How to Prepare for a Winter Power Outage Before the Lights Go Out

In the Mountains, snow and ice storms can cause several days of power outages due to trees and branches that can fall onto power lines. Overloaded power grids can also result in rolling blackouts, where power is temporarily cut or voltage is reduced, as high-energy consumption during cold snaps can exacerbate the issue.

It is important to prepare for such emergencies, as power companies and emergency services are often overwhelmed during these times. Below are just a few tips on how you can help prepare by ensuring you have emergency heat and supplies in place.

Emergency Items on Hand:

  • Water: 1 gallon per person per day. Extra for pets & toilets.
  • Use hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to save water.
  • Non-perishable food (canned goods, dried foods)
  • Medications (Minimum of a week’s supply) plus a first aid kit & manual.
  • Flashlights and extra batteries, not candles, to reduce fire risk.
  • Radio and batteries, or a hand-cranked radio.
  • Manual can opener plus multi-tool, duct tape, games, or books for saving battery usage.
  • Portable toilet, garbage bags, or cat litter to store waste if needed. Toilet paper & paper towels.
  • Cash (small bills – ATM’s/pumps, card readers may not work).
  • Important documents (ID’s, insurance, medical info)

For Heat:

  • Generators and fuel (use outdoors only) exhaust pointing away from the house.
  • Use heavy-duty outdoor extension cords. Remember to store fuel safely, in approved containers.
  • Never use a gas oven/stove to heat your home. Use propane heaters that are labeled for indoor use only and include safety features. DO NOT use outdoor propane heaters!
  • Wood stove or fireplace w/wood and matches.
  • Warm clothing layers, hats/gloves, socks, plus blankets and sleeping bags.
  • Close curtains and blinds to reduce heat loss, and/or add blankets over windows at night if very cold.
  • Close doors to unused rooms and use one or two “core” rooms for living and sleeping.

Protect your Safety, Home, & Electronics

  • If lines are down outside, assume they are live; stay away and report them.
  • Disconnect outdoor hoses and know the location of the main water shut-off if needed.
  • Prevent pipe freezes and insulate exposed pipes. Leave faucets dripping or open cabinet doors.
  • If electricity is out, unplug sensitive electronics. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as the fridge stays cold for about 4 hours and the freezer 48 hours.

Remember to plan well before an outage and know how to manually open your garage door if needed to use car heat or chargers, and keep vehicles at least half a tank full. Be sure to coordinate with neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled. Fully charge cell phones and keep emergency service phone numbers handy.

During the outage, be sure to check on neighbors. Whenever possible, use text messages instead of phone calls to save phone battery and check the weather radio for updates.

Helping to prepare with essentials on hand, you’ll be better prepared to face the unexpected and help others with confidence and resilience.

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