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 Cold Weather / Ice Storm Disaster Relief Checklist

1. Pre-Storm Preparedness

 

Goal: Reduce risk and ensure readiness before freezing conditions begin.

 

People:

  • Emergency management coordinator

  • Shelter & logistics lead

  • Volunteer coordinator

  • Communications lead

  • Medical/first aid lead

 

Supplies:

  • Emergency food (non-perishable, no-cook options)

  • Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)

  • Space heaters (approved for indoor use)

  • Extra blankets, sleeping bags

  • Flashlights, batteries

  • Portable phone chargers / power banks

  • Ice melt, shovels

  • Weather radios

  • First aid kits

  • PPE (gloves, thermal wear)

 

Actions:

  • Monitor weather alerts continuously

  • Identify warming centers and shelters

  • Test generators and fuel supply

  • Coordinate with utility companies

  • Notify volunteers and partner agencies

  • Identify vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, unhoused)

  • Pre-stage supplies

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2. Immediate Response (During Storm)

 

Goal: Protect life, prevent exposure, and maintain critical services.

 

Supplies:

  • Hot meals or warming beverages

  • Cots, mats, blankets

  • Generators and extension cords

  • Fuel (gas, propane, diesel)

  • Medications (basic emergency supply)

  • Snow removal equipment

  • Portable toilets (if utilities fail)

 

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3. Health & Safety Priorities

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Risks to Watch:

  • Hypothermia and frostbite

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning

  • Slips, trips, and falls

  • Power outages and frozen pipes

  • Medication interruptions

 

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4. Communication & Coordination

 

​Goal: Maintain accurate, timely information flow.

 

Actions:

  • Communicate with loved ones via text, social media, ect.

  • Share shelter locations and hours

5. Post-Storm Recovery

 

Goal: Help households safely return to normal operations.

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People:

  • Friends and Neighbors

  • Damage assessment 

  • Cleanup volunteers

 

Supplies:

  • Cleaning kits

  • Temporary heaters

  • Replacement food and water

  • Pipe insulation materials

  • Clothing and footwear

 

Actions:

  • Conduct damage and needs assessments

  • Assist with frozen pipe repairs

  • Distribute relief supplies

  • Offer emotional and spiritual care

6. Special Considerations

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Rural Areas: Limited access, longer power outages

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Urban Areas: Higher fall risk, shelter overcrowding

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Schools & Childcare: Closures, heating failures

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Pets & Livestock: Warming areas, food, water

7. Quick Reference: What Saves Lives Most

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  • Heat​​

  • Shelter

  • Power

  • Food & Water

  • Clear Communication

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