A Streets employee clears a sidewalk buried under several feet of snow

What kind of winter hazards can I expect in Colorado?
A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

Blizzards are severe winter storms that pack a combination of blowing snow and wind resulting in very low visibilities. While heavy snowfalls and severe cold often accompany blizzards, they are not required. Sometimes strong winds pick up snow that has already fallen, creating a blizzard.

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm.

For instance, people can die in traffic accidents on icy roads, die from heart attacks while shoveling snow, and die of hypothermia. Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. Recent statistics on winter storm deaths include the following:

Related to Ice and Snow:

• About 70 percent occur in automobiles
• About 25 percent are caught out in the storm
• The majority are males more than 40 years of age

Related to Exposure to Cold:

• 50 percent are people more than 60 years of age
• More than 75 percent are males
• About 20 percent occur in the homes

All information taken from the State of Colorado Office of Emergency Management Web site