2025 #WinterReady Guide

Published on February 03, 2025

Resolve To Be Winter Ready 2025

Being winter ready means understanding the risks you face and taking steps now to prepare. This page provides tips and resources to be #WinterReady.
January 2025 Winter Ready Flyer(PDF, 3MB)

Why you should be #WinterReady? 

• Sixty-three percent of temperature-related deaths are attributable to cold exposure.

• Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen. 

• Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car.
  
  

How to stay #WinterReady:

• Talk to your family about how to prepare for extreme cold weather.
• Make a plan to connect before a storm by text, e-mail, or social media.
• Monitor weather alerts and have a preparedness kit ready.
• Check on your neighbors, charge cellphones, find flashlights (check batteries) and follow local officials online.
• Travel safe:
  • Keep your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Ice and snow, take it slow - slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.

Preparing for Power Outages

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you can't heat your home.
• Prepare an emergency kit and including the following items: flashlight, battery/solar powered phone charger, first aid kit, battery/hand-crank powered radio, spare batteries and at least 3 days of water and food supplies.
  
  

Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat sources

• Install and rest carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month

• Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, as far away from your home as possible

Using a Fireplace to Stay Warm Remember

Have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year.

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources.
• Do not burn paper or other materials.
• Put the fire out before you go to bed.
• Never use your oven or stove for heat. 
  
  

For more information:
Visit www.ready.gov, www/fema.gov or contact City of Salinas Development Engineering at encroachment@ci.salinas.ca.us.