Staying Warm During Winter Scares
Blizzards and winter storms can not only be a hassle
, but can also affect your well being and peace of mind. Some are so powerful that they can freeze or knock down power lines, causing blackouts in homes and tenements.
When this occurs, you can suffer through darkness, hunger, and chill. However, there are definitely ways to keep you calm and comfortable during these trying situations.
If you live in an area that experiences this type of weather during the cooler months, it is probably best to prepare for it ahead of time. You should start thinking about how you can make yourself ready around the end of the summer or early autumn.
That way, all of your supplies will be in place, just in case you need them. One of the most important things to do is set aside a supply of food that can be cooked and used easily.
During blackouts and blizzards, you may find yourself without lights or power; when this occurs, it can be extremely difficult to make food. Have a gas-powered heating source available that can at least boil water.
You will also find it helpful to set aside meals ready to eat, or MREs; these are delicious food options that allow you easy preparation, because they only need boiling water. Soups and dehydrated meals are a great way to provide food for you and your family during hazardous conditions, because they will offer warmth and sustenance.
Another choice for simple meal preparation is canning. During the spring and summer months, make use of the fresh fruits and vegetables available by preserving and canning them.
You can do so with produce, like peaches, plums, and berries, or make jams and jellies from these items. Either way, canning allows you to preserve fresh items for about a year.
The meats, soups, stew, fruits, and vegetables that you preserve can usually be consumed right out of the can, if you wish, so they need almost no preparation. Along with food, there are definitely supplies that you should set aside to help prepare for inclement weather.
Make sure that you have extra clean and warm blankets in a pantry or storage room for these types of situations. It is also a good idea to keep warm clothing for layering, like sweatshirts, gloves, hats, and socks.
Other items that you will most definitely need are flashlights, batteries, a water supply, and a first aid kit. Those that are worried about long term power outages should invest in a method of heating that does not run on electricity.
There are a number of personal heaters available that utilize gas power, like propane. They can warm an entire room and help prevent you from becoming chilled or reaching hypothermia.
Not only will these be beneficial during emergencies, but you can get use of them throughout the winter months when you need to spend time outdoors. They are a fairly affordable option, and you should find that they pay for themselves in personal comfort quite quickly.
When disasters strike, it is most important that you stay calm and collected. Have all of your spare supplies stored in one area that is weatherproof and easily accessible; that way, you will be able to find everything that you need.
Make sure that, if you have children, they are taken care of, as well. The best thing to do to reassure them is to find some kind of light source, like a flashlight, and some way to create heat.
Those that have a wood burning fireplace available to them should always have enough wood on hand to last them for a couple of days, if that was the only method available for heating their home. Firewood can usually be purchased at the store, but if you have other sources available around you, make sure to collect them when temperatures are warmer and you are able to devote some time to the search.
If you hear that your area is subject to being involved in a blizzard or winter storm, and you have enough time to travel, try to get to a safer environment. This includes the home of a relative that lives in a different city, a church, or a community center.
Preparing yourself and your family for winter emergencies is vital to your comfort and survival. Staying safe and warm during these times is possible, especially if you think to plan ahead of time.
by: Terry Daniels
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