Beans & LegumesWinter Storm Survival
Last week a huge winter Storm hit the eastern part of the United States. People in the west have grown accustom to these kinds of storms and live with them every winter.
The big difference is that they are ready with the proper tools and gear to thrive during these storms. So here is a checklist you should have for that big snow…
1. A snow shovel
Don’t skimp when it comes to getting yourself a nice snow shovel. Make sure it’s a medium size shovel. Not too big and not too small. Of course if you have the money, a good snow blower can be very handy as well.
But if you can’t justify a now blower, make sure you at least have a couple of good snow shovels.
2. Chains for your tires, snow tires.
If you have ever tried to drive on the ice you know that it doesn’t make much of a difference to have 4 wheel drive when your vehicle can’t get any traction! You can pick up a good set of chains for not much money and save yourself a lot of hassle. If you live in an area where it snows often, you might want to put some snow tires on.
3. An Auto Emergency kit
Picture this, you are driving in the snow, and then the road gets so bad that they have to close it. Or even worse, you get stuck on a low traffic road in the snow. What do you do? You break out the Auto emergency kit! This kit should include extra warm clothing, food, water, and light. You may also want to include an emergency dynamo powered cell phone charger as well so you can keep the juice flowing through your cell phone.
4. Extra blankets, and layers of clothing
As stated above, you may not think you need it, but keep some extra warm clothes and blankets in your car. Don’t forget the gloves and hat! Even if you don’t need to use them, you might find yourself on the rescuing end of an emergency and it’s nice to have these items on hand to help others that may be stuck on the snow.
5. An alternative heat source.
So many times a big winter know will knock out access to the power. How do you keep warm then? You should invest in a generator, some wood for a fire, or at least some heavy blankets to keep your family warm. Don’t go on thinking that the power will always be on. It’s especially dangerous in a power outage to now have adequate heat, warmth and shelter.
6. Extra Food Storage
When the snow hits, you don’t want to be on the icy, snowy roads. Make sure you have enough food stored in your home to at least get you through the storm. While snow doesn’t last forever, it can sometimes hem you into your home for a while making it very important that you have plenty of food and water to get you through.
7. Ice melt
Ice is a tricky thing. The last thing you want is to slip on the ice and break a bone. Make sure you sprinkle ice on your walkways and driveway. This will not only help you but keep you from being liable in the case a guest comes by the house and takes a fall. Hips are often broke from an unexpected slip in the ice.
8. Communication device
Keep your cell phone charged, and also break out your Emergency radio for the latest news and emergency information. Make sure this device can be powered through a hand crank (dynamo) because during a snowstorm solar power isn’t going to help much.
9. Emergency Lighting
Keep extra candles, and emergency light on hand. You can get light sticks, and dynamo powered flashlights at The Ready Store!
10. A Sled!
If you have enough warm clothing, take advantage of the snow and go sledding or skiing! It’s important to get out of the house and get some physical activity for both your physical and mental health!
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Awesome information for those that haven’t been thru snow problems. I was born and raised in New England and now I live in VA. I still keep a milk crate in my car with blankets, food, water, light and extra scraper and a bag of kitty litter incase traction isn’t what it should be the litter helps under the tires. I think your information is right on and keep up the good work. It’s a bonus for people to be well informed vice no information what so ever.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:58 amJust a thought on keeping warm in your car: At most of the truck stops, they have little coffee pots that heats water for most any drink. You just plug it in your cigrette lighter and in a few mins you have hot water for coffee,tea, or instant soup. Being warm is the main concern when you are stuck on the road with traffic backup because of snow and ice.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:13 amYou might want to change .7 Ice melt to read
December 28th, 2009 at 10:32 ammake sure you sprinkle salt (not ice)
No. 7 I dont think I will “spinkle ice” on my sidewalk or driveway. Otherwise good information
December 28th, 2009 at 10:57 amNumber 5 reads as: It’s especially dangerous in a power outage to NOW have adequate heat, warmth and shelter. I think you mean: It’s especially dangerous in a power outage to NOT have adequate heat, warmth and shelter.
December 28th, 2009 at 11:27 amGREAT INFO. Now I know there are other “proof readers” like me who “catch” all the errors but I usually don’t have a way to let the writer know about errors.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:26 pmHaving lived in Wyoming for 11 years, I would add to #3 a sub-zero rated sleeping bag, a folding shovel, kitty litter for extra traction. Also if you are truly stranded in your vehicle & have a cell’phone with you, leave it turned on as emergency personell will be able to locate you by its signal. This saved a woman’s life in N. Dakota. Stay with your vehicle, especially in a blizzard so that you don’t get lost & freeze to death. Also be sure that the vehicle’s exhaust pipe is not buried in a snow bank if you will be periodlically starting the vehicle for warmth or you could succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:25 pmGood suggestion by one of the commentors regarding the variety of small 12v appliances that can be carried. In addition to common sense supplies, I personally carry a low output indoor rated propane heater that will run for around 16hrs on one 16oz bottle of propane. Important to note that you understand the limitations of these devices, ventilation requirements and necessary clearances to avoid fire. But this allows almost a day that the vehicle would not have to be started and gives quicker warmth when you get out of the vehicle to clear the tailpipe. My kit is based on the number of stories I have heard about people that lived in their car for three days or more due to weather. I learned a hard lesson about winter preparedness when I got socked in, luckily home not car, for three solid days without basic supplies.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:21 amYou might want to carry a package of 10 hour hand warmers and extra medication (if required) for at least 3 hrs.
January 1st, 2010 at 2:02 pmI was always told that part of your winter car emergency kit should include a large metal coffee can, a roll of toilet paper and at least one bottle of rubbing alcohol 90%+ if posssible.
remove the cardboard tube from the roll of toilet paper, insert toilet paper into can, place on safe (nonflammable) surface, pour in alcohol and light the toilet paper. the paper acts as a wick and the alcohol burns. It serves as a tremendous heater for small spaces…trapped inside a car or in a tent.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:10 amI hooked this up in the kitchen sink to avoid a 30 foot run from the principle HWH. It took about 1 hour below the sink and one other half-hour putting in another energy outlet. The heater works great. The 2.5 gallon supply is lots to deal with dishes and hand washes. I disconnected the primary supply and haven’t missed it.
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:17 pmI had a small reem scorching water heater for underneath the sink that lasted four years. This one was easier to install and heats water quicker and takes up less room (both have been 2 half gal). It stays cooler beneath the sink (it’s enclosed) than the reem.
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:26 pm