Blizzard Emergency Information – Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living

Nevada winters can bring harsh and quickly changing weather conditions. The National Weather Service issues winter storm warnings, and Nevadans should pay attention to local news and Weather.gov to prepare for and respond to dangerous winter weather.

Quick Tips

If you’re under a winter storm warning, find shelter right away.
Keep outside walkways clear of snow and ice with an ice melt product or sand.
If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.

Let’s Become Our Own First
Responders…Together

First responders will be on the scene after an emergency or disaster, but they won’t be able to reach everyone right away. As an older adult or someone living with a disability, you know your abilities and needs best. With preparation and the support of our communities, we can take proactive steps to become our own first responders…together.

Prepare

Before a Blizzard

Stay Safe

During a Blizzard

Recover

After a Blizzard

Additional Resources

The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.

Create a Support Network

Your support network should include two or more people who can help you prepare and check on you in case of a blizzard, other disaster or emergency. It can be family members, friends, roommates, relatives, caregivers, co-workers, members of your place of worship, and neighbors. Don’t depend on only one person.

Give important keys to trusted support network members and show them where you keep emergency supplies.
Agree on and practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency. Have a back-up plan in case phones and the Internet aren’t working.
You and your personal support network should always notify each other about when you’re going out of town and when you’ll return.
Learn more and use this downloadable form to create a list of your people and their contact information.

Find emergency contact information for your county.

When a crisis occurs, local officials use a few methods to alert the public, including sending messages to your cell phone via text and voice, to your landline, and on TV, radio, and social media.
- Speak up and make sure TV stations have plans in place to broadcast all emergency information using closed captioning or other kinds of visual presentation, like open captioning, crawls, or scrolls that appear on the screen.
- Speak up and ask people at local TV news networks to announce important phone numbers slowly and repeat them frequently for people who cannot read the screen.
- Learn how to advocate for yourself.
- Text messages can be accompanied by a unique vibration attention signal (“cadence”) for accessibility. Make sure the accessibility settings on your mobile device are working.
Plan to monitor local weather and news on TV, radio and social media. If you have a smartphone, download the FEMA and Red Cross emergency apps.
The National Weather Service recommends having a weather radio in all homes. For those with visual or hearing impairments, you can add attachments like bed shakers or lighted text alerts to your weather radio.
Consider a call system, such as a medical alert bracelet, that can connect you with emergency services. Make sure your house or apartment number is visible so emergency responders can quickly locate your home.
Make sure your house or apartment number is visible so emergency responders can quickly locate your home.
If you’re able, connect with local community groups, such as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTS), neighborhood watches, or houses of worship.
If you live in an assisted living community, talk with your community management about how you can prepare for and stay informed during a disaster.
If it’s difficult for you to follow the news and weather, have someone from your support network keep you updated.
Learn more about how to get help in an emergency with mobile apps and services from the American Foundation® of the Blind.

How to contact 911 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing:
- Always contact 911 by making a voice call, if you can.
- Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 from your mobile phone or device.
- Text-to-911 is only currently available in Clark and Washoe County. If it’s not available in your location, speak up and ask your local call center to accept texts. You can also use a TTY or a telecommunications relay service, if possible.
Here are a few communication tips:
- Know how to communicate with emergency personnel if there’s no interpreter or if you don’t have your hearing aids.
  - Store paper and pens where you can easily find them.
  - Use speech-to-text apps on your phone.
  - Carry a pre-printed card of important messages with you, such as:
    - “I use American Sign Language (ASL) and need an ASL interpreter.”
    - “If you make announcements, I will need to have them written or signed.”

Gather Emergency Supplies

You can download and print this Emergency Supply Checklist.

Gather two weeks of supplies, including non-perishable food and water. If possible, have at least a 30-day supply of prescription medications and any medical equipment you might need.
Try to fill your prescriptions as early as you can. Some health plans allow for a 90-day refill on prescription medications. Consider discussing this option with your healthcare provider.
Make a photocopy of prescriptions, as this may help in getting medications in an emergency.
Check out tips and resources for low- and no-cost preparedness. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.

If you have pets and/or service/support animals, be prepared with food, extra water, ID tags, veterinarian records, and other supplies they may need.
Have pets microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number updated and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.

Create an emergency supply kit for your car or for the car of your driver. Include physical maps, a windshield scraper, jumper cables, emergency flares, a first aid kit, a flashlight, warm clothes, boots, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas when the forecast looks bad.
Keep your mobile devices and other communication equipment charged and buy back-up chargers/batteries.
Keep assistive devices and mobility aids (eyeglasses, hearing aids, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, fidget spinners, etc.) and spare batteries/power sources where you can easily find them.
Label assistive devices with your contact information in case they get separated from you. Plan how to replace them if they’re not working, lost, or destroyed.

Keep important documents and emergency information somewhere you can easily find them (list of emergency contact numbers, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.).
Include a list of your prescription medications. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs, and allergies. Also include the names and contact information of your doctors.
Include copies of vital medical papers like insurance cards, Medicare cards, and power of attorney.

In the event of a power outage:

In a disaster, people with special medical needs have extra concerns.

Wheelchair/Scooter Users

Keep a pair of heavy gloves in your supply kit to use while wheeling or making your way over debris.
Keep a small tool bag to repair any damage to the chair.
Buy a transfer board to help safely move you from your chair in unfamiliar environments.
Buy a portable air pump for tires. If your chair or scooter doesn’t have puncture-proof tires, keep a patch kit or can of “seal-in-air product” to repair flat tires, or keep an extra supply of inner tubes.
If you use a seat cushion on your wheelchair or scooter to protect your skin or maintain your balance, buy an extra cushion.
Purchase an extra battery if possible. Keep batteries charged at all times.
If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations, or local charitable groups can help you buy one.
A car battery can be substituted for a wheelchair battery, but this type of battery will not last as long as a wheelchair’s deep-cycle battery. Check with your vendor to see if you’ll be able to charge batteries by either connecting jumper cables to a vehicle battery or by connecting batteries to a specific type of converter that plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter in the event of loss of electricity.
If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a lightweight manual wheelchair available as a back-up if possible.

Medical Disabilities

Keep extras of any medical supplies you use, such as bandages, ostomy bags, and/or syringes.
Keep assistive items and mobility aids (medication organizers, oxygen/breathing and IV/feeding tube equipment, etc.) and spare batteries/power sources where you can easily find them.
Label assistive items with your contact information in case they get separated from you. Plan how to replace them if they’re not working, lost, or destroyed.

Ventilator Users

Keep a resuscitation bag handy. The bag delivers air through a mask when squeezed.

Oxygen Users

Have an emergency supply (enough for at least a two-week period).
Oxygen tanks should be securely braced so they don’t fall over. Call your medical supply company for bracing instructions.
If you use breathing equipment, have a two-week supply or more of tubing, solutions, and medications.
Check with your health care provider to see if you can use a reduced flow rate in an emergency to extend the life of the system. Label your equipment with the reduced flow numbers so that you can easily refer to them.

Intravenous (IV) and Feeding Tube Equipment

Know if your infusion pump has battery back-up, and how long it would last in an emergency.
Have written operating instructions attached to all equipment.
Ask your home care provider about manual infusion techniques in case of a power outage.

Items to purchase

You may lose access to clean drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
Buy security lights for each room and high-powered flashlights or battery-powered lanterns. Buy extra batteries.

Some medications require refrigeration

Consider other methods to keep medications cool, like a portable cooler and chemical ice packs.
When the power is out for a day or more, throw away any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, use them only until a new supply is available. Replace all refrigerated drugs as soon as possible.
Contact your pharmacist for more information.

Do you use electricity and/or battery dependent assistive technology and medical devices like adjustable beds and/or breathing machines?

Create a plan for back-up sources of power, like a battery or generator.
Read equipment instructions and talk to equipment suppliers or your doctor about your back-up power options.
Talk to your utility providers about your needs, especially for life-support devices (home dialysis, suction, breathing machines, etc.) in advance of a disaster.
Note that even if you are on the “priority reconnection service” list, your power could still be out for many days following a disaster. It’s vital that you have back-up power options for your equipment.
Contact NV Energy and let them know if you have an illness or disability. Many utility companies keep a “priority reconnection service” list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers for use in an emergency. Ask if this service is available.
Check with your vendor/supplier to find alternative ways to charge batteries, like using a converter that plugs into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter or accessory outlet or connecting jumper cables to a vehicle battery.
Stored extra batteries require periodic charging even when they are unused. If your survival strategy depends on storing batteries, closely follow a recharging schedule. When you have a choice, choose equipment that uses batteries that are easily purchased from nearby stores.
Generator Users: Make sure use of a generator is appropriate and realistic.
- A 2,000- to 2,500-watt gas-powered portable generator can power a refrigerator and several lamps. (A refrigerator needs to run only 15 minutes an hour to stay cool if you keep the door closed; you can unplug it to operate other devices.)
- Some generators can connect to the existing home wiring systems; always contact your utility company regarding critical restrictions and safety issues.
- Safely store fuel.
- Test your generator from time to time to make sure it will work when needed.
Teach trusted members of your support network how to operate your equipment and use your back-up systems.
Label all equipment with your name, address, and phone number. Attach simple and clear instruction cards to equipment and cover them with clear packing or mailing tape.
Keep copies of instructions for each piece of equipment, along with serial and model numbers, in a waterproof container.

When power is restored

Check to make sure the settings on your medical devices have not changed (medical devices often reset to a default mode when the power goes out).

Pack a Go Bag

Download and print the full Go Bag checklist.

Extreme heat may cause power outages, and you might have to evacuate. Keep essential emergency supplies in an easy-to-carry waterproof Go Bag that you can take with you. Keep your Go Bag somewhere you can easily find it.

Include your emergency contact list in a watertight container in your Go Bag and on your electronic devices.
Include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and assistive items (hearing aids, FM system, assistive listening devices, etc.) Include waterproof containers for hearing aids.
Include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and assistive items/mobility aids (eyeglasses, sunglasses, canes, screen readers, braille devices, etc.).
Include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and assistive items/mobility aids (wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, etc.).
Include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and assistive items (things you use every day, like computer or electrical devices to help with memory, attention, or other challenges in thinking skills).
To make a busy room more calm and comfortable, include:
- A pair of headphones (noise-canceling if possible)
- Handheld electronic devices, charged and loaded with videos and activities
- Comfort snacks
Include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and assistive items (medication organizers, noise canceling headphones, fidget spinners, etc.).
Include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and assistive items (medication organizers, oxygen/breathing and IV/feeding tube equipment, etc.) Don’t forget spare batteries/power sources.
Consider using a rolling suitcase for easy mobility. If you have a walker, wheelchair, or scooter, you may be able to attach your bag to it.
Include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and assistive items/mobility aids (eyeglasses, hearing aids, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.).
Don’t forget spare batteries/power sources. (Buy extras of these essential items or make a note to include them in the event of an emergency.)
Include pre-printed communication cards, pens, and paper.
Once every 6 months, check that all items in your Go Bag are in good condition and medications or food haven’t expired.
Remember to make a Go Bag for your pets and/or service/support animals, too.
Download and print this Pets and/or Service/Support Animals Go Bag List.

Make an Emergency Plan

Think about your needs

Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe. If you’re a renter, meet with the property owner or building manager. Speak up for yourself and make sure there’s a plan in place to keep property clear of snow and ice hazards.
Store hearing aid(s) and external speech processor(s) for your implants where you can easily find them after a disaster. You could keep them in a container and attach the container to a nightstand or bedpost. Missing or damaged hearing devices will be difficult to replace or fix immediately after a major disaster.
Dog guide users should keep cane skills sharpened: in a disaster, your dog may become lost, injured, or traumatized, and may not be able to help you.
In the event of a power outage, discuss how your support network and/or neighbors can assist you if you need to evacuate.
- If you spend time above the first floor of a building with an elevator, plan and practice using alternative methods of evacuation.
In the event of a power outage, discuss how your support network and/or neighbors can assist you if you need to evacuate.
- If you spend time above the first floor of a building with an elevator, plan and practice using alternative methods of evacuation.
- If you can’t use stairs, discuss lifting and carrying techniques that will work for you, e.g., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available, use an evacuation chair.
- If you’re a wheelchair user, show your support network how to assemble, disassemble, and operate your wheelchair.
- Be prepared to give quick instructions on the best way to move you.
Write your emergency plan on a piece of paper. Keep it with you and at places where you spend a lot of your time. Make sure it’s easy to read and understand. Think about the things you’ll need to do before, during, and after an emergency and how you can do them. Plan to put important items like your ID or house keys in a small bag that you can hang around your neck, so you don’t lose them.
Practice what to do during an emergency. Be sure to include your pets and/or service/support animals. Practice leaving places you spend your time until you feel confident that you will know what to do if there’s an emergency.
Create a safety plan for your mental health. The plan should include clear steps to follow when you’re in crisis.
- Think about the reactions you may have in an emergency or disaster. You may be confused, feel anxious or panicky, or have problems sleeping. Plan how you’ll deal with your emotions.
- You can use DIY coping strategies. You can also make a plan to reach out to your support network and/or therapist.
- Sometimes off-duty therapists are open to a phone call during an urgent situation, while other times they might be unreachable.
- If you won’t be able to contact your usual therapist in an emergency, be sure to include the contact details for a back-up provider.
If you receive dialysis, chemotherapy, or other life-sustaining medical treatments, ask your healthcare provider for their plans in an emergency and where you should go or what you should do for treatment if your usual clinic isn’t available during or after an emergency like a blizzard.
In the event of a power outage, discuss how your support network and/or neighbors can assist you if you need to evacuate.
- If you spend time above the first floor of a building with an elevator, plan and practice using alternative methods of evacuation.
- If you can’t use stairs, discuss lifting and carrying techniques that will work for you, e.g., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available, use an evacuation chair.
- If you’re a wheelchair user, show your support network how to assemble, disassemble, and operate your wheelchair.
- Be prepared to give quick instructions on the best way to move you.
Consult a doctor. Hearing and visual challenges can have a big impact on your ability to respond to emergencies. If you haven’t recently (or ever) addressed your hearing or vision loss, consider hearing aids and glasses.
In the event of a power outage, discuss how your support network and/or neighbors can assist you if you need to evacuate.
- If you spend time above the first floor of a building with an elevator, plan and practice using alternative methods of evacuation.
- If you can’t use stairs, discuss lifting and carrying techniques that will work for you, e.g., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available, use an evacuation chair.
- If you’re a wheelchair user, show your support network how to assemble, disassemble, and operate your wheelchair.
- Be prepared to give quick instructions on the best way to move you.
Check out emergency preparedness tips for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation. Transportation, like buses, may not be running normally. Check with local transit providers as well as with your support network to identify appropriate accessible options. You can also receive transportation assistance through Nevada 211 or learn more by contacting us at the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living.
Get your benefits electronically. A disaster can delay mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switch to electronic payments. It’s an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes.

Include a plan to stay warm.

Prepare your home to keep out the cold. You might need help from your support network. If you aren’t the property owner, speak up and ask the owner to put the following tips in place.

Insulate walls and attics
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows
Learn how to keep pipes from freezing
Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside
Repair roof leaks
Cut tree branches that could fall on your home or other structures during a storm
People with disabilities and those over the age of 60 could be eligible to use the Nevada Weatherization Assistance Program to implement energy conservation measures.
Before the winter season begins, make sure you can heat your home safely.
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It’s important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.

Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots.
Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
Get help with shoveling from your support network.
If you’re a renter, meet with the property owner or building manager.
Speak up for yourself and make sure there’s a plan in place to keep the property clear of snow and ice hazards.

Quick Tip

If you’re under a winter storm warning, find shelter right away.

Stay Safe

Act fast if you see signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall, or warming center.
Stay off roads if possible.
Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing.
Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
Avoid travel if you can.
Learn tips for safe winter driving.
Keep your pets and/or service/support animals safe
If possible, bring your pets and/or service/support animals inside during cold winter weather.
Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.
Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws. Wipe their paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.
Antifreeze is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.

Avoiding falls in cold weather

To help reduce the risk of falls in icy and snowy weather during the winter months, it’s important to ensure that surfaces are as dry and safe as possible.

Keep outside walkways clear of snow and ice with an ice melt product or sand.
Avoid shoveling snow yourself when possible. In addition to the risk of falling, there is a risk of heart attack for older adults while shoveling snow.
Use railings to help avoid slipping on icy stairs and walkways.
Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled footwear.
If possible, stay inside when the weather is bad. Consider using services that deliver prescriptions, groceries, and other necessities, so you don’t need to go out.

If You’re Forced To Stay Home For A Few Days Or Longer

Take care of yourself. Try to eat healthy and get some exercise when you can—even a home workout and deep breathing can make a difference in relieving stress.
Reach out to your personal support network. Talk to someone you trust about how you’re doing.
Limit how much you watch/read the news.
Establish and maintain a routine. Try to eat meals at regular times and put yourself on a sleep schedule to ensure an adequate amount of rest.
If you take prescription medication(s), continue taking them and monitor for any new symptoms.
Take care of your pets and/or service/support animals, too. Don’t allow them to go outside the shelter until the danger has passed.

If You’re Forced To Evacuate

Take your Go Bag.
If you need help exiting in the event of a power outage, put your emergency plan in place.
If there’s snow or debris, it may be necessary to clear a path to the exit route.
Evacuate your pets and/or service/support animals, too.
They may become confused, frightened, or disoriented during and after a disaster. Keep collars on them, and do your best to keep them securely leashed or harnessed.
Your first plan should be to stay with family or friends; they can accommodate you, your pets and/or service/support animals, and help you be most comfortable in a stressful situation.
If your only option is an emergency shelter, check with local authorities for the latest information about local shelters.
When you arrive at an emergency shelter, speak up and ask the shelter manager if they can meet your care needs.
Inform members of your support network of your location and status.

Tell First Responders About Your Disability

Know how to communicate with emergency personnel if there’s no interpreter or if you don't have your hearing aids.

Store paper and pens where you can easily find them.
Use speech-to-text apps on your phone.
Carry a pre-printed card of important messages with you, such as:
- "I use American Sign Language (ASL) and need an ASL interpreter."
- "If you make announcements, I will need to have them written or signed."