Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. They can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds.
If you or someone you know needs shelter, call 2-1-1.
Please share this information with people who may not see or understand these messages.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING
Download the free Ready Erie App to receive notifications, locate emergency shelters, view up-to-date evacuation maps, create a personalized emergency preparedness plan and more.
Sign up for the City of Buffalo BUFFALERT System to receive emergency alerts and severe weather warnings that could directly impact you and your family.
Listen to commercial radio and television stations for the latest winter weather conditions.
Other helpful resources:
During extremely cold weather, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Learn how to prepare for winter storms, prevent cold temperature-related health problems, and protect yourself, your family, and your pets during all stages of a winter storm.
Learn how to make a plan before an emergency happens.
Create an emergency plan which includes the following and practice the plan.
Languages other than English: اللغة العربية (Arabic) | Español (Spanish) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 日本語 (Japanese) | 조선말 / 한국어 (Korean) | Русский (Russian) | Tagalog (Tagalog) | Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) | 简体中文 (Chinese Simplified)
Languages other than English: اللغة العربية (Arabic) | Español (Spanish) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 日本語 (Japanese) | 조선말 / 한국어 (Korean) | Русский (Russian) | Tagalog (Tagalog) | Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) | 简体中文 (Chinese Simplified)
Languages other than English: اللغة العربية (Arabic) | Español (Spanish) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 日本語 (Japanese) | 조선말 / 한국어 (Korean) | Русский (Russian) | Tagalog (Tagalog) | Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) | 简体中文 (Chinese, Simplified)
Your personal health and safety can be in danger during extreme winter cold. When temperatures drop and as wind speed increases, heat can leave your body quickly and can lead to serious health problems such as those listed below.
If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these problems, call 911 Immediately.
Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are:
See links below, keep pets indoors, safe, and contact your veterinarian for any questions you have regarding your pets.
Winter Preparedness in the City of Buffalo: 2024 Survey Results & Findings – find out how City of Buffalo residents receive information about winter weather emergencies, their views about what government actions would help them be more prepared before winter emergencies, and what challenges they faced following a blizzard or winter emergency.
Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH)
Administrative Office
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7690
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The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) does not provide medical advice. The information provided on the ECDOH website is not an attempt to practice medicine and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or issue. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the content found on the Erie County Department of Health website or this correspondence.
