Winter Storms occur just about annually for Massachusetts, and in many cases multiple times per year. Though many in New England are already used to this type of weather, these storms can cause problems and be dangerous no matter extensive your prior experience is.

WINTER STORM FACTS:

• Winter storms in New England can cause widespread problems due to heavy snow, sleet, or ice, and often force large regions to be without power, heat, or access to ways to get either.
• Blizzards in Massachusetts are often marked by high winds and cold temperatures, which can cause more problems than just falling snow.
• Motorists driving through winter storms can easily be stranded, and in some cases when stuck in traffic, may become stranded in-place on the highway.
• Many injuries and deaths often result from the aftermath of a winter storm, as people attempt to clean up, or simply attempt to cope with a post-storm environment.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS FROM A WINTER STORM

• Heavy snow/ice can bring down trees and powerlines, and cause damage even after the storm.
• Fireplaces and emergency heaters, rushed to after a snowstorm, can cause household fires.
• Toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, emitted from heaters and car exhaust, can seep out when no longer ventilated properly because of deep snow, and become deadly.
• Roads can become slick hours after a storm, and can cause many accidents.

WINTER STORM SAFETY

The NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE will issue a "Winter Weather Advisory" or "Snow Advisory" in Southern New England if 3"-4" of snow is expected to fall within a 12 hour period, or if s notable lesser amount of sleet/ice is expected within a similar 12 hour period.

The NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE will issue a "Winter Storm Watch"  for an area if conditions are possible for Warning criteria to be reached with an approaching storm. They are usually issued a day or more in advance, and would usually be amended before storm arrival to a Warning, a Weather Advisory, or discontinued.

The NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE will issue a "Winter Storm WARNING" for an area if around 6" or more of snow is forecast in a 12-hour period, or around 8" or more in a 24-hour period. Warnings will also be issued if 1/2" or more of freezing rain is possible in any area at any time.

The NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE will issue a "Blizzard Warning"  for an area if, in addition to falling snow (but more importantly than snowfall), sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more and snow-induced visibility reductions to around 1/4 mile are the predominant weather expected for at least 3 hours or more.

BEFORE THE STORM:

• Inspect Your Home to Make Sure It's Up to the Task - Make sure your walls and attic are properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip your doors and windows. Make sure you have storm windows to maximize protection from cold and minimize heat-loss. Make sure your snow removal equipment is in working order. Ensure your chimney ventilation is working. 
• Have a Checklist For Your Car - Make sure your car has all the tools at its disposal to navigate a snowy landscape, and to offer some help if in a jam. This would include (but is not limited to): Antifreeze, washer fluid, working heater, brake system, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust system, properly pressured and sturdy tires, a full tank of gas, proper oil level, brake fluid, defroster, battery, and working radiator. Basically, make sure all the correct parts of your car work and that all fluids are topped off.
• Listen to Local Media - Make sure you have a battery powered radio or TV as well in case the power may go out. Always have extra batteries.
• Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit - When any weather or disaster threatens, it's important to have necessary items at ready-reach in case you aren't going to be able to get them the 'normal way'. This kit should have extra amounts of necessary medications, batteries, first aid materials, warm clothing and blankets, and the like.
• Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit for Your Car - A must in wintertime travel, as you could become stranded in the most inocuous situations; all it takes is a little bit of snow under your tires-- and you're stuck. Any potential supplies should include a compact shovel, sraper, flashlight, chains or rope, extra dry mittens (and hats), tire chains, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, first aid kit, road maps, waterproof matches (and perhaps a can to melt snow for water), and similar items.

WHEN A 'WINTER STORM WATCH' IS ISSUED:

• Avoid Unnecessary Travel - Put those long-distance travel plans on hold; there's no sense getting stranded 15 miles away from the nearest highway exit when it all could be avoided.
• Pay Attention to Local Media - Understand what different National Weather Service advisories mean, and what you could be expecting for snowfall.
• Consider Making Any Additions or Changes to Your Supplies - Once the snow starts falling, it's best to stay inside instead of venturing out to gas up the car, or refilling prescriptions, or purchasing a snow-shovel.

WHEN A 'WINTER STORM WARNING' IS ISSUED:

• Generally Stay Indoors - Snowstorms are fun to be outside in (especially if you're like me), but always stay close to shelter, so you can return to warm safety at any convenience.
• Stay Safe Outdoors - If you have to go out, don't do so without layering up and best attempt to ensure your body will stay dry.
• Conserve Heat - Reduce the thermostat and close off unused rooms. Minimize drafts in from the outside.
• Ready Your Supplies - Keep the shovels and snow removal equipment handy. Know where everything is in case you need it. Stock up on firewood and things like that.
• Maintain Communication - Use fully charged cell phones. If you're going out, always let people know where you're going, what route you're travelling, and when you should return.

DURING THE STORM

• If Outside, Always Be Aware of Shelter - You will cool down quickly outside in a storm, and you don't want to be far from warmth if you sense coldness settling in.
• If Inside, Flashlights Are Best - If the power goes out, candles are generally not a good idea, and certainly not unattended. The fire danger posed basically overrides their potential effectiveness.
• When Traveling, Be Safe - Use chains if necessary. Avoid icy or closed roads. If a road has yet to be plowed, seek an alternate route. Maintain an exceedingly safe distance between cars.
• If Stranded in a Car - Stay in the car. Only venture out to look for help or shelter if it is visible within about 100 Yards. Also, your car is your closest source of heat, but also a threat for carbon monoxide poisoning (keep exhaust lines clear). Only have the car running for about 10 minutes per hour. Avoid running the battery down. If alone, stay awake as much as possible. Leave the overhead light on in the car if running so that you can be seen.
• Don't Eat the Snow - Not a big deal if inside and safe, but if stranded without water or outside, eating it will lower your body temperature. Moreover, you need to boil snow for at least a minute to kill germs, and some chemicals used to treat snow won't be eliminated using this method.

AFTER THE STORM:

• Pay Attention to Local Media - Access may be limited by road closures to some areas. There may be 'Boil Water Advisories' in effect.
• Reconnect with Others - Make sure someone knows where you are and that you're safe. Also check on infants and the elderly, as they're the most succeptible to cold weather effects.
• Follow the Forecast - Listen to the forecast. Often colder weather, and sometimes more snow, follows storm events and it's often just as dangerous to be outside in.
• Shovel Early - If shoveling is required, do not procrastinate. The snow is often the easiest to move when it is freshly fallen, but freezes into ice over time. Often if you don't get to it with the shovel one day, you'll be chiseling it the next.
• Don't Overexert Yourself - When shoveling snow, it is sometimes a bigger workout than any normal routine. Plus, much of the work is supplied by the lower back. Heart attacks from shoveling snow is a leading cause of death in Winter. Take frequent breaks. Help others that may be having trouble with their shoveling.
• Don't Forget About the Roof - After a storm, is heavy upon everything, and just as trees and powerlines are succeptible, so is the roof of your house. In really heavy snow events, roofs can collapse if the snow is not allowed to slide off. Also, if snow gets stuck up there, it can challenge your roof to leaks, freeze and clog up your storm drains, or even seep into the walls and freeze, expanding fractures in your home structure itself.