As temperatures begin to drop across the US, the Prometheus team hopes to remind our readers and leaders worldwide about the importance of emergency shelters. Especially as winter storms grow increasingly severe–and frequent–emergency shelters have become critical lifelines for communities facing difficult conditions. Frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and power outages can all present challenges for citizens across the globe. Effective winter and storm shelter management goes beyond providing warmth and supplies; it ensures safety, health, and resilience for evacuees or unhoused individuals in times of crisis.
By promoting best practices for setting up and managing winter storm shelters, emphasizing logistical essentials, and spotlighting mental health considerations, we can recognize the broader role that these shelters play in strengthening community resilience.
Winter Storm Shelters: A Critical Need
Winter storms can cut communities from vital resources, forcing residents to lose access to power, heat, and transportation. In these cases, emergency shelters act as sanctuaries where individuals can escape the life-threatening conditions of extreme cold. Providing access to warmth, food, water, and medical attention is necessary in these cases, not just as reactive measures but as proactive investments in community safety. Storm shelters are pivotal in helping residents avoid hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related hazards, and they allow communities to weather the storm more effectively by reducing the long-term impact of winter disasters on individuals and infrastructures.
In the United States, from 2000 to 2023...
power outages were weather-related
of power outages were caused by winter weather
winter weather power outages were reported
outages were in Texas, making it the most impacted state
Source: climatecentral.org | Weather-related Power Outages Rising
Setting Up and Managing Winter Emergency Shelters
1. Maintaining Adequate Warmth and Safety
Heating is essential to any winter shelter, and sustaining a comfortable indoor temperature during a winter storm requires careful planning. Generators are often indispensable in ensuring reliable heating, especially in areas where power outages are common during storms. Facilities equipped with efficient insulation and heating equipment (like space heaters) can maintain greater control over indoor temperatures while conserving fuel and energy.
Carbon monoxide risks are a critical consideration, especially when using generators or portable heaters. Each shelter should be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, and staff should be trained to prevent and respond to potential exposures. Having a clear plan to ventilate the shelter safely is crucial to preventing air quality issues from arising.
2. Stocking sufficient supplies
Winter shelters require more than just blankets and food; supplies can be tailored to address cold- and location-specific needs. In addition to water, non-perishable food, blankets, and cots, shelters should stock cold-weather clothing, gloves, hats, and hand warmers to ensure comfort and protection against the elements. Medical supplies specific to cold-related health risks (like thermometers, first-aid kits, and hand sanitizer) are also essential. Shelters can prepare for potential isolation during snowstorms, which often limit the ability to resupply on time. When possible, strategic planning and bulk stockpiling of supplies can boost a shelter’s capacity to support evacuees during extended storms.
3. Supporting mental health needs
Winter storms can isolate community members from their homes and support systems, creating unique mental health challenges. Shelters should provide a supportive environment that fosters psychological well-being and physical comfort. Designated quiet areas, access to mental health professionals, and group activities that encourage connection can all significantly reduce stress while providing community members with a sense of stability.
Evacuees, particularly those who might’ve experienced previous natural disaster-related trauma, will benefit from spaces that feel safe and welcoming. It’s important that shelter staff are trained to recognize signs of mental distress and direct individuals to appropriate–and potentially life-saving–resources.
Building Resilience Through Winter Storm Shelter Management
Efficient shelter management during winter storms is a key contributor to community resilience. By addressing physical and emotional needs and taking a whole-person approach to response, emergency shelters save lives and foster a sense of community solidarity. Resilience grows when evacuees and unhoused community members feel cared for and connected to others, even during difficult times. A strong network of well-prepared shelters also reduces pressure on emergency responders, allowing them to focus on urgent situations and recovery efforts.
The valuable experience gained through winter shelter operations can improve future disaster preparedness. Priceless lessons learned from managing shelters in winter conditions–like identifying effective heating systems or sourcing supplies–can also be applied to bolster shelter preparedness for other types of disasters.
While winter storm shelter management is complex, it’s also vital to preparedness and response. Providing warmth, sufficient supplies, and mental health support within shelters gives evacuees a safe haven during dangerous and scary conditions. These shelters contribute profoundly to community resilience by protecting citizens from the elements and offering stability when needed. Prometheus hopes to encourage a more robust community approach to winter storms and other natural disasters by continuing to advocate for high-quality shelter management practices.
