Winter Storm Fern raises health risks from cold exposure, carbon monoxide and delayed medical care

Cold and ice bring predictable medical dangers

As Winter Storm Fern spreads across the United States, the hazards go beyond travel and electricity. Major winter storms regularly lead to preventable injuries and illnesses—especially when power outages, impassable roads and extreme wind chills combine. Health officials and emergency managers typically emphasize that people should treat cold exposure as a serious risk, particularly for older adults, infants, and anyone without reliable heat.

Hypothermia can set in faster than many expect, and icy conditions increase the chance of falls. Even when people remain indoors, the storm can still create danger if homes lose power or heat for extended periods, leaving residents to rely on improvised warming methods.

The hidden killer: carbon monoxide

A common post-storm health emergency is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can happen when people run generators, grills or other fuel-burning devices in garages, basements or too close to windows and doors. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can become deadly quickly. During prolonged outages, emergency departments often see spikes in cases tied to unsafe heating practices.

Another problem is indoor fires from space heaters or candles used for light and warmth. The risk rises when devices are placed near bedding or curtains, or when overloaded extension cords are used in older homes.

Delayed care and strained response

Storm conditions can also delay medical care. Ambulances may take longer to reach calls, and patients with chronic illnesses can miss dialysis sessions, medication refills or routine appointments. Even a short disruption can become dangerous for people who rely on electricity-dependent medical devices or refrigerated medicines.

Hospitals and clinics typically prepare by staffing up, ensuring backup power, and coordinating with local emergency management. But when storms cover multiple states at once, resources can be stretched, especially if travel conditions prevent staff from arriving or supplies from being delivered.

Practical steps people can take

• Stay indoors during warnings; limit travel to emergencies only.
• If using a generator, keep it outside and far from windows and doors.
• Use space heaters safely: keep clearance from anything flammable and avoid overloading outlets.
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with medical needs.
• Keep an emergency kit: charged power banks, blankets, key medications, and shelf-stable food.

With Winter Storm Fern still moving across the country, officials continue to stress that many storm-related injuries happen after the worst weather passes—during cleanup, driving on refreezing roads, or coping with prolonged outages. Caution and preparation can reduce much of that risk.