The Fidelis Care Blog

Winter weather can be dangerous and hard to predict in New York State. With a little planning, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your home safe all winter long.

Dress for the Cold

It’s important to dress the right way in cold weather.

• Wear layers. Start with a light layer before adding warmer layers like wool or fleece. Wear a coat that blocks wind and water.
• Wear a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, and warm socks. A lot of body heat is lost through your head, hands, and feet. If you start shivering, it’s time to go inside.
• Change out of wet clothes right away. Wet clothing can make you lose heat faster.
• Need a warm coat? The New York Cares Coat Drive collects new and gently used coats for people in need. You can also visit One Warm Coat to find coat drives across the state.

Outdoor & Travel Safety

Storms, ice, and the cold can make being outside or traveling more dangerous.

• Pay attention to winter weather alerts from the National Weather Service. These warnings help you know when conditions may be unsafe.
• Try to avoid travel during storms. If you must drive, keep your gas tank full, drive slowly, and have an emergency kit in your car.
• Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and walkways. Use salt to help prevent slips and falls.  

Home Safety

Stay warm without putting your safety at risk.

• If heating costs are too high, help may be available. The New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help pay for heating bills, fuel, or repairs.
• Use smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Check them often to make sure they work.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from heat sources, like fireplaces. Always read the instructions before using a space heater.

Additional Resources

Salvation Army Emergency Shelters
If you have nowhere to stay, immediately dial 211 (in the U.S.) to connect with local shelters and social services, contact your local Department of Social Services, or find a nearby shelter through organizations like the Salvation Army, HUD.gov, or faith-based groups, while remembering emergency services (911) for life-threatening situations

National Weather Service-Winter Preparedness for New Yorkers

New York State Emergency Services
Text Your County Name to 333111 for Weather Alerts

Winter weather can be dangerous and hard to predict in New York State. With a little planning, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your home safe all winter long.

Dress for the Cold

It’s important to dress the right way in cold weather.

• Wear layers. Start with a light layer before adding warmer layers like wool or fleece. Wear a coat that blocks wind and water.
• Wear a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, and warm socks. A lot of body heat is lost through your head, hands, and feet. If you start shivering, it’s time to go inside.
• Change out of wet clothes right away. Wet clothing can make you lose heat faster.
• Need a warm coat? The New York Cares Coat Drive collects new and gently used coats for people in need. You can also visit One Warm Coat to find coat drives across the state.

Outdoor & Travel Safety

Storms, ice, and the cold can make being outside or traveling more dangerous.

• Pay attention to winter weather alerts from the National Weather Service. These warnings help you know when conditions may be unsafe.
• Try to avoid travel during storms. If you must drive, keep your gas tank full, drive slowly, and have an emergency kit in your car.
• Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and walkways. Use salt to help prevent slips and falls.  

Home Safety

Stay warm without putting your safety at risk.

• If heating costs are too high, help may be available. The New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help pay for heating bills, fuel, or repairs.
• Use smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Check them often to make sure they work.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from heat sources, like fireplaces. Always read the instructions before using a space heater.

Additional Resources

Salvation Army Emergency Shelters
If you have nowhere to stay, immediately dial 211 (in the U.S.) to connect with local shelters and social services, contact your local Department of Social Services, or find a nearby shelter through organizations like the Salvation Army, HUD.gov, or faith-based groups, while remembering emergency services (911) for life-threatening situations

National Weather Service-Winter Preparedness for New Yorkers

New York State Emergency Services
Text Your County Name to 333111 for Weather Alerts