Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Most Likely Emergencies in PA

    Winter Storms

    The National Weather Service calls winter storms "deceptive killers" because most threats are indirectly related to the storm. Here's what to know.

    A snowy winter road in the woods.

    Overview

    Winter weather can bring treacherous travel, extreme cold, power outages, and other risks. Let's get prepared and stay warm and safe.

    About Winter Storms

    Can Last

    A few hours or several days.

     

     

    Can Cut

    Heat, power, and communication services.

     

    Can Put

    Groups at greater risk, such as older adults, kids, sick people, and pets.

    Two people walk through a snowstorm.


    Winter Weather Safety

    There are steps we all can take to stay as safe as possible during winter weather:

    Avoid travel during winter weather, if possible.

    If you must travel, check 511pa.com for up-to-date road conditions and travel information. You can see where plows are currently on the road, as well.
     

    Have at least 2 ways to get weather alerts.

    • Sign up for Pennsylvania's CodeRed alert system.

    • Use a trusted weather app.

    • Tune in to local news on TV/radio.

    • Follow trusted social media weather accounts.

    • Purchase a NOAA weather radio.

    Pay attention to changing forecasts. Shifting weather patterns are common and can change the outlook for your area.
     

    Sign Up for Pennsylvania Alerts

    Power Outages

    Losing power is an inconvenience in some cases, and life-threatening in others.  Prepare now for power outages.

    Power Outage Safety

    Limit time outside.

    If you must go outside, wear layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
     

    Keep supplies at home and in your vehicle.

    Keep supplies — such as bottled water, nonperishable food, and basic supplies — at home and in your vehicle.
     

    Gather Emergency Supplies

    Snow Squalls

    Snow squalls are dangerous to encounter on the road. They severely reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions within minutes.

    What To Do

     The best thing you can do is pull over and wait it out.

      If you're on the highway, take the next exit and find somewhere safe to wait.

      Snow squalls can't always be predicted but if they are in the forecast, try to avoid or postpone travel.

    In Case of a Pileup

    Snow squalls can cause major highway pileups, putting motorists in danger. Here's what to do to stay safe:

    • Get as far away from the road as possible, if you can safely do so.

    • Slowly drive to the front of the pileup if you can.

    • Don't stand on or near the roadway.

    • Stay seated in your vehicle if you can't safely exit.


    SOCIAL-MEDIA FRIENDLY

    Stay Safe in a Snow Squall graphic: Download this graphic to keep and/or share. It has top tips for staying safe in a snow squall.

    Get the Graphic

    Hypothermia & Frostbite

    Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and how treat them quickly.

    Hypothermia

    An unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95° is an emergency.

    Signs: Shivering. Exhaustion. Confusion. Fumbling hands. Memory loss. Slurred speech. Drowsiness.

    How to treat: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first; chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

    Frostbite

    Causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.

    Signs: Numbness. White or grayish-yellow sin. Firm or waxy skin.

    How to treat: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Don't massage or use a heating pad.

     

    Shovel Safely

    Shoveling snow can increase the risk for heart attack. Shovel safely:

    • Push snow instead of lifting to save energy.

    • Drink plenty of water.

    • Dress in loose-fitting layers.

    • Take frequent breaks.

    Prepare Your Home

    Prepare your home to keep out the cold with:

    • Insulation
    • Caulking
    • Weather Stripping
       

    Prevent frozen pipes

    • Open cabinet doors to circulate warmer air around plumbing.
    • Let cold water drip from the faucet at a trickle.
    • Set thermostats at 55° and warmer.
       

    Get help heating your home

    The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP for short, provides money to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills. Apply for this assistance through the Department of Human Services.

    Home Energy Assistance