Staying Safe When Snow Strikes: A Practical Guide

By Dr. Matthew Harris

With New York under a blizzard warning through Monday, staying safe requires being aware.

Power outages are common, so ensure you have a battery-powered radio and charged portable device chargers. This proactive approach helps keep your household safe and reduces strain on emergency services. Make sure you have food and medications to last you for the next 48-72 hours, as access to pharmacies and food stores may be limited.

Indoors, vigilance is key. If using alternative heating, remember the danger of carbon monoxide. Install and regularly check working carbon monoxide detectors; they save lives. If power is lost, dress in layers, use blankets, and close off unused rooms to consolidate heat. Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers unnecessarily to preserve food. Remember, do not use open ovens or stoves to warm your home.

The use of such devices in this fashion increases the risk of residential fires and exposure to carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Around the tri-state area, warming centers are available, though travel to them can be dangerous at the height of the storm. A list of warming shelters in NYC can be found here.

Should you need to venture outside, especially for shoveling, understand the significant risks. Shoveling is a strenuous activity that puts immense strain on the heart, especially in cold weather. It's a leading cause of heart attacks during winter storms. Warm up first with light exercises. Pace yourself, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated. When shoveling, push snow instead of lifting when possible, and always lift with your legs, not your back.

Pay close attention to your body. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or dizziness, stop shoveling immediately and seek medical attention. This risk is even higher for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, those who are not regularly active, or older adults. If possible, consider hiring help or asking a neighbor to clear snow.

Beyond shoveling, any outdoor activity in cold weather requires caution. Dress in layers to trap warmth, protect exposed skin from wind and cold, and recognize the signs of frostbite (numbness, white or grayish skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness). This can develop in as little as 15 minutes when the temperature drops below freezing. This is particularly true for the very young and the elderly.

Finally, remember the human element. Snowstorms can isolate individuals, particularly the elderly or those with chronic conditions. Make a quick phone call or safely check in with a neighbor. A pre-arranged buddy system can make a crucial difference. If you need medical assistance, many local providers offer virtual medicine (also known as tele-medicine) appointments. Given the danger of driving, call 911 only if it's an emergency.

Winter storms require caution. By taking these proactive steps – prioritizing preparation, understanding health risks, especially cardiac strain, and connecting with our community – we can navigate them safely.

Dr. Matthew Harris is medical director of Northwell Health's crisis management and business continuity teams.