Winter Preparedness & Cold Weather Safety Guide 2026

January 30, 2026
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LIFE, Inc. has released its Winter Preparedness & Cold Weather Safety Guide 2026, designed specifically for people with disabilities.

The guide provides practical, accessible information to help individuals and households prepare for cold weather, freezing temperatures, and potential power outages. Topics include staying safe and warm, planning for power-dependent medical and assistive technology needs, mobility and transportation considerations, emergency supply kits, and consumer rights under the ADA during emergencies.

Winter Preparedness & Cold Weather Safety – Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Updated: January 30, 2026 

Cold weather, freezing rain, and winter storms can create serious safety risks. Some disabilities affect sensory awareness, circulation, mobility, communication, or the ability to regulate body temperature. Planning ahead can reduce risk and help you stay safe, warm, and connected. 

 Staying Warm & Safe in Cold Weather 

  • Wear multiple layers of clothing 
  • Use a scarf around your neck and a winter hat to reduce heat loss 
  • Wear lined, waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and prevent slipping 
  • Wear two pairs of socks if possible 
  • Use thermal gloves under mittens to protect hands 
  • Dress warmly even indoors if temperatures drop 
  • Avoid staying outside for long periods in freezing weather 

Some conditions reduce the ability to feel cold. Check your body temperature regularly and ask others to check in with you. 

Home Safety & Heating 

  • Keep your thermostat at 68°F or higher if possible 
  • Close doors and windows tightly 
  • Block drafts with towels or blankets 
  • Use blankets when sitting or resting 
  • Never use ovens, grills, or outdoor heaters inside your home 
  • Install battery-powered or battery back-up smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors 
  • Keep extra batteries available 

Emergency Power Planning (Critical) 

If you use electricity- or battery-dependent medical equipment or assistive technology: 

  • Fully charge: 
  • Power wheelchairs or scooters 
  • CPAP, oxygen concentrators, ventilators 
  • Communication devices, hearing aids, phones 
  • Keep backup batteries, charging cords, and extension cords accessible 
  • Know how long your equipment works without power 
  • Talk with your doctor or health care provider about preparing for power outages 
  • Identify more than one place you can go if you lose power or heat 
  • If you depend on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility 

More information:
Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery-Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices
https://adata.org/factsheet/emergency-power 

If you use life-sustaining equipment and lose power, call 911 immediately. 

 Mobility, Falls & Transportation Safety 

  • Avoid travel during icy conditions when possible 
  • Wear footwear with good traction 
  • Use ice tips or stable grips on mobility aids if available 
  • Keep wheelchairs, walkers, canes, ramps, and lifts dry and ice-free 
  • Bring mobility devices indoors to prevent freezing 
  • Plan ahead for accessible transportation for evacuation or medical needs 
  • Contact public transportation or paratransit to understand weather-related service changes 

Sensory, Communication & Cognitive Access 

  • If you are blind or have low vision: 
  • Store a talking clock, Braille clock, or large-print timepiece with extra batteries 
  • If you have a communication disability: 
  • Include your preferred communication method in your emergency plan 
  • Carry written instructions explaining how to communicate with you 
  • Keep Braille, text, or picture-based communication cards for two-way communication 
  • Prepare laminated cards with phrases, pictures, or pictograms if technology fails 
  • Wear medical alert tags or bracelets 
  • Plan supports for children with disabilities and people who may struggle in unfamiliar or chaotic environments 

Emergency Plans & Supply Kits 

  • Create and test a personal emergency plan 
  • Include caregivers, personal assistants, and home health aides in planning 
  • Know your homecare agency’s emergency procedures 

Your emergency kit should include: 

  • Medications and medical information 
  • Disability-related supplies and backups 
  • Assistive technology batteries and chargers 
  • Copies of prescriptions and insurance information 
  • Model numbers and funding sources for assistive devices 
  • Emergency contacts and care instructions 
  • Tell your support network where supplies are stored 
  • Consider giving a trusted person a key to your home
     

Key Items to Include in Your Emergency Kit 

(Aligned with FEMA & ADA preparedness guidance) 

 Safety & Medical Supplies 

  • First Aid Kit:
    Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, gloves, and any personal medications or medical supplies you rely on daily 
  • Medical Information:
    Copies of prescriptions, insurance cards, equipment instructions, and care needs 
  • Medical Alert Information:
    Bracelets, tags, or written notes describing health needs or communication preferences 

Lighting & Visibility 

  • Flashlight or Headlamp:
    Battery-powered LED flashlight with extra batteries (preferred over candles) 
  • Reflective Triangles or Road Flares (Vehicle Kits):
    To signal for help if stranded 
  • Candles: FEMA recommends avoiding candle use due to fire risk. If candles are included, use only with extreme caution, never unattended, and only where fire risk is minimal. Battery-powered lights are safer. 

Food & Water 

  • Non-perishable Food:
    Easy-to-eat, high-energy foods such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, or shelf-stable meals 
  • Water:
    Bottled water or filled containers (plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day)
    Store in a way that reduces freezing when possible 

Clothing & Warmth 

  • Warm Clothing:
    Insulated coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and extra socks 
  • Blankets:
    Thermal or emergency blankets to help retain body heat 
  • Hand Warmers:
    Disposable or reusable hand warmers for additional warmth 

Tools & Equipment 

  • Ice Scraper & De-icer:
    For vehicles, wheelchairs, and mobility equipment 
  • Cat Litter or Sand:
    For traction if a vehicle, ramp, or wheelchair becomes stuck 
  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife:
    For small emergency tasks 

Power, Communication & Access 

  • Portable Phone Charger / Battery Pack:
    To keep phones and communication devices powered 
  • Extra Batteries & Charging Cords:
    Especially for assistive technology and medical devices 
  • Assistive Technology Backups:
    Supplies, parts, or alternatives needed if equipment fails 
  • If you rely on electricity for medical or assistive equipment, your kit should also include backup power plans and written instructions specific to your needs. 

Important Information 

  • Emergency Contact List (Written):
    Phone numbers for family, caregivers, medical providers, and LIFE, Inc. 
  • Equipment Information:
    Model numbers, suppliers, and funding sources (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance) 
  • Communication Supports:
    Picture cards, written phrases, Braille or large-print materials, if used 

Service Animals & Support Needs 

  • Pack food, medications, leashes, and comfort items for service animals and pets 
  • Plan evacuation options that allow service animals and caregivers 
  • Be ready to explain your needs to first responders, including staying with your support system and assistive technology 

Warming Shelters & Community Resources 

  • Identify warming shelters in your area ahead of time 
  • Check accessibility when possible 
  • Bring medications, assistive devices, chargers, and important documents 

Stay Connected & Informed 

  • Sign up for local weather alerts and emergency warnings through your city or county 
  • Create and test an emergency communication plan 
  • Keep phones charged and alerts turned on 

LIFE, Inc.
912-920-2414 

Call if you need help planning, locating resources, or responding to winter weather. 

If You Need Immediate Help 

If you are unsafe, extremely cold, without power, or unable to manage: 

  • Call 911 
  • Contact local emergency services or warming shelters 
  • Reach out to LIFE, Inc. at 912-920-2414 

Additional Accessible Resources 

Know Your Rights During Emergencies 

Protections Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

People with disabilities have civil rights protections during emergencies, including winter storms and evacuations. 

Right to Accessible Emergency Information
Public warnings, alerts, and updates — including information about evacuations and accessible shelters — must be communicated in accessible ways. 

Right to Accessible Transportation
If transportation is provided during an evacuation, it must be accessible, including for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. 

Right to Accessible Emergency Shelters
Emergency shelters must be accessible to people with disabilities. Accessibility includes parking, routes, entrances, bathrooms, sleeping areas, food service areas, medical units, and emergency notification systems. 

Right to Reasonable Accommodations
Shelters must make reasonable changes to policies, practices, or procedures so people with disabilities can fully access services — including allowing service animals and support persons. 

Right to Effective Communication
Emergency shelters must provide auxiliary aids and services (such as ASL interpreters, readers, large print, or written communication) so communication is effective, based on individual needs and circumstances. If you believe your rights are not being respected during an emergency, you may request accommodations and contact LIFE, Inc. at 912-920-2414 for guidance when it is safe to do so.

Categories:Emergency Preparedness