Bugout Guide
Winter Storm Emergency

Prepare Now.
Power may be out for days.

Ice storms cause more power outages than any other winter weather event. Download this guide while you still have internet access.

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Ice Storm Preparation Checklist
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48 Hours Before the Storm

Complete these tasks NOW while stores are stocked and roads are safe.

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Essential Ice Storm Gear
These items can be lifesavers during a winter power outage. Stock up before the storm hits.
Anker PowerCore 26800mAh
Must have

Anker PowerCore 26800mah

Charges phone 6+ times. Essential for communication.

$60-80
power
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Jackery Explorer 300 Power Station
Important

Jackery Explorer 300 power station

293Wh capacity. Powers devices, small appliances.

$280-320
power
Buy on Amazon
Titan Survival Mylar Blankets (10 Pack)
Must have

Titan Survival mylar blankets (10 pack)

Reflects 90% body heat. Waterproof. Ultra-compact.

$12-18
shelter
Buy on Amazon
SOL Emergency Bivvy
Must have

SOL emergency Bivvy

Reflects 90% of body heat. Reusable. Bright orange for rescue.

$15-25
shelter
Buy on Amazon
WaterBOB Bathtub Water Storage
Important

WaterBOB bathtub water storage

100-gallon water bladder for your bathtub. Fill when disaster strikes.

$35-45
water
Buy on Amazon
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Must have

LifeStraw personal water filter

Compact personal filter. Perfect for go-bags. Filters 1,000 gallons.

$15-20
water
Buy on Amazon
Danger Signs to Watch For
Know these warning signs - they could save your life or a loved one's.
Hypothermia Signs
  • Intense shivering
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Confusion
Action: Call 911 immediately. Move person to warm area, remove wet clothing, warm center of body first.
Frostbite Signs
  • White/grayish-yellow skin
  • Unusually firm or waxy skin
  • Numbness
  • Blisters (severe)
Action: Get into warm room. Immerse in warm (not hot) water. Do NOT rub affected areas.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain
Action: GET OUTSIDE IMMEDIATELY. Call 911. Do not re-enter until cleared by fire department.
Downed Power Lines
  • Lines on ground or hanging low
  • Sparking or arcing
  • Burning smell
Action: Stay at least 35 feet away. Call 911 and your utility company. Assume ALL lines are live.
Essential Ice Storm Supplies

Water

1 gallon per person per day, 3-5 day supply

Non-perishable Food

Canned goods, crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit

Flashlights

LED flashlights with extra batteries (avoid candles)

Power Banks

Fully charged portable chargers for phones

Weather Radio

Battery or hand-crank NOAA radio

First Aid Kit

Basic supplies plus any prescription medications

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Report Power Outages

PGE (Oregon) - Report OutagePG&E (California) - Report OutageDuke Energy - Outage MapPowerOutage.us - All Utilities
Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Resources

January 2026 Historic Winter Storm Emergency Guide

Comprehensive coverage of the ongoing winter storm emergency.

Emergency Kit Builder

Build a customized emergency kit with our interactive tool.

Weather Alert Subscriptions

Get real-time weather alerts for your location.

AI Emergency Plan Generator

Create a personalized emergency plan for your family.