Winter storms have the potential of shutting down schools and also of robbing us temporarily of wonderful commodities like electricity. What can you do to prepare for winter weather – blizzards or ice storms that close schools and offices and have everyone at home with no television or computer?
You may be unhappy to be stuck without television or internet or even a computer to play games on but you can survive. The main things are that you have fresh water, a safe heat source, warm clothes and food to eat. Have you ever been stranded at home by the cold? How did you manage those essentials? Did you stay comfortable or did you suffer?
Planning ahead and being prepared can make a big difference in how you and your household members fare during a winter weather emergency. Winter storm readiness is a good exercise in thinking ahead.
Water and Food Supply
Water supply is probably the most important for survival, but also one of the easiest parts of preparation. Based on the number of people in your home, store containers of water for drinking and extra water for washing. Figure a gallon per person for three days at least, as that is about the average time span for a winter crises. If it looks like it may last longer, keep water use for washing down and conserve most of the clean water for drinking and cooking. Use the cooking water where you can and reuse wash water if possible.
Stock up on canned goods that can be eaten as is – cold if need be or with a small amount of cooking. precooked frozen foods can be thawed and used. Dry cereals, crackers and cheeses, summer sausage, peanut butter, bread, and canned tuna can be eaten with no heat for cooking. If you know a storm is on its way, cook up some foods like a roast chicken or baked ham to see you through. Fruit and packaged foods like cookies can be good storm cuisine. Try instant puddings to use up milk if the fridge is out. Warm drinks like hot chocolate and instant soup help you stay warm. Keep supplies of these.
Keeping Warm and Lighted
Find out how your home is heated. It may have a wood or gas operated furnace, central heat unit which uses gas or electricity, wood stove, or propane or electric heaters. Consider how a storm would affect you if electricity went out? If it would leave you without a source of heat, you need to think of an alternate source. A fire inside is not an option even if contained because of smoke and fumes. Fire and some heaters must be vented.
Some use a gas oven with the door open or gas burners left on, but this is not a safe practice. If no heat is available keep all windows and doors closed and lay rolled up towels along edges to keep out drafts. Wear a coat or layers of clothes and keep blankets and comforters that you can wrap up in on a bed or couch in the warmest room to conserve heat.
An oil lamp makes safe indoor light. Candles and matches, plus flashlights and extra batteries will help you find your way in the darkness. Be sure lamps are set up in a safe clear spot. Put something under a candle that cannot burn like a bowl or plate.
Keeping in Touch
You will need a way to call for help if necessary. Keep a stationary phone in case power is out, a cell phone may lose power Use a flag or make one out of a sheet with SOS written in large letters. This can be hung out if someone is sick or in the event of medical emergency. Hang it from an upper window or outside the front door only if it is an emergency. Be certain that everyone knows the rules – what heat is safe, what food and water is safe and when it may be dangerous, when the SOS flag can be used.
Keeping Busy
The ordeal of being snowed or iced in can be an adventure with some preparation. Prepare something to keep busy. Board games and jigsaw puzzles help pass the time. Write a letter about the storm. Read out loud and tell stories. A box of storm day activities will help cheer everyone. Include crafts, games, small toys, coloring books, and reading materials.
Make the best of a storm by being prepared and you and your family will make it through with stories to tell.
 |
