This is a re-post from 2011 but the ideas are still relevant. Keep warm and safe in the cold weather. It was -22 this morning where I live. Be prepared before the storm!
I think winter may be on its way!! It snowed today and my kids thought it was really fun, but as adults we know how long winter can be. When it gets colder I always think about how we would cope if the power went out. I personally don't enjoy being cold and having no heat would sure make life uncomfortable. There are many ways of preparing for a cold weather emergency and I want to give you some ideas of what you could do before hand so you are well prepared.
Winter Preparation To Do List:
- Have a portable heater, such as a Mr. Buddy heater, kerosene heater and lamps with oil, or wood for a wood burning stove.
- Emergency radio: crank or battery operated. Store it in a location that is easy to access and always have extra batteries.
- If possible have a generator. A 5000 watt generator will run almost any appliance. It has a 6 gallon gas tank that will run for 14 hours.
- During the winter if it is cold enough outside you can put food in coolers and leave them by your back door. Store coolers that will fit the food you typically have in your freezer and fridge.
- A great way to stay warm is to pitch a tent in your living room or other room with a heat source. The kids will probably enjoy this, but it is to keep the most heat in the area you are all sleeping.
- Sleeping bags and warm weather clothing. I recently stood in line for 2 hours (by choice) in a snow storm and wore long underwear to keep warm. I thought I was going to be cold but I didn't feel cold and I know it was the long underwear. Have a pair for everyone in your family. Wool socks also kept my toes from freezing! Hats, gloves, coats, scarves, socks, and warm sleeping bags are all important for every member of your family.
- A To Do Box of non-electric games, toys, coloring books, cards, jump ropes, paper, pens, pencils, etc to keep everyone occupied during a power outage. I know that my kids nagging me with "I'm bored" would literally drive me insane if I had to hear it all day long. Keep a box ready for power outages or emergencies to save everyone from boredom.
- A great idea that I got from somewhere (I can't remember, sorry) is to have a menu written out, BEFORE the emergency, with the meals you could make if the power was out. Have at least a weeks worth ready to go. If you have a small butane stove you would probably have meals like soups, stews, or rice dishes. Or if you have a Volcano Stove you could grill, or bake a dish. Knowing what your menu will be will alleviate the stress of making food when it is cold, dark, and miserable!!
- Have a corded land line phone in your home. When the power goes out so do your cordless phones. Cell phones may or may not work in an emergency.
- Snow shovels are also an item that will be gone from stores when a storm hits. Have 1 or 2 shovels ready in your garage.
Before the Storm:
If you know a storm is approaching there are a few things you can do to prepare your family. I am assuming you already will have food and water.
- Put gas in your car.
- Do the laundry and dishes and put away. Folding laundry in the dark is never fun :)
- Charge all phones, DS games, computers, dvd players, ipods, etc.
- If you have a wood burning stove or fireplace, have all the wood cut and placed in an area that is easy to access.
- Get out all flashlights, batteries, candles, and matches so you aren't searching in the dark for light.
- Bathe and shower the kids and yourself. Starting off clean will make life more pleasant for everyone. :)
- Make sandwiches, gather some soup cans, or cook some food if the power is expected to go out. I would pull out some snacks and keep them out so we don't have to search in the dark for food.
IF you aren't prepared for any emergency I would then tell you to get yourself to the store and buy food, water, flashlights, and batteries. Although so will most of the general population, so go early to get any kind of a selection.
If you travel frequently during the winter months it is important to have a car kit in your vehicle. Click HERE to view a previous post on winter weather preparation and car kits.
"Have faith, unemcomber your life, lay up in store"-Keith B. McMullen
The holidays on top of selling/buying a new home, and moving have taken all of my time recently. This post will be short and sweet.
I was so excited to get a Goal Zero generator for Christmas this year. My husband bought it for me and I was so excited to have a way to light our home in an emergency, but it will also be so useful in keeping our sanity in an emergency. I learned this first hand the other day.
Part of selling your home is going through an inspection and one of the things we had to fix was an electrical issue. For the issue to be fixed the power had to be shut off for about an hour. Now, I know, that isn't that long, but for a 4 year old it was torturous. She didn't understand what electricity was and why the computer and tv weren't working. She likes to play math games on the computer and she was so frustrated that it wasn't working.
I know, I know, there are many things we could have done instead of the computer. BUT it was 20° outside, all her toys are packed up in the garage, and I was on my way out the door to an inspection of our new home. Let's just say the computer saved my day, and the Goal Zero saved hers. You'll notice that it isn't even out of the box yet. It arrived fully charged and kept the computer charged. It worked perfectly and when I move I can't wait to try it on other things.
Click HERE to see the unit that I bought.
And click HERE to visit the Goal Zero website to see everything they have. They have small units all the way up to a unit that will power your fridges and big tv's. Plus you can get 20% off the entire site right now, see their website for more details!!
It is time for a new set of goals! June is here and hopefully bringing some warmer weather with it. Have you all planted a garden yet? I planted mine, but I am hoping for some sunshine to help it grow. There is nothing more amazing than planting seeds and watching them grow into food. It really does amaze me to think of all the things my Heavenly Father has created and how miraculous it is to watch a garden grow! {and I have wasted so many years not growing my own garden!!} I am hoping to have enough food to dehydrate and store for the winter months. Fingers crossed :)
Check out a really great website that has so many ideas on how and what to do with your dehydrated food. dehydrate2store.com
June Goals
3-Month Supply Goal:
You are only allowed to buy items for your 3-month supply this month that are on SALE!! Save some money and build your pantry at the same time. Buy 3 months worth or the amount your budget allows.
Water Goal:
Warmer months mean you need more water. Make sure to have water stored in your car and at work. (Everyone who works away from their home should have a mini 72-hour kit in their desk or taped to the underside of your desk. If you are in an earthquake at work and you are sitting at your desk, where is the first place you would go? Under your desk! If the building was damaged and you were under your desk waiting for rescuers you would have some food an water to keep you alive!! Add a whistle to help rescue workers find you.)
Financial Reserve Goal:
Start a change jar today and call it your food storage savings jar! Use this money to purchase items for anything related to preparedness!!
Long-Term Storage Goal:
This month our goal is to add fruit to our long-term storage. There are many freeze-dried and dehydrated options out on the market. Most of them are delicious, but make sure you try them before buying a year supply :) Dehydrating your own fruit and sealing in mason jars with a food saver is another great way to save money while adding variety to your storage. This is where your garden comes in handy! Plant some fruit trees or berry bushes and try something new this year!
Emergency Preparedness Goal:
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| Goal0 Solar Power Packs |
This month's focus is on GENERATORS & SOLAR POWER. I have to admit that I don't know a whole lot about either subject but that is why I love the internet!! You need to research and find out what works for your family and your budget. I am really interested in the Goal0 company and their products. The utahpreppers.com has a great post HERE on the Goal0 products. And another great post on generators HERE.
Enjoy the Journey!
Enjoy the Blessings!
Feel the Peace!!
Don't forget to check the blog on Monday's for the new Prepare Today Homemade posts!!
