Ice storm power outage: how to prepare for days without power

Why ice storms mean long outages

The National Weather Service says: "Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers. Ice can disrupt communications and power for days while utility companies repair extensive damage." That can mean days, not hours, and it may include your phone signal. Ready.gov says to gather supplies "in case you need to stay home for several days without power." The checklist below is how you get there before the ice does.

When an ice storm is forecast: the 24-hour checklist

• Charge everything. Phones, power banks and a power station if you have one. Ready.gov says to plan for power sources "such as a portable charger or power bank." Which one fits: power bank vs power station.
• Check your batteries. Ready.gov says: "Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights."
• Set a NOAA weather radio to your county. Do you need a NOAA weather radio?
• Fill water containers. See how much water to store.
• Stock food you don't have to cook. See no-cook meals for a power outage.
• Get some cash. Card readers need power. See how much cash to keep at home.
• Fill the gas tank. Ready.gov says to keep your tank full "in case of evacuation or power outages."

Staying informed when cell and internet drop

The National Weather Service says ice can bring down "communication towers" and disrupt communications for days. A battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio still gets alerts when your phone can't. Keep your phone on low power and use it for calls and texts. More: internet and cell outage.

Downed lines and ice outside

• Stay away from downed lines. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) says: "If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized." and "You cannot tell whether or not a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all downed power lines are live."
• If a power line falls on your car, Ready.gov says: "Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire."
• Bridges freeze first. The National Weather Service says bridges and overpasses "freeze before other surfaces," and black ice "cannot easily be seen." If you must drive, see the winter car emergency kit.

Heat, pipes and carbon monoxide

Ready.gov says: "Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home," and "Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows." CDC says: "Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors." For staying warm, frozen pipes and CO alarms, see power outage in winter.

Food after a long outage

Keep the fridge and freezer closed. FoodSafety.gov says a fridge keeps food safe for up to 4 hours if you keep the door closed, and to throw out refrigerated perishable food after 4 hours without power. A full freezer holds about 48 hours (24 if half full) with the door closed. Ready.gov says: "Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher." Check the FoodSafety.gov chart before you eat anything you're unsure about.

Getting through the days

Most of what gets you through a multi-day ice outage is light, power, a radio, water and cash. A warm place with friends counts too.

Buy / Borrow / Skip

• Buy: a power bank for each phone or a power station, a lantern or headlamp with batteries, a NOAA weather radio, water jugs, and a box for cash and documents.
• Borrow: a warm, powered place with friends or family, or a local warming center.
• Skip: gas or dual-fuel generators for apartments, portable flameless chemical heaters indoors, and candles as your main light.