We hear about a snowstorm coming and off we rush to the grocery store for our milk, bread, and eggs. But did we stop and think about what we really need to get in order to be prepared?
One of the best things to buy and have on hand are batteries. When the power goes off, we run for a flashlight only to find out that they don’t work. I know because when I checked mine the other day, out of six flashlights only one worked a little bit. Make sure they are handy and put one beside your bed if you are afraid that there might be a power outage.
Yes, you will need food but usually within 24 hours the roads are good enough to get out if you must. So unless you don’t keep any food around, you won’t starve until the storm is over. And buying a dozen loaves of bread is probably not necessary unless your household has 25 people and you plan to eat just sandwiches.
Make sure your cell phone is always fully charge. Should there be a power outage then at least you can call if necessary. If the power does go off then use your phone sparingly so your batteries last.
Check to see if you have gas in your vehicles and extra for your snow blower. Snow blowers are so handy but if you don’t have gas they don’t perform very well.
Make sure you have plenty of water around. Fill gallon jugs or pitchers for drinking and hand washing. Fill your bath tubs so if there is a power outage then you have water to flush the toilets. Toilets don’t need electric to perform but they do need water.
If you have a generator then check to make sure that it is in running condition. Also don’t forget to buy fuel to keep it running.
If you heat with wood then make sure there is plenty of dry wood available. Get it in before it snows as digging for wood under the snow is not a lot of fun.
As it snows during the day, don’t wait until the snow is over to go out and shovel. Go out every few hours and shovel what is there. Also help elderly neighbors as shoveling snow can cause heart attacks.
Prepare a spot in your entry way for wet boots and gloves. I have several boot trays that I line up for the boots. A drying rack works great for drying gloves and coats.
Get prepared and then sit back and enjoy the God’s beautiful snow as it falls. And then your yard will look just as beautiful as your neighbors!
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