If Bad Weather Hits Buffalo Again, Are You Prepped To Be Safe?

It's kind of hard to believe. We're into the middle of November, and we really have yet to see much snow at all in the Buffalo region. In fact, as of Monday, November 24, 2025, we've only had a few inches of snowfall in one single snow event so far this winter season. While we love it when this kind of weather arrives, we know it's not going to last forever, and eventually winter is going to come.

If the past few years of wild weather have taught us anything, then we need to know that it's more important than ever to review your winter prep plans or create one if you don't have one ready.

Just think about the weather we've had since 2020. Over the past five years, we've seen several once-in-a-lifetime super blizzards, a few tornadoes, heatwaves, earthquakes, and even remnants of a hurricane. At this point, all we need is for the lions and tigers and bears to come to town.

The Empire State Offers Disaster Training

For the last 11 years or so, the New York State National Guard has partnered with the New York State Office of Emergency Management and the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control to teach people how to be prepared and survive in an emergency.

The Citizen Preparedness Corps has served to give residents tools and resources to prepare for any disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible. The courses serve as an introduction to responding to a natural or human-caused disaster. Participants in these free trainings are advised to properly develop family emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies.

There are several locations around Western New York where these trainings are held.

Take Time To Make Sure You Have The Proper Supplies

Now, while it's the government's responsibility to help the citizenry in an emergency, we know that they can't help everyone when the stuff hits the fan. When that happens, it's the people who are prepared now who will be the best able to power through a disaster in one piece.

The CDC, State of New York, National Weather Service, Department of Homeland Security, other government agencies, and non-profit organisations like the American Red Cross all produce lists of items and steps to ensure we're adequately prepared to survive an emergency.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services suggests you have preparations to survive for a few days on your own in an emergency, in case emergency services can't get to you right away.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
-US Department of Homeland Security

Because we should be ready to take care of ourselves for a little while, we've listed some of the best suggestions below.