Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can disrupt animal care, damage infrastructure, restrict facility access, and threaten essential utilities. Cold Weather Operations teams help facilities maintain safe conditions and restore critical systems during and after severe winter weather.
This page provides a planning reference for identifying the capabilities and equipment that may be needed to support operational continuity.
Cold Weather Operations at a Glance
Capability type: Incident response
Possible team size: 2 or more responders
Primary focus: Facility repairs, debris removal, animal welfare, utility support, and operational continuity
The appropriate team will depend on facility damage, animal needs, road conditions, utility outages, and the length and severity of the weather event.
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General Repairs
Performs repairs and maintenance needed to restore facility functionality, animal housing, containment, and safe working conditions.Debris Removal
Removes snow, ice-related debris, fallen vegetation, and other hazards to restore safe access and ongoing operations. -
Depending on the facility and conditions, the team may also require:
Animal Husbandry
Veterinarian
Veterinary Technician
Electrical
Chainsaw Operations
Carpentry
Plumbing
Heavy Machinery Operators
Tree Work
Welding
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Cold Weather Operations teams may require:
Generators
Heaters
Fuel containers
Snow-removal equipment
Chainsaws
Hand tools
Weather-monitoring equipment
Appropriate cold-weather personal protective equipment
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Questions to consider include:
Are heating, electrical, or water systems functioning?
Do any animals require additional temperature support?
Are roads, gates, and internal pathways accessible?
Have snow, ice, or fallen trees damaged fencing or structures?
Are backup generators and fuel available?
Will veterinary assessment be needed?
Can responders work safely in current temperatures and conditions?
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General Repairs
Debris Removal
Animal Husbandry, Aquatic
Animal Husbandry, Terrestrial
Veterinarian
Veterinary Technician
Electrical
Chainsaw Operations
Carpentry
Plumbing
Heavy Machinery Operators
Tree Work
Welding
Important Note
Cold-weather response can involve utility hazards, structural damage, dangerous driving conditions, and extended exposure. Teams should account for responder safety, animal-specific temperature needs, and changing weather conditions.
