Experts at Columbia University 's National Center for Disaster Preparedness and the National Weather Service are urging families to assemble emergency kits ahead of the increasing risk of wildfires and power outages in the American West. With record‑low snowpack levels this winter, water supplies are projected to be scarce, and the region faces a higher likelihood of wildfires and prolonged power cuts. The guidance recommends a three‑day supply of water, purification tablets or filters, a good flashlight, batteries, and power banks from Nimble and Ridge . It also highlights the use of MERV‑13 air filters and a box fan to create a DIY air purifier, and the Watch Duty app for wildfire awareness. Charlie Woodrum, National Weather Service preparedness lead, said, "We could lose power for up to a week." Jonathan Sury, senior staff associate at Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness, emphasized that families must prepare for both evacuation and sheltering scenarios. Heidi Huber‑Stearns and Amanda Stasiewicz added that "MERV‑13 filters and a box fan can help create a DIY air purifier."