Northeast Snowstorms: An Exercise in Home Emergency Preparedness

Wood stove or Fireplace Preparedness

Home Generator
Three years ago, my brother and I bought a 4000 watt generator to put in our mother's house. She lives out in the country, which means she's one of the last to have power restored after a storm. We calculated what was needed for power based on the draw wattage of her appliances and portable electric heaters, and the 4000w size more than covered her. It's a propane unit, and will run continuously for a day on a five-gallon tank. When it was time to install it, we hired an electrician to wire up the panel. Maybe we could have figured it out, but it's always recommended to go with a professional on this type of job for safety's sake. In early November, we go over to plug it in and ensure it's working properly, so when a storm hits, all she needs to do is turn it on. To date, she's only used it twice for two days at a time, but that next storm could easily knock her off the grid for a week.
Food Reserves In The House
Those who have read my past articles know by now that I'm a canning nut. From my own garden veggies to fruits, I have just about everything I need should the apocalypse occur. But even if there's not home canned goods in the larder, a quick shopping list that can be completed weeks before the snowstorm season hits. I plan on having 3-5 days worth of stored food and 10 gallons of water on hand in case I can't use the kitchen stove. As I mentioned before, there's a fireplace in my office with a wide hearth and a swing out grill for cooking meats just like the early settlers. Nearby, I keep a set of cast iron skillets and a dutch oven, and they make fireplace or wood stove cooking a cinch. Look to hoard canned vegetables, tomatoes, chili's, dried pasta, soups, a few steaks, and prioritize items in the fridge before they spoil. Maybe for giggles, throw in a few Ramen noodle packets to the reserve. A bag of marshmallows keeps the kids entertained and lets them feel part of the event.
Supplies For The Neighbors
Bernie is an 86-year-old retiree who lives alone next door to my family. I'll do odd jobs around her house to be neighborly, and she's been known to watch the kids should I have need for a spur-of-the-moment babysitter. When a storm is looming, I drop by and help her get ready. The same principles apply- heat, water, and food. When the snow is falling and waist deep between our houses, I can't easily make over to check in, so I keep an eye on her chimney to ensure she has a fire going. The kids and I will also call her cell phone once a day to just say hello. I think those chats sometimes do me more good than her.
Home Radio
It's a tried and true companion during any emergency. Not only will the weather reports keep coming through to help me plan the next few days, but the entertainment value alone is worth the $6 in batteries needed to keep it operating. Luckily, the kids have the same taste in music as Daddy, and will suffer through my NPR binge once it rears it's head. It's difficult to find a new, battery-powered radio these days, but I've always been luck in my searches by visiting my local Goodwill store.
Snowstorm Entertainment Supplies
My family reads like there's no tomorrow, which in a snowstorm is an apropos habit to have. The shelves are jammed with everything from science fiction to history, and when the conversation wanes, books are a great way to have some alone time. Also, we have a healthy collection of board games in the office, and can be counted on during inclement weather to have an endless game of Monopoly or Risk should the impulse strike.
Whatever the case, we're prepared. It may not be an ideal situation, but there's no reason to be miserable. This winter, I hope you will stay warm and safe when the next big snowstorm hits..
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