Winter in Juneau, Alaska, is both beautiful and demanding. Surrounded by mountains and waterways, the city experiences long periods of cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, freezing rain, icy sidewalks, and powerful winter storms. Unlike many communities connected by extensive highway systems, Juneau's unique geography can make transportation, emergency response, and access to supplies more challenging when severe weather strikes.

While many residents prepare for power outages, food supplies, and travel disruptions, one of the most important aspects of storm preparedness is personal health. Winter weather can trigger serious medical emergencies ranging from heart attacks and hypothermia to frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning. Extended storms can also affect mental health, prescription medication access, and hospital capacity.

Understanding these risks—and preparing before the next storm arrives—can help protect you, your family, and your neighbors.

Why Winter Storms Create Serious Health Risks

Cold weather affects nearly every system in the human body. Blood vessels constrict, blood pressure often rises, and the heart works harder to maintain body temperature. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures increase the chances of falls, injuries, and exposure-related illnesses.

Juneau's climate presents additional challenges because storms frequently combine heavy, wet snow with freezing rain and strong winds. Wet snow is especially physically demanding to remove, increasing strain on the cardiovascular system.

In addition, winter storms may disrupt transportation, delay emergency medical services, interrupt deliveries to pharmacies, and create temporary isolation for vulnerable residents.

Preparation should therefore include both emergency supplies and a personal health plan.

The Hidden Heart Attack Risk of Snow Shoveling

One of the most dangerous winter activities is snow shoveling.

Many people underestimate how physically demanding it can be. Lifting heavy, wet snow while breathing cold air places enormous stress on the heart. Cold temperatures narrow blood vessels, increasing blood pressure while reducing oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

Heavy snow removal combines several cardiovascular stressors:

• Repeated lifting
• Twisting movements
• Sudden bursts of intense effort
• Cold air inhalation
• Elevated heart rate
• Increased blood pressure

This combination significantly raises the risk of heart attack, particularly among individuals with:

• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking history
• Obesity
• Previous heart attack
• Age over 55

Even people who feel healthy may unknowingly have underlying heart disease.

If you have a heart condition, check the Juneau winter storm warning today before deciding whether to shovel—during an active warning, heavy wet snow combined with cold air significantly increases cardiac risk.

Warning Signs During Snow Removal

Stop immediately and seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Pressure in the chest
• Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweating
• Severe fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Do not attempt to "push through" these symptoms.

Safer Snow Removal Practices

Reduce cardiovascular strain by:

• Shoveling smaller amounts at a time
• Taking frequent breaks
• Staying hydrated
• Dressing in breathable layers
• Avoiding sudden heavy lifting
• Using ergonomic snow shovels
• Pushing snow rather than lifting whenever possible

People with known cardiovascular disease should consider hiring snow removal services whenever practical.

Understanding Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). It develops when heat loss exceeds the body's ability to generate heat.

Although often associated with extreme wilderness conditions, hypothermia can occur surprisingly quickly during ordinary winter activities, particularly when clothing becomes wet.

Juneau's combination of snow, rain, and coastal moisture increases this risk because wet clothing loses insulating ability much faster than dry clothing.

Early Symptoms

Early hypothermia may include:

• Persistent shivering
• Numb fingers
• Difficulty performing simple tasks
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Poor judgment
• Fatigue

Many people do not recognize these warning signs in themselves.

Moderate Hypothermia

As body temperature continues to fall:

• Shivering may stop
• Walking becomes difficult
• Speech becomes increasingly slurred
• Thinking slows dramatically
• Coordination deteriorates

Without treatment, unconsciousness and cardiac arrest may eventually occur.

Prevention

Prevent hypothermia by:

• Wearing moisture-wicking base layers
• Adding insulating middle layers
• Using waterproof outer clothing
• Protecting the head, hands, and feet
• Avoiding prolonged exposure
• Changing wet clothing immediately
• Limiting time outdoors during severe storms

Children and older adults are especially vulnerable because they lose heat more rapidly.

Treating Hypothermia Safely

If someone appears hypothermic:

Move them indoors immediately if possible.

Replace wet clothing with dry clothing.

Wrap them in warm blankets.

Offer warm (not hot) drinks if they are fully awake.

Use body heat or warm compresses on the chest and neck—not directly on the arms and legs, which may worsen blood pressure instability.

Avoid:

• Rubbing the skin aggressively
• Giving alcohol
• Placing someone into extremely hot water
• Using direct high heat

Call emergency medical services whenever moderate or severe hypothermia is suspected.

Frostbite: Permanent Damage Can Happen Quickly

Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze.

The most commonly affected areas include:

• Fingers
• Toes
• Nose
• Ears
• Cheeks

Strong winds dramatically accelerate heat loss by removing the thin layer of warm air surrounding the body.

Early Frostbite Symptoms

Initial warning signs include:

• Tingling
• Burning
• Numbness
• Pale or waxy skin
• Skin that feels unusually firm

Because numbness develops early, people often underestimate the severity.

Advanced Frostbite

More serious frostbite may involve:

• Hard, frozen skin
• Blue or gray discoloration
• Large blisters after warming
• Loss of sensation
• Tissue death

Severe frostbite can require surgery or even amputation.

Proper Frostbite Treatment

If frostbite is suspected:

Move indoors immediately.

Remove wet clothing.

Protect affected areas from additional cold.

Warm the area gradually using warm water between approximately 98°F and 104°F (37–40°C).

Do not:

• Rub the skin
• Massage frozen tissue
• Apply direct flames
• Use heating pads
• Break blisters

Seek medical evaluation, particularly when blisters, discoloration, or deep numbness are present.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Winter Storms

Power outages frequently lead people to use portable generators, propane heaters, or charcoal grills improperly.

These devices can produce carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can become deadly within minutes.

Because CO cannot be seen or smelled, many victims have no warning before symptoms begin.

Common Sources

During winter storms, carbon monoxide often comes from:

• Portable generators
• Gasoline-powered pumps
• Charcoal grills
• Propane heaters
• Gas appliances
• Vehicles left idling
• Fireplaces with blocked chimneys

Blocked snow-covered vents also present a major hazard.

Heavy snowfall may cover furnace exhaust pipes, causing dangerous gases to back up into the home.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Early symptoms often resemble influenza:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

As exposure continues:

• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Vision changes
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness

Because entire families are often exposed simultaneously, multiple people becoming ill at once is an important warning sign.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Safety recommendations include:

• Operate generators outdoors only.
• Keep generators well away from doors, windows, and vents.
• Clear snow from furnace vents regularly.
• Never use grills indoors.
• Never idle vehicles inside garages.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home.
• Replace detector batteries regularly.

If a detector alarms, leave immediately and call emergency services from outside.

Seasonal Affective Disorder During Long Winter Storms

Physical health is only part of winter wellness.

Extended storms reduce sunlight exposure, limit outdoor activity, and increase social isolation. These conditions contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that follows seasonal patterns.

Juneau experiences short daylight hours during winter, making some residents particularly susceptible.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of motivation
• Increased sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Social withdrawal

Not everyone experiencing winter blues has SAD, but persistent symptoms deserve medical attention.

Managing Mental Health During Extended Storms

Helpful strategies include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Exercising indoors
• Staying socially connected
• Eating balanced meals
• Limiting excessive alcohol use
• Spending time near windows during daylight
• Discussing light therapy with a healthcare provider if appropriate

Individuals already receiving treatment for depression should continue medications unless instructed otherwise by their physician.

Pharmacy Access During Road Closures

Heavy snow and icy roads occasionally interrupt transportation around Juneau.

Although pharmacies work hard to remain open whenever possible, deliveries and customer access may become temporarily limited.

People managing chronic illnesses should avoid waiting until prescriptions run out.

Medications That Should Never Be Delayed

Examples include medications for:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• COPD
• Seizures
• Blood pressure
• Thyroid disease
• Mental health conditions

Interruptions in these medications may lead to serious complications.

Preparing Your Medication Supply

Experts often recommend maintaining an emergency medication reserve when allowed by insurance and prescribing regulations.

Preparation may include:

• Requesting refills early
• Keeping medications in original containers
• Storing medicines properly
• Maintaining a written medication list
• Recording physician contact information
• Keeping backup batteries for medical devices

People using refrigerated medications should have a plan for maintaining safe storage during prolonged power outages.

Protecting Older Adults During Winter Storms

Older adults face elevated risks because aging reduces the body's ability to regulate temperature.

Many seniors also live with multiple chronic illnesses requiring continuous medication and medical equipment.

Family members should regularly check on older relatives during severe weather, especially if communication systems become unreliable.

Pay attention to:

• Indoor heating
• Food availability
• Medication supplies
• Fall hazards
• Adequate hydration
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Simple phone calls or neighborhood visits can identify problems before they become emergencies.

Winter Health Risks for Children

Children lose body heat faster than adults because of their larger surface-area-to-body-weight ratio.

Parents should ensure:

• Waterproof boots
• Dry gloves
• Layered clothing
• Warm hats
• Frequent indoor warming breaks

Young children may not recognize frostbite or hypothermia symptoms until they become serious.

After outdoor play, check hands, feet, ears, and cheeks carefully.

Preventing Slips and Fall Injuries

Ice remains one of the most common causes of emergency department visits during winter.

Falls may cause:

• Wrist fractures
• Hip fractures
• Concussions
• Shoulder injuries
• Back injuries

Reduce risk by:

• Wearing footwear with strong traction
• Using handrails
• Walking slowly
• Avoiding shortcuts across icy areas
• Applying sand or ice melt around entrances

Older adults should consider traction devices designed for winter footwear when conditions become especially slippery.

Nutrition and Hydration During Cold Weather

Many people become mildly dehydrated during winter because they feel less thirsty.

Cold weather also increases calorie requirements when spending significant time outdoors.

Focus on:

• Warm soups
• Lean protein
• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Plenty of water

Warm beverages provide comfort but should not replace proper hydration.

Hospital Emergency Preparedness in Juneau

Hospitals serving Juneau prepare throughout the year for severe winter weather. Emergency planning includes maintaining backup power systems, securing fuel supplies, stocking medications, coordinating with emergency management agencies, and ensuring continuity of essential services even if transportation is disrupted.

Emergency departments also prepare for seasonal increases in weather-related injuries and illnesses, including fractures from falls, cold exposure, respiratory complications, and cardiovascular emergencies. Staff members train for situations in which patient volume rises rapidly or weather delays transportation of patients and medical supplies.

Residents can support these efforts by seeking emergency care for true emergencies while using urgent care clinics, telehealth services, or primary care providers for less severe conditions when appropriate. Keeping personal medical records, medication lists, insurance information, and emergency contacts readily available can also streamline treatment if hospital care becomes necessary.

Building a Personal Winter Health Preparedness Plan

Preparation before winter storms greatly reduces health risks.

Every household should have:

• A fully stocked first aid kit
• Prescription medications for several days
• Flashlights and batteries
• Safe drinking water
• Nonperishable food
• Warm blankets
• Backup phone chargers
• Working smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Emergency contact information
• Battery-powered weather radio if possible

Families should also discuss emergency communication plans and identify neighbors who may need additional assistance during severe weather.

Conclusion

Winter storms are an expected part of life in Juneau, but the health risks they bring should never be underestimated. Heavy snow can trigger heart attacks during shoveling, prolonged exposure may lead to hypothermia and frostbite, improper generator use can cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, and long periods of darkness and isolation can affect mental well-being. Road closures may also complicate access to medications and healthcare, making advance preparation especially important.

By understanding these risks, preparing emergency supplies, maintaining medication reserves, recognizing early warning signs of illness, and using safe practices around snow removal and heating equipment, residents can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injury or illness. Winter weather cannot be controlled, but informed planning and prompt action can help ensure that individuals, families, and communities remain healthy and resilient throughout Juneau's challenging winter season