Storm Prep 101 Plans for Peace of Mind
evenings less dreary and a portable power bank or solar charger can keep your phone alive long enough to check in with loved ones and check the weather reports.
If you have a generator, test it before the cold sets in and store enough fuel to run it for several days.
Water and food are where most people get caught short. Aim for at least a gallon of water per person per day, plus extra for pets.
As for food, stock up on shelf-stable items that don’ t require much cooking— canned soups, pasta, beans and rice are staples for a reason. Throw in a few comfort items, too. Coffee, tea or cocoa may not be essential, but they do wonders for morale when the house is cold and quiet. If you do it right, you could make a power outage feel more like a rustic staycation than an emergency situation.
Finally, don’ t forget the little things: a first-aid kit, prescription medications and unplugged entertainment such as a deck of cards or puzzle books. When screens go dark, you’ ll be glad for simple pleasures to keep you occupied.
Barn Basics for a Blizzard
If you’ ve got animals, winter prep means double duty. Checking on livestock in the middle of a snow squall is already daunting but discovering you’ re out of feed on top of that adds a whole new layer of stress.
Your barn kit needs to cover food, water, warmth and safety for every critter in your care.
Feed is priority number one. Keep at least a week’ s worth of hay, grain or specialty provisions in reserve— but remember to rotate it to keep it fresh.
Bedding is next. Stock extra straw, shavings or mats to keep stalls and coops cozy when the temperature dips.
Water can be the biggest challenge during a freeze. Heated buckets or automatic waterers prevent the daily ice-breaking routine, but you’ ll want a backup plan. A few jugs of clean water stored in the house or garage can buy you time and keep your animals hydrated if lines freeze solid.
Finally, don’ t overlook health and safety supplies. Keep a basic animal first-aid kit and medications in a dry, easy-to-reach spot.
Portable lighting such as battery-powered or solar lanterns is a must for late-night barn checks when the power is out. And before the first hard freeze, walk your property to check fences, gates and shelter structures. It’ s far easier to patch a weak spot on a warm afternoon than during a whiteout.
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