off the cold earth.
Try to avoid wide-open spots where the wind will just blast you.
Dressing in Layers and Staying Dry
Layering is key. It traps warm air and lets you adjust if you start to sweat.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Layer Type | Purpose | Example Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Base Layer | Wicks moisture from skin | Synthetic, merino wool |
| Insulating Layer | Retains body heat | Fleece, down |
| Outer Layer | Blocks wind and snow | Waterproof shell |
Wet clothes suck the heat right out of you. If your clothes get damp, swap them out or try to dry them near your body if you can.
Protect your hands, feet, and head with insulated gloves, thick socks, and a hat or hood. You can lose up to half your body heat from an uncovered head in the wind. Waterproof boots help keep your toes from freezing.
Melting Snow for Safe Hydration
Always melt snow before drinking it. Eating snow directly can drop your core temperature and bring on hypothermia faster.
If you can, use a fire to melt snow in a metal cup or pot. No fire? Put snow in a sealed container and tuck it inside your clothes to let your body heat do the work.
Snow is mostly air, so you’ll need about 10 cups of snow to get 1 cup of water. Stir as it melts to keep it from refreezing into ice chunks.
Go for fresh, clean snow to avoid contamination.
Staying Safe at Home During a Blizzard
Blizzards can knock out heat and power in no time. With visibility down and wind chills way below zero, it’s best to stay inside, keep warm, and avoid risky heating methods. Careful use of power and good ventilation can make a big difference.
Conserving Heat and Power
Seal windows and doors with towels or blankets to trap warm air. Close off rooms you’re not using to keep heat where you need it.
Wear layers, hats, and gloves—even indoors. Pile on extra blankets or sleeping bags at night for more insulation.
If you still have electricity, turn the thermostat down a bit to make fuel or batteries last longer. Try not to open exterior doors unless you have to, since that lets precious heat escape.
Keep flashlights and spare batteries handy. Candles are risky, so only use them if you have to, and never leave them unattended.
Managing Power Outages Safely
When the power goes out, grab a battery-powered lantern or a flashlight for light. Try not to open the fridge too much—keeping it closed will help your food stay cold for hours.
If you use a fireplace or wood stove, check that it’s working well and vents properly. Stash some dry wood inside if you can, since wet wood is just frustrating.
Unplug your sensitive electronics so they don’t get zapped by a power surge when the electricity comes back. Keep your phone and other devices charged up with portable power banks.
Put together an emergency supplies kit with bottled water, some ready-to-eat food, blankets, and a first-aid kit.
Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Risks Indoors
Don’t ever run a generator, grill, or gas stove inside your house or in the garage. Those things give off carbon monoxide, which you can’t smell and is honestly really dangerous.
Set up any fuel-burning devices outside, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, or vents. Stick with heating gear that’s actually made for indoors, and follow the instructions.
Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors on each floor. Check the batteries, especially before winter storms hit.
If you start feeling weird—like headaches, dizziness, or nausea—get outside for fresh air right away and call emergency services. It’s not worth taking chances with carbon monoxide.
Recognizing and Treating Cold-Related Illnesses
Spending too much time in extreme cold can seriously mess with how your body works. Hypothermia drops your core temperature, and frostbite actually freezes your skin and tissue. Both need quick action and the right first aid to avoid permanent damage.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when your body loses heat faster than it can make it, so your core temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). Even if it’s mild, it can make you confused or clumsy.
Common signs include:
- Shivering (which can stop if things get worse)
- Slurred speech or slow responses
- Confusion, bad judgment, or drowsiness
- Weak pulse and shallow breathing
If you think someone has hypothermia, here’s what you should do:
- Call emergency services right away.
- Move them to a warm, sheltered place.
- Take off wet clothing and put on dry layers.
- Warm them up slowly, starting with the chest and belly.
- Use blankets, warm (not hot) water bottles wrapped in cloth, or your own body heat.
Don’t warm their hands and feet first—it can actually hurt the heart. Skip hot water baths and direct heat sources too.
Identifying and Responding to Frostbite
Frostbite kicks in when your skin and the tissue underneath freeze up, usually hitting your fingers, toes, ears, or nose first. Sometimes, it happens in just a few minutes if it’s brutally cold out, and wind chill makes things worse.
Warning signs include:
- Numbness or that weird loss of feeling
- Skin turning pale, white, gray, yellow, or even bluish
- A waxy or oddly firm texture
Here’s what you should do:
-
Get the person somewhere warm right away.
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Be gentle with the frostbitten area, and seriously, don’t rub the skin.
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Warm up the area slowly using water between 100 and 105°F (about 38–41°C) until the skin feels soft and looks pink again.
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Wrap it up loosely with dry, sterile dressings.
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If fingers or toes are frostbitten, slip some gauze between them so they don’t stick together.
Don’t rewarm if there’s any chance the area might freeze again, and try not to pop any blisters. If you even suspect frostbite, it’s best to get medical help as soon as you can.