Hello, Prepared Citizens,
November is when I start taking winter readiness seriously here in North Idaho. Snow and ice can make a normal errand harder, and a power or communications problem can complicate even a simple family plan. This week, I’m thinking about one basic question: If our phones or internet stopped working for a while, would everyone in the household know what to do?
A recent Idaho reminder
On October 19, ransomware disrupted computer systems at the Jerome School District and forced schools to close for two days. Students returned while some systems were still being restored, and the district said its investigation was continuing. This was a cyber incident, not a report of a power-grid attack. Still, it shows how much everyday routines can depend on digital systems—and why it helps to have a simple backup plan on paper. KMVT’s report
Take 15 minutes to make your plan usable offline
Write down the essentials and put a copy somewhere family members can find it:
- Key phone numbers, including an out-of-area contact.
- Where to meet if you can’t reach one another.
- Who is authorized to pick up children, and the school’s main phone number.
- Important medications, allergies, and care instructions.
- A nearby person you can check on—and who can check on you.
Keep private medical and contact information secure. Make sure everyone knows where the paper copy is, and review it when phone numbers or routines change.
Then take a quick look at the winter basics. Idaho’s Office of Emergency Management recommends keeping food and water, warm layers, flashlights, essential medications, and backup phone charging available. For the vehicle, check blankets, warm clothing, a flashlight, water, snacks, jumper cables, and a windshield scraper. Keep the tank at least half full when winter travel is likely. Idaho winter preparedness guidance · Idaho road conditions
One safety reminder: if you use a generator, operate it outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages, and use working carbon-monoxide alarms. Never use a grill or gas oven to heat the house.
Free printable: Family Winter-Outage Checklist
I put together a one-page checklist to help you turn this plan into action. It covers family contacts, school pickup and reunification, home outage supplies, winter vehicle essentials, and a quick family practice. There is also space to write down your meeting place and out-of-area contact.
Download the Family Winter-Outage Checklist (PDF)
Your small step this week
Print one contact sheet, tell your household where it is, and test a flashlight or power bank. That’s a useful start—and it costs little or nothing.
If you want a checklist to work from, my free printable preparedness checklists include home and family readiness, vehicle readiness, food storage, and a 72-hour emergency kit. They’re available without signing up.
Survival-kit giveaway reminder
The Idaho Prepper survival-kit giveaway closes November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. If you enter through the newsletter signup, click the confirmation link in the email to complete your subscription and receive the automatic entry. The official rules also explain the free email-entry option. See the giveaway and official rules
Thanks for being here and taking one practical step at a time.
Joe
The Idaho Prepper
Prepare Today. Survive Tomorrow.
Leave a Reply