Staying Safe in Snowstorms: Westchester County Guide

Jun 24

Snowstorms can be dangerous with cold, crashes, and power outages, but simple steps keep you safe. Updated for Westchester County's Jan 25, 2026, storm (14-17 inches of snow, emergency declared).

Westchester Storm Facts

Somers got 17 inches, and Dobbs Ferry got 15 inches. Roads are iced over, schools are closed, and flights are canceled during heavy snow and cold winds. Stay-home orders helped; plows worked non-stop.

https://westfaironline.com/airport/westchester-digs-out-from-major-winter-storm

Get Ready Before

Make a 3-day kit: 1 gallon of water per person each day, easy food, medicine, first-aid, blankets, flashlight, batteries, and radio. For your car: snow tires, shovel, sand, snacks, water, and a charger. Fix pipes and test smoke alarms. Most winter deaths come from shoveling or driving.

Car Kit Basics:

Blankets: Stay warm if stuck
Shovel/sand: Dig out, get a grip
Food/water: Last 3 days

Stay Safe at Home

Wear layers: wet-wicking shirt, warm middle, waterproof coat. Block drafts with towels. No generators inside (they cause deadly gas). Use the radio for news. Change wet clothes right away.

Driving Tips

Don't drive if you can avoid it; many crashes happen in the snow. Go slow, use lights. If stuck: Run the car 10 minutes each hour, open the window a bit, and put up a cloth to signal. Stay inside.

If Outside

Cover all skin to fight frostbite. Build a snow shelter if lost. Warm up slowly if too cold (shivering, confusion). Shovel snow in short breaks.

After the Storm

Salt walkways, stay away from power lines. Check on neighbors. Get pros for roof snow. Westchester cleared roads fast; be patient.

Print this list. Stay safe next time in Westchester County, New York:

Armonk, Ardsley, Harrison, Larchmont, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, White Plains, Rye.

Seth Keslow