10/26/2026
Winter Weather is Here!
Prepare Before You Travel!
❄️Winter weather in Montana can create rapidly changing conditions that affect employee safety, staffing, and healthcare operations. Taking proactive steps now can help ensure staff remain safe while maintaining essential services to our communities.
🚗 Winter Driving and Vehicle Safety
Healthcare personnel are often required to travel during adverse weather conditions. Encourage staff to winterize vehicles before the first major storm.
Winter Vehicle Checklist:
Check batteries, tires, brakes, and windshield wipers
Verify antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels
Keep fuel tanks at least half full
Ensure headlights and taillights are working properly
Carry tire chains if traveling through mountain passes or areas where chains may be required
Schedule routine maintenance before severe weather arrives
🛣️ Check Road Conditions Before You Travel
Before commuting or traveling for work, employees should monitor road conditions and weather forecasts.
Montana 511 Traveler Information The Montana Department of Transportation's 511MT system provides:
Real-time road conditions
Highway closures and restrictions
Road cameras
Traffic incidents
Winter weather impacts
Access 511MT at www.511mt.net or by dialing 511 within Montana.
🌨️ Monitor Weather Forecasts
Stay informed about approaching storms and changing weather conditions through the National Weather Service (NWS).
The National Weather Service provides:
Winter Storm Warnings
Blizzard Warnings
Wind Chill Advisories
Snowfall forecasts
Hazardous Weather Outlooks
Visit weather.gov and enter your local community for current forecasts, watches, and warnings.
🚘 Travel Planning for Employees
Winter storms can lead to delays, road closures, and dangerous travel conditions.
Consider the Following:
Review weather forecasts before each shift
Allow extra travel time during storms
Identify alternate travel routes
Keep supervisors informed of anticipated delays
Charge mobile devices before traveling
Consider overnight accommodations when severe weather is forecast
Ensure emergency contact information is current
Healthcare organizations should also review staffing contingency plans and surge staffing procedures ahead of major winter weather events.
🎒 Build a Winter Emergency Vehicle Kit
Every vehicle should contain an emergency kit in case employees become stranded or experience significant travel delays.
Recommended Supplies
Blankets or sleeping bag
Extra winter clothing, hats, gloves, and boots
Flashlight and extra batteries
Portable phone charger or power bank
First aid kit
Bottled water
Non-perishable snacks
Ice scraper and snow brush
Small shovel
Jumper cables
Sand or cat litter for traction
Reflective triangles or flares
Emergency contact list
Hand warmers
🏥 Facility Preparedness Reminders
Healthcare facilities should verify:
Emergency generators are operational and tested
Fuel supplies are adequate
Snow removal plans are in place
Communication systems are functional
Staffing contingency plans are updated
Critical supplies and medications are stocked appropriately
How will weather affect patient transfers?
Will the patient need to stay at your facility longer
Are conditions impacting ground and air transport
Stay Safe This Winter:
Preparedness starts before the snow begins to fall. By monitoring forecasts, checking road conditions through 511MT, maintaining emergency supplies, and planning ahead, healthcare organizations can help protect staff, patients, and operations throughout the winter season.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.
