Winter Weather & Extreme Cold Resources
Winters in Buffalo can be bitter, but there is a wealth of cold weather resources we can all lean on to keep ourselves and our community safe!
Protect yourself, your pets & your family during winter weather conditions. Taking preventative action is your best defense against extreme cold.
Road & Travel Conditions:
Traffic, Travel and Transit information across NYS:
Stuck on the road?
- CALL 911 IF YOU ARE TRAPPED
- Thruway Emergency Roadside Assistance 1-(800) 842-2233
Stay informed of Emergencies in WNY
Ready Erie App:
Download the free Ready Erie App to receive notifications, locate emergency shelters, view up-to-date evacuation maps, create a personalized emergency preparedness plan and more.
Cold Weather Health:
Look out for health effects of extreme cold:
Your personal health and safety can be in jeopardy during extreme winter cold. When temperatures drop and as wind speed increases, heat can leave your body quickly and can lead to serious health problems. Problems such as Hypothermia, Frostbite, Heart Disease and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can happen. If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these call 911 Immediately.
Help for Seniors:
Seniors are especially at risk for cold weather illness. Visit the Department of Senior Services’ website for information on emergency preparedness for seniors.
Emergency Shelter:
Find Shelter for yourself or a someone in need:
- Erie County Temporary Assistance can help you find a safe temporary shelter, hotel or motel.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (716) 858-8000, after 5pm or weekends dial 211 or go to 211wny.org - If you see someone in need, call 211 to have an outreach team dispatched
- To receive Code Blue updates for the City of Buffalo, text CodeBlueBuffalo to 898-211
- WNY Coalition for the Homeless
- Homeless Alliance of WNY
- Code Blue Relief Mission (Facebook Page)
- Buffalo City Mission - 100 E Tupper St., Buffalo, NY 14203, (716) 854-8181
St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy - 325 Walden Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211, (716) 894-4476
Protect Your Pets:
Contact your veterinarian for any questions you have regarding your pets.
- American Veterinary Medical Association - Cold Weather Pet Safety
- SPCA of America - Cold Weather Safety Tips
- Humane Society of the US - Protect Your Pet During Winter and Cold Weather
Prepare your house and business for winter:
Help paying for Heat
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Help for Homeowners
- Don't Be Left in the Dark - Weathering Floods, Storms and Power Outages
- Preparing Your House and Car for Winter
Help for Restaurant Owners
Be aware of Carbon Monoxide symptoms & safety:
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Additional Winter Safety Resources
- Develop an Emergency Kit for Your Car
- National Weather Service - Winter Weather
- Ready.gov Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
- Chainsaw Safety