When the temperatures dip into dangerous territory, it’s more than just inconvenient – it can be unsafe. From frozen pipes to dead car batteries, extreme cold brings a whole new set of challenges for families. Here’s how to keep your home, car, and loved ones safe when winter really shows off.
There’s a Scandinavian saying: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Complaining about the cold won’t make it warmer… but being prepared will make it safer!
Home Safety During Extreme Cold
Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- Let faucets drip slightly overnight when temps are dangerously low.
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Keep your thermostat set consistently – don’t let it drop too low at night or go too high during the day.
Space Heater Safety
- Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable.
- Never leave them unattended or run them while sleeping.
- Plug directly into a wall outlet – no extension cords.
- Turn them off when you leave the room.
Fireplace, Furnace & Generator Safety
- Make sure chimneys and vents are clear of snow and ice.
- Have your furnace serviced regularly.
- Change furnace filters often during heavy use.
- If using a generator, keep it at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust pointing away from windows, doors, and vents.
- Never run generators inside your home, garage, or near open windows.
Power Outage Prep
- Keep extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers handy.
- Stock easy, no-cook foods.
- Never use grills, camp stoves, or propane heaters indoors.
Cold Weather Car Safety
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
- Blankets
- Extra hats, gloves, and socks
- Water bottles
- Non-perishable snacks
- Flashlight
- Escape Multi-tool (this sounds like overkill but I have one I received from a customer and have used or given to someone else to use at least 5 times for cutting seatbelts)
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper
- Phone charger
Check Your Battery & Fluids
- Cold drains car batteries fast – have yours tested.
- Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid.
- Make sure antifreeze levels are correct.
Never Warm Up Your Car in a Closed Garage
Even with the garage door open, carbon monoxide can build up quickly.
Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full
This helps prevent fuel line freezing and ensures you have fuel if you’re stranded.
Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety
Extreme cold means we use more heating devices – which increases risk.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
- Replace batteries twice a year.
- Install detectors on every level of your home.
- Never use outdoor heaters, grills, or generators indoors.
- Be careful with candles – never leave them unattended.
- Keep vents clear of snow and ice to prevent dangerous gas buildup.
General Cold Weather Safety Tips
Dress in Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating middle layers
- Windproof and waterproof outer layers
Watch for Frostbite & Hypothermia
Signs include numbness, pale or gray skin, slurred speech, confusion, and shivering that stops. If you notice these, seek warmth immediately.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
Even short periods outside can be dangerous when wind chills are extreme.
Check on Neighbors
Extreme cold can be especially dangerous for elderly neighbors, those living alone, or families without reliable heat. A quick text, call, or knock on the door can make a big difference.
Embrace the Cozy: A Hygge Mindset
While safety always comes first, winter is also an opportunity to slow down and lean into a cozy, hygge-style mindset – think warm blankets, soup simmering on the stove, board games, movie nights, and hot cocoa on repeat.
Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s inconvenient. But complaining won’t change the temperature, being prepared will change how it feels.
Final Thoughts
Michigan winters are no joke but a little preparation goes a long way. Taking these simple steps can help prevent emergencies and keep your family safe, warm, and stress-free.
If you have a winter safety tip your family swears by, share it with us… we’re all in this together!
