Winter Is Coming! Strike Force’s Recommendations for How to be Prepared

Published on December 1, 2024

College of Public Health Strike Force

The Public Health Strike Force is a team of trained student volunteers who provide support to health organizations and non-profit organizations throughout Iowa by assisting with public health-related activities, events, and emergency situations. Students are supported by CPH faculty and staff.

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Winter is a beautiful and serene season, but the cold weather brings with it an increased risk of some serious health-related challenges. From icy roads to the spread of infectious diseases, winter requires careful preparation to protect both individuals and communities.¹

There’s a much broader impact to winter preparedness that many people outside of the public health field may not recognize. Vulnerable populations may especially struggle due to greater risks in the colder months, such as children, the elderly, those without stable housing, or individuals with disabilities.¹ While we are highlighting these groups, many other populations may also require special attention and resources to ensure their safety and well-being during winter. Safety and emergency preparedness involve everyone, allowing individual efforts to strengthen an entire community. Building resilience with those around you (family members, neighbors, friends, colleagues, etc.) is one of the most important ways to prepare for possible winter weather disasters. In Iowa, blizzards, dangerous wind chill temperatures, icy road conditions and more are known and expected. That’s why emergency preparedness can help reduce the impact of these dangers and prevent worse outcomes. And public health is all about prevention!

Luckily, the College of Public Health has its very own Strike Force team that knows all about emergency preparedness. In this article, our team will detail various winter weather risks, safety practices, and other public health measures you can take to help mitigate seasonal risks and contribute to a positive impact before winter truly is upon us.

Winter Storms:

One of the most dangerous events that can occur during this time are winter storms, which present a higher threat to life and require extra caution and preparation. Make sure to check the weather so that you know when a winter storm is coming. You should also be sure to pay attention to emergency information and alerts, such as Alert Iowa.¹

If dangerous winter weather is forecasted, you should stay off the roads, remain indoors and dress warmly.² If you find yourself caught off guard during a winter storm, find shelter right away. It’s also important to check on your neighbors, family, or other community members, especially those that come from vulnerable population groups. Keep in mind people with disabilities who might have limited mobility to prepare for the coming storm or elderly people who live alone. They may need to be a part of someone else’s preparedness plan if they don’t have the resources for their own.³

It’s crucial to have a plan in place for dangerous winter storms. Make sure those included in your plan are involved and aware of what to do in different situations. Ensure that you have appropriate backups if poor weather is forecasted, including generators, portable phone batteries or chargers, water, shelf-stable food, gas, etc. Be prepared for power outages and only use generators outside.¹ Don’t underestimate the severity of a winter storm, as it’s always better to be prepared and safe than to not have any measures in place and to find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Car Emergency Kit

Part of your winter preparedness plan should include putting together caches of supplies that may come in handy for unexpected situations. Especially if you’re not used to the Iowa winters or are planning any type of long-distance travel, having an emergency kit in the trunk of your car or stashed at the back of your closet can seriously make a difference.⁴ There’s a lot of uncertainty regarding road conditions and cars (or drivers) may not be able to complete their journeys. If you’re stranded on the side of the road, here’s some suggested supplies to keep you safer:

Mental Health:

Many folks struggle with their mental health during the winter months when there is less light outside. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the winter season. The shorter days and lack of outdoor activity can exacerbate mental health struggles for some. To protect your mental health during the darker months, try to get sunlight when possible. Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boosts your mood.⁶ If you’re unable to get outside, consider using a light therapy box, which mimics sunlight. Student wellness allows students to check out these lights for up to a month free of charge.

Additionally, exercise, even light physical activity, can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.⁶ Try to engage in activities like walking outside, or if unable, attempt indoor workouts or yoga. Lastly, social isolation can worsen feelings of depression. Trying to stay connected with family, friends, or support groups, whether in person or virtually, can also have positive impacts. The University of Iowa offers many support groups, listed here. Check in on friends and family that may be experiencing SAD symptoms themselves.

Increased Injuries:

Injuries and emergency room visits tend to spike during winter. Icy sidewalks and roads lead to falls and subsequent fractures and sprains. To reduce the risk of falls, keep walkways as clear of snow and ice as possible by shoveling and using road salt. It’s also important to wear appropriate footwear, like boots or other shoes with non-slip soles that reduce your risk of slipping on ice. Be careful when exiting vehicles and take small steps when navigating icy areas.

Cold weather also leads to an increase in hypothermia and frostbite. To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, ensure you are dressing appropriately for the weather and checking the forecast before leaving your home. Dress in layers, and protect your hands, ears, and face by wearing hats and gloves. Limit your time outdoors in especially cold or windy conditions, and in the event that your clothes get wet be sure to change out of them as soon as possible.³

Infectious Disease:

Winter months coincide with a higher incidence of upper respiratory infections like the flu, RSV, and other colds.⁵ To protect yourself and others, get your annual flu vaccine and stay up to date on COVID-19 booster shots.⁵ It’s especially important for everyone to get vaccinated, including vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, and yourself to protect those that are unable to. Another way to protect yourself from infection is by washing your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when unnecessary.⁵ If you do start feeling sick, it is important for you to stay home to avoid spreading any germs to others.

Winter brings its own set of challenges to public health, but with the right precautions and preparations, many of these risks can be minimized. The Strike Force encourages you to get involved with preparedness efforts in your community to help increase awareness of emergency response.

By taking proactive steps, such as dressing warmly, practicing good hygiene, staying active, and providing support to yourself and those around you, communities can reduce the toll that winter takes on public health. Stay safe, warm, and prepared this winter Epi department!

Ready, www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/ready.gov_winter-storm_hazard-info-sheet.pdf. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
“Safety Guidelines: During & after a Winter Storm.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/safety/stay-safe-during-after-a-winter-storm-safety.html. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
US Department of Commerce, NOAA. “During Extremely Cold Weather.” National Weather Service, NOAA’s National Weather Service, 12 July 2024, www.weather.gov/safety/cold-during.
US Department of Commerce, NOAA. “Prepare! Don’t Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise.” National Weather Service, NOAA’s National Weather Service, 31 July 2019, www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before.
“Preventing Seasonal Maladies.” Harvard Health, 11 Apr. 2023, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/preventing-seasonal-maladies.
“Seasonal Affective Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.