As winter’s chill sets in, communities face heightened public health risks and increased demands on emergency services. Severe weather conditions (snowstorms, ice, and freezing temperatures) intensify these challenges, complicating timely medical assistance and stretching resources to their limits. 

During winter, emergency departments experience significant surges in visits due to weather-related injuries, including falls on ice, hypothermia, and frostbite.

A study analyzing data from December 2019 to March 2023 revealed 13.1 emergency department visits for falls on snow or ice per 10,000 visits during winter. As ambulances struggle to navigate icy roads, hazardous road conditions delay emergency response times.

For patients reliant on electricity-dependent medical devices, winter storms bring an additional layer of risk, as power outages often disrupt the functionality of these critical systems. 

Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, homeless, and individuals with chronic illnesses, are particularly at-risk during winter. Limited access to heating can result in hypothermia and, in severe cases, fatalities.

Additionally, winter sees a peak in respiratory illnesses like influenza and pneumonia, compounding the strain on already overwhelmed healthcare systems. Staffing shortages caused by illness outbreaks, combined with access issues in rural or remote areas and traffic congestion, amplify the challenges faced by emergency services.

Also, large cities such as Boston, Washington DC, New York City, and Knoxville, can be impacted by overwhelmed EMS systems. 

In areas of the U.S., recent winter storms have left emergency shelters struggling to accommodate an influx of residents seeking warmth and medical attention.

Cold-weather shelters often face resource shortages, making it challenging to meet demand during the peak winter months.  

To address these challenges, emergency managers and public health officials must adopt a multi-faceted approach that integrates strategic planning, advanced technology, public engagement, and collaborative partnerships. 

Winter Safety Tips

Below are some winter safety tips for you and your community. These include practical advice such as planning, as well as some strategies to use in your community to promote safety and resilience during the cold months.

Pre-winter planning forms the foundation of an effective response strategy. 

  1. Stockpiling essential items such as blankets, portable heaters, non-perishable food, medical supplies, and backup power sources ensures that resources are readily available when demand surges.  
  2. Specialized training for emergency personnel prepares them to handle winter-specific scenarios, such as navigating icy roads, treating hypothermia, and managing shelters for displaced individuals.  
  3. Mock drills and tabletop exercises can help refine protocols and enhance coordination among agencies.

Technology is important for modernizing winter emergency responses.

  • GIS mapping tools can identify vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, disabled individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, who may require prioritized assistance. Emergency managers can use these tools to pre-plan evacuation routes and strategically position resources.  
  • Winter-resilient vehicles, such as those equipped with snow chains and off-road capabilities, enable responders to reach remote or snow-bound areas.  
  • Additionally, mobile communication technology ensures that emergency teams remain connected despite potential disruptions caused by power outages or network failures.

Public education campaigns, such as FEMA’s #WinterReady campaign, are equally vital to reducing the strain on emergency services.

  • These initiatives empower communities with knowledge about common winter health risks, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and carbon monoxide poisoning from improper heating methods.  
  • Campaigns can also encourage residents to prepare emergency kits, maintain heating systems, and get vaccinated against influenza to reduce hospitalizations.  
  • Leveraging social media, public service announcements, and partnerships with local media outlets can amplify the reach and effectiveness of these messages.

Building partnerships with local organizations and nonprofits is another crucial component.

  • Collaborating with community-based groups, faith organizations, and nonprofits can expand cold-weather shelter capacity and provide additional resources, such as warm clothing and meals. For example, local nonprofits can assist in running pop-up warming shelters during extreme cold snaps or distributing supplies to individuals unable to reach centralized locations.  
  • Partnerships with private sector entities, such as utility companies, can facilitate quicker restoration of power during outages and ensure prioritized service for critical infrastructure.

By combining these strategies, emergency managers and public health officials can create a robust, adaptable framework that mitigates the impacts of winter crises, enhances community resilience, and ensures no one is left behind.  

As we enter the winter months, make sure your community is prepared for whatever comes next. Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help build resilience in your area.

Winter crises present significant challenges, but with proactive planning and innovative solutions, communities can build resilience and protect public health.