Field Notes

Is Your House Ready for a Blackout? The 27-Point Checklist
Six sections, 27 checkboxes: water, light, warmth, information, power, and the family plan. Score your house tonight. Read more...
What Portable Water Filters Actually Remove (And What They Don't)
Hollow fiber, carbon, tablets, boiling — an honest map of what each method handles, from a brand that sells filters. Read more...
Generator Safety: The Carbon Monoxide Rules That Save Lives Every Storm Season
After big storms, CO poisoning kills people who survived the storm itself. The rules have no exceptions. Read more...
How Much Water Does a Family Need in an Emergency?
One gallon per person per day is the floor. Here's the math for your household — and the water already hiding in your house. Read more...
The First 10 Minutes of a Power Outage: What to Do, In Order
Five calm steps for the moment the lights go out — from checking the street to the one door you must keep closed. Read more...
How Long Does Food Last in the Fridge Without Power?
The 4-hour fridge rule, the 48-hour freezer rule, and exactly what to keep or toss when the power comes back. Read more...