New academic terms and winter weather both pick back up in January. As you get ready for your new classes, you should also prepare for the winter weather you could see. Natural disasters and severe weather events, like a blizzard, happen across the United States, and as an F or M student, it is important to know what could affect your area and what you need to do to maintain your nonimmigrant student status in a weather emergency 

You can find information about winter weather from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an expert in emergency preparedness. FEMA provides resources through Ready.gov to help you get information quickly when you need it. Learn how to make an emergency plan, build a disaster kit and get involved in local community efforts. Additional government resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security also can help you stay safe.

If you do need to evacuate your school due to a weather emergency, it is important to stay safe and maintain your status. Bring these items and forms with you if you leave:

• Passport (and visa, if applicable)
• Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility of Nonimmigrant Student Status”
• Your Social Security card and Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document,” if applicable
• Financial records
• Money
• Plane tickets, if applicable
• Contact information for your designated school official (DSO)
• Contact information for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (by e-mail sevp@ice.dhs.gov and by phone at 703-603-3400)

If you have questions or need help finding resources in your area or on your campus, talk to your DSO.