Here are some things I learned from the Missouri ice storm of 2007 and recent blizzards:
When shopping to stock up for a winter storm, be sure to buy cold-cuts (food that does not need to be cooked) - bread, lunch meat, hot dogs, tuna fish, etc. If the power goes out there is still edible food.
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Either buy or pour gallons of water. Save water in the hot water heater for when hot water is really, really needed. You may want a really quick shower after a few days of no power.
If you have a generator, plug in an electric oil radiator and light. Have books and games available for entertainment. A small generator will run an oil heater, one lamp, and a small TV with VCR. Close off rooms that are not used - hang blankets in doorways where there is no door. Even at night, your body heat will keep you comfortable in a very cold room with blankets on your bed, socks on your feet and maybe even a beanie on your head.
Try to go out (go hunting) every day to see what is available. Businesses try to make sure that extra propane, kerosene, etc. is coming in. Be there to get it when it does come in.
Have matches and candles in a place where they are easily found. Candles and oil lamps provide light as well as a little heat. You may need to leave them on while you sleep, so keep them on a sturdy surface to stay safe. Jar candles are great as are oil lamps. Save the tapered and pillar candles for daytime.
This year, we had an extraordinarily large amount of snow - 18 inches in one day and night. Our driveway circles our house, so we figured we would be stuck for a day or two. We shoveled the driveway a little at a time until it was completely cleared.
The Boy Scouts have it right-always be prepared. After a recent early season snow storm knocked out power for days in the mid-Atlantic, families emerged from the darkness with the realization that they weren't as prepared for a disaster as they thought.
If you know there is a large snowfall coming, you can place tarps in places you want to prevent snow from getting piled up in places you don't want. This is a great way to use tarps when preparing for snow.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging everyone to take preventive measures to ensure their safety and reduce the risk of winter storm damage to property.
Here are some things I learned from the Missouri ice storm of 2007 and recent blizzards:
