Snow Day Survival Guide (Adult Edition)

Recently, my house lost power for THREE WHOLE DAYS during a freak October blizzard. During our time stuck inside, we managed to survive and even have some fun, but I definitely realized that if this were to ever happen again I would like to be more prepared. Here are my tips for how to survive being snowed in for a few days;

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1. Don’t Underestimate Weather Reports

There were many weather reports prior to the blizzard stating that we would be getting snow.

Within the past year, I realized that our city often calls snow days for absolutely no reason so I didn’t think much about it, especially because it’s October.

I even told my students we would most likely be having school the next day, ha – joke was on me.

Tip: If a lot of snow is being predicted in your area. Charge phones, laptops, etc to full capacity while you have power! Get out flashlights and all emergency backup items just in case. It wouldn’t hurt to write down any important phone numbers you don’t have memorized.

2. Stock Up On Food & Drinks.

Take a look in your pantry and make a list of all food items you should buy if your electricity goes out. I would recommend getting a variety of foods. Peanut butter and jelly gets very boring after a couple of meals.

Remember if your appliances run on electricity you won’t be able to cook anything (unless you have camping equipment – see below). Then get to the grocery store, preferably before the rest of the town does.

Suggestions;

Snacks – popcorn, Chex Mix, granola bars, cookies, etc.
Fruit – fresh or canned
Veggies – celery, cucumbers, etc.

If you have a source of cooking I would recommend;

Just add water foods – soup, oatmeal, pasta, or freeze-dried food packets

Don’t forget the drinks!

Hot Chocolate
Hot Buttered Rum Cider
WINE, WINE, and more WINE (or alcohol of your preference)
Other drinks to mix it up – Gatorade, Juice, etc.

(*Please note: We still had water but if you might be without it stock up on bottles of water – tons of water.)

3. Stock Up On Other Essentials

If you can’t get out of the driveway you certainly won’t be able to run out and pick up any essentials.

Do you have enough;

Food and water for your animals?

Medication(s)?

Batteries?

Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex?

Female Supplies?

Candles?

Lighters/matches?

Protection? (Many babies are born 9 months after a snowstorm.)

Diapers, wipes, formula?

Having a dog to cuddle with helps you keep warm.

3. Get Out the Camping Equipment

Never before was I so happy that my family loves to camp. I was very grateful for all the camping equipment we had on hand to use during the power outage.

- JETBOIL – We used our tiny Jetboil to keep the hot chocolate flowing, to heat up soup, and we even used it to make pasta.
- HEADLAMPS – I love to read. Headlamps allowed me to continue to read regular books even after my Kindle died.
- SLEEPING BAGS – It was cold in our house, super cold and it was only October. Had it been a real winter month I don’t know what we would have done.

CAMPING CHAIR – When I started going stir crazy I sat outside in my camping chair to read because it honestly was warmer outside than in the house.

PORTABLE HEATER – We didn’t have one during this storm but we do now!

Tip: If losing power is a common occurrence (or you have young children) I would definitely invest in a backup generator. Also, in my next house, I would love a natural fireplace.

4. Organize Your Entertainment

After the blizzard, I was at the grocery store and I have never seen more men buying flowers and cards in my life. I have a strong suspicion that some relationships didn’t fare too well when just stuck with each other for company. Luckily, I was stuck with my amazing fiance.

My advice;

Try to get somewhere with people you actually like before the storm hits (I heard many stories of people trapped at work or alone).

Buy more entertainment that doesn’t need electricity. Do you have regular books? Do you have board games? Do you have a deck of cards? Do you have a battery-powered music player?

If you have kids think of buying some new blocks/Legos, coloring books, puzzles, etc.

Invest in a battery-powered charging station!

Catch up on your sex life. Take your time, you have plenty of it and it is a great way to stay warm.

I hope you never have to experience the loss of electricity while being snowed in but if you ever do I hope my suggestions help.

Mehgan

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View Comments

Sandra says:

January 17, 2022 at 6:20 am

Great Ideas! Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
• Fill up gas tank in car/generator (at the first notice of the storm - otherwise, there may be none left by time you get to the gas station)
• Check your back up heat! If fireplace or wood stove is your back up heat, make sure to have dry wood & kinling to start & keep fire going. Or stock up on kerosene if needed
• Refill all Rx meds & have all meds on hand
• Remind kids to keep all electronics charged during the storm.
• Save your light bread (loaf) bags. They work great to put over socks, before putting on shoes, when heading out into snow, to keep socks dry.
• Bring snow shovels inside the house & set by the front door. Shovel numerous times during the storm, so as to not have to shovel all at one time.
• Be careful when outside shoveling. Folks have been known to experience a heart attack, asthma attack, and/or pulled muscle.
• Keep at least 1 gallon of water per person on hand for 3 days. This can be used for drinking, cooking, and flushing the toilet.
• Keep antibacterial wipes available to use, especially if you may lose power/water.
• Don’t forget about your pets! Bring them inside & stock up on food/treats for them. If you are unable to keep them inside during the storm, check with your local SPCA - they may offer free boarding during the storm.
• Do NOT get stuck without batteries, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and/or flushable toilet wipes.
• Check on neighbors, disAbled, & neighbors. They may be lacking something that you have extra of.
• Stock up Stock up Stock up on bottled waters!
• Stay informed about local warming shelters in the event that you lose power.
• Check with local friends, social media, etc. to be informed of which neighbor may be able to come clear your driveway & sidewalks.
• Stock up on non perishables, especially with children. Pop tarts, cereal, canned food such as Beefaroni, Spaghetti & Meatballs, etc., fresh fruit such as bananas, apples, oranges, etc., canned soup
• Shower, do laundry, clean in the day(s) leading up to the storm
• Keep Home toasty & warm during the storm in case power goes out
• Stay vigilant if you use kerosene heater or camping equipment indoors, so as to not allow fumes to trap in house, keep eye on any candles burning with flame
• Take out all trash from home right before storm arrives
• Keep vehicles off the street, if possible & do not shovel and snow/ice into the way of the trucks working to clear the roads
• Have plastic forks & spoons on hand, along with paper plates & napkins
• Write down important phone numbers
• Some of these may be redundant to what was already spoken about in this article
- Mehgan says:
  
  January 17, 2022 at 9:16 pm
  
  These are excellent tips! I especially like the information about writing down important phone numbers and taking out the trash (I never would have thought on that).