15 Essential Winter Safety Tips for Home Care & Home Health Care Workers

Because Care Doesn’t Stop—Even When It Snows

When snow begins to fall and roads become icy, many people are able to stay home, work remotely, or simply wait out the storm. For caregivers, home health aides, CNAs, and nurses, that luxury often doesn’t exist. Healthcare workers are essential workers, even when the weather is unpredictable and travel becomes challenging.

During COVID-19, the world labeled healthcare professionals as Healthcare Heroes—and that title still applies. The work doesn’t pause because of snowstorms, freezing temperatures, or icy roads. Clients still need medications, personal care, skilled nursing, and reassurance in their homes. While it may “suck” being out in the elements when others are safe and warm at home, this commitment is what makes home care and home health professionals so vital.

This blog serves as a simple, practical winter resource for caregivers, aides, CNAs, and nurses who continue to show up—no matter the forecast.

1. Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Include blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, phone charger, first aid supplies, jumper cables, and an ice scraper. If you’re delayed or stranded, preparation can make all the difference.

2. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions

Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions daily. Knowing what’s coming allows you to plan routes, leave earlier, and avoid unnecessary risks.

3. Invest in Winter Tires and Snow Chains

Proper traction matters. Winter tires and snow chains significantly improve safety and reliability on snowy or icy roads, helping you reach your clients safely.

4. Communicate Early and Often With Your Agency

If weather may impact your shift, notify your agency as early as possible. Clear communication helps reduce care disruptions and supports contingency planning.

5. Have a Backup Transportation Plan

Consider backup options such as carpooling with coworkers, rideshares, or public transportation if available—especially during severe storms.

6. Dress for the Conditions

Layer up with warm clothing, waterproof boots with traction, gloves, hats, and insulated coats. Staying warm helps prevent illness and fatigue during long shifts.

7. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Have emergency numbers easily accessible, including your agency, client contacts, and local emergency services.

8. Practice Safe Winter Driving

Drive slowly, increase following distance, avoid sudden movements, and allow extra travel time. Your safety comes first.

9. Take Care of Your Health

Stay hydrated, eat nourishing meals, rest when possible, and stay current on seasonal vaccines. Healthy caregivers provide better care.

10. Maintain Your Vehicle

Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with good tires, working brakes, heating systems, and windshield wipers.

11. Use Technology Wisely

Navigation and weather apps with real-time updates can help you choose safer routes and avoid delays.

12. Use Remote Check-Ins When Appropriate

In extreme conditions, telehealth or phone check-ins may be used temporarily to ensure client safety when travel is unsafe.

13. Pack Extra Food and Water

If snow is expected during your shift, pack an extra sandwich, meal, snacks, and water. Weather delays can turn a normal shift into a long one.

14. Be Strategic About Where You Park

Park in locations that allow easy exit if snow removal is needed. Avoid blocking driveways or plow paths.

15. Plan Ahead With Clients Before a Storm

When possible, help clients prepare ahead of severe weather—review emergency plans, ensure supplies are stocked, and discuss backup care options.

A Friendly Reminder to Home Care & Home Health Care Agencies

While caregivers, aides, CNAs, and nurses continue to show up as essential workers—especially during snow and severe weather—it’s equally important for Home Care and Home Health Care agencies to look out for their staff.

Agencies play a critical role in ensuring caregiver safety by monitoring weather conditions, allowing flexible scheduling when possible, maintaining open communication, and having backup plans in place during storms. Checking in on staff, confirming safe travel, and ensuring caregivers can get to and from clients’ homes safely is not just good management—it’s good leadership.

When agencies prioritize caregiver safety, everyone benefits: caregivers feel supported, morale improves, and clients continue to receive quality, consistent care. Winter weather may be unpredictable, but a culture of care and accountability makes all the difference.

Supporting your staff during challenging conditions isn’t just about compliance—it’s about compassion.

A Final Word to Healthcare Heroes

Being an essential worker means showing up when others cannot. It means braving the snow so someone else can stay safe, cared for, and comfortable in their home. While it may be hard—and sometimes thankless—your work matters more than ever.

To every caregiver, home health aide, CNA, and nurse:
Your dedication, resilience, and compassion do not go unnoticed. This resource is for you.