Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
	Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
	Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
	Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
	Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
	Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
	Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
	Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

If shoveling

	Stretch out before you start. That can help you avoid strain.
	Shovel only what you can lift with ease.
	If you feel yourself running out of breath, take a significant break.
	In general you should take frequent breaks while shoveling.

if in cold weather

	Wear loose fitting, layered, light-weight clothes.
	Layers can be pulled off to prevent perspiration which can quickly turn cold near the body.
	Cover your mouth. That protects your lungs.
	Keep dry.
	Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.

If signs for hypothermia appear

	Seek immediate help if at all possible.
	Slowly warm the person’s body, starting with their trunk.
	Warm up arms and legs last because stimulation of the limbs could send cold blood to the heart and cause heart failure.
	Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their whole body with a blanket if possible.
	Use your own body to warm them.
	Do not give them anything with caffeine or alcohol in it. Caffeine speeds up the heart and can intensify the effects of cold weather. Alcohol slows down the heart and therefore also speeds up some effects of cold weather.

	Keep your car's gas tank at least half full.
	Make sure you have good tires. A rough measurement for tire wear is using a penny, Lincoln's head upside in the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the treads are worn and need replacing.
	Get a mechanic to do a winter check.
	Make sure they look at your: battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, heater, brakes, defroster and oil.
	Keep an ice scraper handy and a small broom if your area is expecting snow.

What to keep in your car

	Flashlight and batteries.
	Battery Powered Radio
	Small tool kit.
	First Aid Kit with pocket knife
	Booster cables and tow chain or rope.
	Bottled water.
	Small shovel, scraper and small broom.
	Small bag of sand to use as traction under your tires.
	Snack Food
	Matches
	Extra hats, socks, blankets and mittens
	Road Salt and Sand
	Emergency flares and distress flag

if stuck in a blizzard

	Stay in the car.
	Only leave the car if help is visible within 100 yards.
	Display a brightly colored cloth or other sign of trouble outside your car.
	Turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater and turn on the inside light when the car is running to help keep warm.
	Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear the exhaust pipe of snow and if necessary open a downwind window for air.
	Watch for signs of hypothermia. That includes loss of feeling and pale color in the skin.
	To keep warm, do exercises, huddle together and use newspapers, maps and even inside car mats.

If you have to travel

	Do so only during the daytime.
	Check the news or call friends for an idea of what shape the roads are in ahead of you. Inform destination of route you will take, and of any last minute changes.
	If going on a long trip, check the weather for your destination and places along the way.
	It could save frustration and even time to wait. Plows could clear roads and sunlight may melt ice.