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IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING
- FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY. Call 211 to locate a warming shelter.
- Stay off the roads.
- Clear exhaust vents.
- Stay indoors and have warm clothes ready.
- Bring your pets inside.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Locate electrical boxes and water shut off.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Use generators outside only.
- Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Check on neighbors.
Stay Informed
Winter Preparedness Classes
- Free class for City of Buffalo residents.
- 9 locations throughout the City of Buffalo (you must attend the event in the district you live in).
- Free winter kit (one per household) and essential tips and take aways from local organizations to ensure you are best prepared for the winter season ahead.
- Register now for the Winter Preparedness Series!
Make a Plan & Build Your Kits
During extremely cold weather, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Learn how to prepare for winter storms, prevent cold temperature-related health problems, and protect yourself, your family, and your pets during all stages of a winter storm.
Essential Travel Information
Health Effects
Your personal health and safety can be in danger during extreme winter cold. When temperatures drop and as wind speed increases, heat can leave your body quickly and can lead to serious health problems such as those listed below.
If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these problems, call 911 Immediately.
- hypothermia
- frostbite
- heart disease (“heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions.)
- carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
CO poisoning symptoms
CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
More information about CO and CO poisoning
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) FAQs (Español)
- How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Generator Safety and Quick Guide to Generator Safety
- Space Heater Safety
Information for Seniors
- Seniors are especially at risk for cold weather illness. Visit the Department of Senior Services website for information on emergency preparedness for seniors.
- Steps To Be Taken by Adult Care Facilities in Cold Weather
Protect Your Pets
See links below, keep pets indoors, safe, and contact your veterinarian for any questions you have regarding your pets.
- American Veterinary Medical Association - Cold Weather Pet Safety
- SPCA of America - Cold Weather Safety Tips
- Humane Society of the US - Protect Your Pet During Winter and Cold Weather
Help for the Homeless
- Code Blue Shelters - Dial 211 anytime of day or night for assistance.
- To receive Code Blue updates for the City of Buffalo, text CodeBlueBuffalo to 898-211.
- Buffalo City Mission - 100 E Tupper St., Buffalo, NY 14203, (716) 854-8181
- St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy - 325 Walden Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211, (716) 894-4476
- WNY Coalition for the Homeless
- Homeless Alliance of WNY
- Code Blue Relief Mission (Facebook Page)
Information for Restaurant Owners
- When the Power Goes Out - A guide for food operators
- ECDOH Advisory for Restaurants that have Lost Power - Recommendations and advice to prevent food poisoning and illness from spoiled foods after a power outage
Additional Winter Safety Resources
- Let's Get Ready for Winter - Erie County Office of Health Equity Newsletter
- Be Prepared for Winter Weather - Smart advice in any language from International Institute of Buffalo [;عربية (Arabic); বাাংলা (Bengali); မြန်မာစာ (Burmese); دری (Dari); English; Français (French); Karen; Kinyarwanda; پښتو (Pashto); Soomaali (Somali); Español (Spanish); Kiswahili (Swahili); українська (Ukrainian)]
- Power Outage Safety - How to prepare for and stay safe during and after a power outage: erie.gov/powersafety
- Don't Be Left in the Dark - Booklet to help you prepare for power outages, storms, and flooding
- Frozen Pipes - Learn how to prevent water pipes from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze.
- Mold & Moisture
- Chainsaw Safety
- How to Prepare for a Winter Storm from FEMA
- National Weather Service - Winter Weather
- Ready.gov Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
- City of Buffalo Winter Preparedness Series