Winter is Coming – How Black Communities Can Prepare for Winter Storms

Sean

2 weeks ago

Winter is Coming, but sometimes we don’t listen until it’s too late…

By the second night of the storm, the Johnsons’ block was silent — no buses, no footsteps, just wind pressing snow against the windows. Inside their Brooklyn apartment, the heat sputtered and died, and not long after, a pipe burst under the kitchen sink, soaking the food stockpiles they had stacked against the wall. Marcus and Aisha Johnson stood frozen, not just from the cold, but from the realization that they were on their own — three kids, no nearby family, no neighbors they knew well enough to call, and no plan beyond hoping the lights stayed on.

They were good people. Quiet. Kept to themselves. Nodded politely in the hallway, but never exchanged numbers, never asked for help, never imagined they’d need it. Now, with the stove out, food ruined, and cell phones losing power, the storm wasn’t just outside — it had closed in around them.

This story is fictional, but the situation isn’t. Every winter, storms expose how isolation, last-minute preparation, and weak community ties can turn manageable emergencies into dangerous crises — especially in Black neighborhoods across Brooklyn and Northern New Jersey.

Winter storms don’t just disrupt travel — they expose gaps in preparedness, access, and communication that Black communities in Brooklyn and Northern New Jersey know too well. As supplies like road salt, pellets, and basic necessities fly off shelves, many families are left scrambling at the last minute. Preparation isn’t about panic; it’s about protection, coordination, and making sure no one is left behind when conditions turn dangerous.

Why Winter Storms Hit Our Communities Differently

In many Black neighborhoods across Brooklyn and New Jersey, residents rely more heavily on local stores, public transportation, and shared resources. When larger retailers run out of essentials, corner stores and small businesses become lifelines — but they’re often stocked later and at higher cost. Seniors, people with disabilities, renters, and families without cars face the greatest risks when snow, ice, or power outages hit.

Preparation, then, isn’t just an individual responsibility. It’s a collective one.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Before the Storm Hits

Step 1: Secure Essential Supplies Early

Don’t wait until warnings become headlines. Aim to prepare 3–5 days in advance.

Must-Have Supplies Checklist

Non-perishable food (3–5 days per person)
Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
Flashlights and extra batteries
Portable phone chargers or power banks
Road salt, ice melt, or sand (kitty litter works in emergencies)
Prescription medications (at least a week’s supply)
First-aid kit
Hygiene products (toilet paper, wipes, sanitizer)
Baby or elder-care essentials if applicable
Pet food and supplies

Community tip: If one household has storage space or transportation, coordinate bulk purchases with neighbors.

Step 2: Prepare Your Home and Building

For Renters and Apartment Dwellers

Identify emergency exits before snow piles up
Keep hallways and stairwells clear
Report heating issues immediately — document everything
Know where your building’s shut-off valves are (gas/water)

For Homeowners

Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing
Clear gutters if possible before snowfall
Set thermostats consistently (even when away)
Stock extra blankets in case of power loss

Step 3: Plan for Power and Heat Loss

Power outages are one of the most dangerous winter risks.

Keep phones fully charged before the storm
Use flashlights — never candles
Never run generators, grills, or gas stoves indoors
Identify one warm room and close off others if heat fails
Check on elders at least twice daily if outages occur

Step 4: Stay Informed Without Panic

Rely on local alerts, not rumor cycles:

Enable city and county emergency notifications
Follow local transit updates
Designate one trusted family member to share updates
Avoid unnecessary travel during advisories

How We Can Do Better Next Time: Long-Term Community Preparation

Build a Block-Level Safety Culture

Exchange phone numbers with neighbors
Identify who needs extra help (elders, disabled residents)
Assign informal roles: supply checker, wellness caller, errand runner

Support Local Stores — Strategically

Encourage neighborhood stores to stock essentials seasonally
Organize early group buys before storms
Advocate for fair pricing during emergencies

Normalize Seasonal Preparedness

Winter storms aren’t rare anymore. Treat preparation like back-to-school season — expected, repeatable, and shared.

Protecting Each Other Is the Point

Preparedness isn’t fear-based. It’s love in action. When Black communities plan together — sharing information, resources, and responsibility — storms become challenges, not crises. The goal isn’t just getting through the weekend. It’s building habits that keep us safer every winter.

Key Takeaways

Winter storms expose unequal access to supplies and transportation.
Early preparation reduces risk, stress, and cost.
Community coordination matters as much as individual readiness.
Elders, renters, and transit-dependent residents need extra planning.
Long-term preparedness is a form of collective care.

HfYC Poll of the Day

Follow us and respond on social media, drop some comments on the article, or write your own perspective!

Do you feel your neighborhood is prepared for severe winter storms?

Poll Question Perspectives

Who should take the lead in winter preparedness — residents or local government?
Have winter storms changed how you prepare your household each year?
Are local stores in your area reliable during emergencies?