Freeze first-hour survival checklist

Before you act

First-hour steps

1. Get indoors or into a wind-protected shelter as soon as possible.
2. Replace wet clothing and add dry layers, especially over the head, neck, hands, and feet.
3. Gather people into one smaller room if household heat fails, and block drafts with towels or blankets.
4. Use only outdoor-rated generators outside, far from doors, windows, vents, and garages.
5. Check that carbon monoxide alarms are working before using any combustion-based backup heat.
6. Give warm sweet drinks only to someone who is awake, alert, and able to swallow safely.
7. Call emergency services for confusion, slowed breathing, severe shivering that stops, or suspected frostbite.

Do not do this

• Do not run generators indoors, in garages, on balconies, or near windows.
• Do not use a gas oven or charcoal grill as a room heater.
• Do not rub frostbitten skin or use direct high heat on it.
• Do not drink alcohol to feel warmer; it can increase heat loss and impair judgment.
• Do not ignore confusion, slurred speech, or unusual sleepiness in cold exposure.
• Do not overexert yourself shoveling snow if you have heart disease or chest discomfort.

Kit items to check

• Portable Water Filter · Floods, outages, evacuation bags, and boil-water advisories.
• Rechargeable Headlamp · Hands-free light for sheltering, first aid, repairs, and night evacuation.
• Thermal Emergency Blanket · Compact backup warmth for freezing weather, car kits, and evacuation packs.
• NOAA Weather Radio · Reliable warnings when mobile networks or power are down.
• Compact First Aid Kit · Cuts, burns, sprains, and basic wound care after storms or evacuation.