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Deeply snowed-in house, a family looking out of the window safely indoors

We are snowed in at home

So much snow fell overnight that roads and doors are blocked. Now warmth, patience and a few things hardly anyone thinks of are what count.

First

  1. Stay at home and do not set off by car while the authorities advise against it.
  2. Follow warnings and news on the radio or in the warning app.
  3. Keep heating and chimney exhaust openings clear of snow if you can do so safely from the ground.
  4. Save warmth: keep one room warm, close doors, wear several layers.

Call emergency services if

  • Someone is severely chilled, confused or unresponsive
  • Chest pain or breathlessness, for example after shovelling snow
  • The CO alarm sounds or someone has a headache and nausea while the heating is running
  • The roof creaks or sags under the snow load

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What is happening

Heavy snowfall can cut places off from the outside world for hours or days. It is usually safest to stay at home until roads are cleared and authorities give the all-clear. Anyone who sets off anyway risks getting stuck on an open road.

At home there are other dangers: power cuts, failing heating, carbon monoxide when exhaust openings are snowed up or makeshift solutions such as grills are used indoors, and overexertion when shovelling snow. Ready.gov explicitly advises against overexerting yourself when shovelling.

Roofs can also reach their limits under wet, heavy snow. But climbing onto the roof is itself dangerous – that is a job for professionals.

This page helps you get through the days well: stay warm, stay informed, pace yourself and look out for neighbours.

Step by step

We are snowed in at home – Phase 1 of 4First: stay put and stay informed. Do not set off by car while the authorities advise against it. Follow warnings on the radio, warning app and official channels. Check supplies, medication, torches and batteries. Let relatives know that you are staying at home.
Phase 1 of 4

Phase 1 of 4

First: stay put and stay informed

Do not set off by car while the authorities advise against it. Follow warnings on the radio, warning app and official channels. Check supplies, medication, torches and batteries. Let relatives know that you are staying at home.

The animation shows the key actions of each phase schematically; the text below is what counts.

  1. Phase 1

    First: stay put and stay informed

    • Do not set off by car while the authorities advise against it.
    • Follow warnings on the radio, warning app and official channels.
    • Check supplies, medication, torches and batteries.
    • Let relatives know that you are staying at home.

  2. Phase 2

    Stay warm – heat safely

    • Use one room as the warm room, close doors, seal draughts.
    • Wear several layers, a hat and warm socks; drink warm drinks.
    • Keep heating and chimney exhaust openings clear of snow if you can do so safely from the ground.
    • No grills, camping stoves, patio heaters or generators indoors. Take the CO alarm seriously.

  3. Phase 3

    Clear snow in moderation

    • Clear only what is needed: the entrance, the way to exhaust openings and emergency exits.
    • Take breaks, push small amounts instead of lifting heavy loads, dress warmly.
    • With chest pain, breathlessness or severe dizziness stop at once and call 112.
    • Do not climb onto the roof. If the roof creaks or sags, leave the rooms below and call for help.

  4. Phase 4

    Look out for each other

    • Check on older neighbours or those living alone – by phone or at the door.
    • Clear paths together and share supplies if someone needs something.
    • Keep children and older people warm and give the day structure.
    • With hypothermia, confusion or if someone is unresponsive: call 112.

★ Pro tips

What experienced people do differently: proven practice from mountain rescue, fire services, lifeguards and civil protection that beginners rarely know.

  1. Keep the shovel indoors, not in the shed

    If the shovel is in the garage or shed, you cannot reach it once the snow is deep. In winter keep it in the hallway or right behind the door. Then you can dig yourself out from the inside.

  2. Keep the door clear while it is snowing

    During a snowstorm, clear the area in front of the door several times in small amounts rather than facing a huge pile at the end. Otherwise a door that opens outwards can hardly be opened. Keep the way to your second exit clear too.

  3. Dig out fire hydrants

    If a fire hydrant near your home is buried in snow, the fire service loses valuable time in a fire. Dig it out and do not pile snow on it. Fire services regularly ask for this in winter.

  4. Ice grips for your shoes

    There is often ice under fresh snow. Slip-on ice grips or microspikes give much better footing on slippery paths. That keeps a walk to the neighbours or the bins fall-free.

  5. Don't twist while shovelling

    Bend your knees, lift with your legs and turn with your feet, not at the waist. Throw the snow forwards rather than over your shoulder. That spares your back and your heart.

What to watch out for

  • Snowed-up exhaust openings

    If snow blocks the heating flue or the chimney, exhaust gases can get into the house. Take the CO alarm seriously.

  • Overexertion

    Shovelling snow is hard physical work in the cold. Anyone unused to it or with heart problems should get help.

  • Snow sliding off roofs and icicles

    Snow and ice can suddenly slide off roofs. Do not stand or park directly under roof edges.

  • Driving off

    Anyone driving in snow chaos easily gets stuck and obstructs ploughs and rescue services. Postpone trips wherever possible.

Common mistakes

  • Heating with a grill or camping stove indoors.
  • Shovelling snow all day without a break.
  • Climbing onto the roof yourself to clear snow.
  • Setting off by car despite warnings.
  • Forgetting neighbours who live alone.

Prepare in advance

  • Supplies for several days: food, water, medication, torches, batteries, radio.
  • Get a snow shovel and grit before winter.
  • Install a CO alarm and have the heating serviced before winter.
  • Warm clothing and blankets for everyone in the household.
  • Agree with neighbours who checks on whom.

Special consideration

Older people and people needing care
They get cold more easily and depend on help. Care services may not get through in snow chaos – plan supplies of medication and aids.
Pets
Keep pets indoors, clean road salt off paws after walks and keep food for several days.

Sources

Your situation

Power
Heating
In the household

Matching entries

0 rules apply

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Basics for this situation

Why: Always applies to this situation – regardless of your answers.

All rules of this situation (4)

  1. [not active] If Power = Power cut

    Torches instead of candles, save phone battery and keep the fridge closed. Run generators only outdoors and well away from windows.

  2. [not active] If Heating = Heating has failed

    Make one room the warm room, seal draughts, wear warm layers and a hat. Never use grills, camping stoves or outdoor heaters indoors.

  3. [not active] If In the household = Older people or people needing care

    Older people get cold more easily. Check on them regularly, offer warm drinks and keep medication and aids to hand.

  4. [not active] If In the household = Young children

    Dress young children warmly, at night too, and give the day structure with games and fixed times.