Make a Plan - To Prepare for a Storm

SNOW IS COMING!

The wife has a regular activity to review weather issues coming up. There are, of course, the regular weather channels on TV and radio, as well as NOAA and National Weather Service website.  But, in our area, there is a Facebook Page (Steve's Weather Page) we use to get more the technical details around the potential for the storm.  Well, it appears there's a SNOW storm being predicted, so we thought it good timing to add a short preparatory guide.

First, its important to distinguish between types of storms, because each may pose different potential threats:

• Ice Storms
• Snow Storms
• Hurricanes
• Severe Thunderstorms

Here are some potential risks:

• roads may not be clear (fallen trees, snow or ice)
• may lose access to roads (we have a 300 foot driveway, and yes...  we have shoveled the whole thing several times!)
• loss of power (in larger or particularly windy storms)
• damage to property from fallen tree or branches (we've lost a couple of sheds in our recent past)

These are just a few ideas we go through each time a SNOW STORM approaches:

• Do you have COFFEE?! - somewhat jokingly, but really nothing starts to day quite like a cup-o-jo (or tea if your heart desires).
• Check Food Supplies - Think back to the last major storm in your area, and all the news or weather stories stressing how there MIGHT be power outages.  Have you ever gone to the store in the days leading up to the storm?  It's not a pretty sight.  No bottles water, much of the canned food is gone, and long lines.  In general, a pretty scary scene, and that's just for a storm.  Most government agencies recommend at least 72 hours of food in case of emergency.  However, many prepper-type folks recommend 14 days or even 30 days.  Taking it even further, some social and religious organizations (eg. LDS church) recommend 1 year of food storage.  We recently read a great article on saving money AND building up your pantry/stockpile, called "How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half".  Remember the KISS approach to meal planning during a storm- Keep It Simply Simple! ie soup and sandwhiches
• Check Water Supplies - we have a deep water well, so if we lose electricity, we lose access to potable water!  Storing some amount of water is a regular process for us.  Generally we just check the amounts and see if there's any need to increase.
• You may want to take showers before the storm hits, because no power means your water heater is going to get cold!
• Check Toilet Paper and Paper Towels - If properly stocked, a family shouldn't need to be concerned for a typical storm.  But paper products are generally very important, so keep them in mind to make sure you don't run out.
• Check First Aid Supplies - Considering roads may be snowed/iced over, and getting to an urgent care or emergency room facility may be difficult, every family should maintain at least a small First Aid kit.  Also, be familiar with those supplies and how to use them.  
• Full Tank of Gas and Move Cars - Whether you own one, or many vehicles, consider filling up on gas just before the storm.  If power outages occur, you could use the vehicle to power small electronics like phones and DVD players.  Also, if there is an emergency at home and a need to get out quick, it might be a good idea to park the car at the end of the driveway.  This way, its much quicker to clear a path to the road.
• Charge all electronics before the peak of the storm. This may include: cell phones, PCs, IPODS, IPADS, Kindles, potable DVDs(a personal must have when power is out for long period of time)
• Salt for walk ways - No need for huge amounts, unless you have some means to store it without wasting it, but for safety have a bag or two of salt to put down on walkways.
• Snow shovels and or Snow blower with full tank - at the very least clear off walkways of snow as soon as possible.  Before the snow begins to build, make sure to put the shovels, and/or snow blower in a readily accessible location.  This way you can quick clear walkways and driveways as necessary.
• Paper plates and silverware - If water service is interrupted (again, we have a deep well, so loss of electricity also means loss of access to water), it may be difficult to wash dishes.  Consider having a stock of plates, cups and plastic utensils.  These can also be used during hospitality events, like inviting folks over for the Super Bowl party!
• Set aside flashlights and candles - If you already have a standard location for flashlights and candles, then there's no major concern.  However, often families will store candles in boxes.  In this case it's important to bring them out and make them more readily available.
• Pull out some boards/card games - We tend to store board and card games away when we're not using them.  Involve the kids by having them choose a game or two and bringing them to a central point in case power goes out.
• Consider setting aside some warm, play outside clothes, and get the sleds out.  Giving the kids something fun to do when the storm lets up will be good to raise spirits.
• Dark Chocolate to Calm Nerves and Lighten Spirits - Chocolate is chocolate, and most people love it.  Of course it doesn't HAVE to be chocolate.  Just have some type of treat that can be used to lighten spirits if the power is out for any extended period of time.
• If a child is sick, it might be good to get them checked out at the doctor before the storm.  Of course use best judgement on this, but if it appears an illness is getting worse, it may be better to try to get the the doctor to provide antibiotics or other higher level service ahead of the storm.  In October 2012, Noah started getting pretty sick, and was eventually admitted to the hospital for Pneumonia.  Superstorm Sandy then hit, and the entire area lost power, including the hospital (they had emergency generators, so were back up immediately).  The hospital got him back to a measure of health, and discharged him.  Normally, a nebulizer machine would be used at home for treatment, but our home was still without power, so the hospital provided us with a means to administer breathing treatments without power.
• Consider any upcoming elective appointments (regular checkup, dentist, vision, etc.).  You could be charged for a missed appointment.  This of course is dependent on the service provider.  But we have had situations in which, due to icy road conditions, we were unable to get to the office.  
• Also be sure to take a walk around the house and property to see if there are any items that could be damaged by the storm.  Consider items that could be blown around in the wind and thrown into a window.  Check garage and shed doors to make sure they are secured in place or otherwise locked.  Involve the kids by having them bring in or put away the outside toys and equipment.  

We'd love to hear thoughts on what others do to prepare for snow storms.  Comment below.

The Marshall Clan