Winter Weather Tips

For information on the county's daytime and overnight warming shelters, please visit our webpage.

Stay Warm & Dry

Some tips for staying safe and warm when the weather turns cold!

Wear mittens (not gloves), wind-proof, water-resistant, many-layered clothing, two pairs of socks (avoid cotton) and a scarf and hat that cover the ears.
Drink warm liquids (avoid alcohol as it can lower body temperature).
Change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to avoid frostbite and/or hypothermia (signs and symptoms).

Weather can change fast! Be informed so you can prepare.

Be ready if the power goes out.
Gather flashlights and extra batteries.
Store extra food (canned foods, crackers, hard cheeses, bars and nuts) and a can opener.
Test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries, if needed.
Make sure that insurance policies are up to date (home, auto, renters and health).
Make a plan with your doctor if you have a power dependent medical device. If your medical needs require electricity, look into your power company’s medical certificate program.
Make a plan with your doctor if you need dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation or other inpatient treatments.
Make a plan with your friends, family or neighbors to check in with each other during bad weather.

Snow and ice can make travel dangerous. If possible, stay home.

If using a fireplace, make sure vents and flues are open and clear.
Don’t plug space heaters into extension cords or place on anything that could catch fire.
Don’t burn trash, as it may be toxic.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, only use generators outdoors and at least 25 feet from open doors and vents. Never use charcoal/gas grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors and never use a gas range or oven for heating. See signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have to go outside, consider these tips and tools:

Be informed and pack a kit for your car.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Don’t delay care because of snow or ice.
Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 (TTY 711) or go to 211info.org for resources.
Find free nutritious food.
Find free winter clothing.
If you need electricity due to a medical need, you may be able to enroll in PGE’s medical certificate program. Call the program at 503-612-3838, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or go to PGE's website for more information.
Feeling overwhelmed? It’s okay to ask for help. Call 988 (TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)), text OREGON to 741741 or visit 988lifeline.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

	Signs and symptoms	What to do
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning	Shortness of breath Headache Lack of coordination Nausea Dizziness Vomiting Chest pain Confusion	Get the person into fresh air immediately if safe to do so. Call 911.
Hypothermia	Shivering Exhaustion or feeling very tired Confusion Fumbling hands Memory loss Slurred speech Drowsiness Fast heartbeat Breathing faster than usual In babies, signs include: Sluggishness Poor feeding Weak cry Pale, cool skin Trouble breathing	Take the person’s temperature. If below 95 degrees, get medical attention immediately! Try to warm person up with blankets and warm compresses. Remove any wet clothing.
Frostbite	Tingling, prickling feeling Skin that appears red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy Numbness	If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical care and remove any wet clothing. If you are not able to get medical help right away, slowly rewarm the skin using warm (not hot) water or body heat (for example, placing frostbitten fingers under armpits). Do not rub frostbitten areas, as this can cause further damage.