This weekend, a powerful winter storm is expected to impact more than 180 million people across 35 states, stretching from the South and Midwest to the Northeast. Forecasts call for heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures, with conditions expected to remain well below normal for more than a week.

At Catholic Charities of New York, we know that extreme weather can be especially challenging for seniors, families with young children, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those living with limited resources. Preparation, awareness, and community care can make a lifesaving difference.

New Yorkers also should check out these cold weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.

Below are important steps you can take to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during severe winter conditions. Additional guidance is also available through the American Red Cross website.

How to Prepare for Extreme Cold

Stay powered and connected

• Keep cell phones and external battery packs fully charged while electricity is available.

Protect your home

• Leave faucets dripping slightly — both hot and cold — day and night to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Close interior doors to conserve heat, and use towels or blankets to block drafts under doors.

Dress for warmth

• Keep dry blankets and warm clothing readily available. Wet or damp clothing increases the risk of hypothermia.
• Layer clothing to stay warm rather than turning up the thermostat, which can help reduce strain on the power grid.

Know your options

• Research whether your state or city has emergency warming centers and make a plan to reach one if needed.

Travel Safely — or Not at All

• Avoid travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary.
• If you must drive:
  • Drive slowly
  • Use hazard lights
  • Leave at least three times the normal following distance between vehicles

Prepare for Possible Power Outages

The American Red Cross recommends having at least three days’ worth of essential supplies, ideally stored in go-bags in case you need to leave your home quickly:

• Bottled water (about one gallon per person, per day)
• Shelf-stable food that does not require cooking
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid supplies
• Extra prescription medications
• Baby supplies, if applicable
• Pet food and supplies
• Tea candles (see fire safety tips below)

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety

Power outages can increase the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning when homes are heated improperly. Please keep these safety tips in mind:

• Test — or install — battery-operated smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Never run a generator or vehicle inside your home, garage, or any enclosed space.
• If using candles:
  • Keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects
  • Keep them out of reach of children
  • Never leave candles burning unattended or while sleeping

Look Out for One Another

Most importantly, check in regularly with neighbors, friends, and family — especially seniors, people living alone, and families with young children. A phone call, a knock on the door, or an offer to help with supplies can make a profound difference.

This list is not exhaustive, and conditions may change rapidly. For additional guidance, visit the American Red Cross’s winter storm preparedness resources: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html

If you or someone you know needs help finding city or community resources, Catholic Charities’ Toll-Free Help Line is available to provide guidance and referrals:

📞 Catholic Charities Toll-Free Help Line: (888) 744-7900
🚨 For Emergencies: 911

While this line is not for emergency assistance, our team can help connect callers to appropriate local services, including warming centers, shelters, and other public resources during severe weather.

In case of emergencies, please call 911.