Both of my parents were children of the Great Depression, growing up on farms in Northern New York. Both families had been farmers for generations. This fact may have helped them and their families get through the Depression, but certainly life was difficult nonetheless. They did learn how to make the best of a situation as well as different methods to prepare for tough times. Those lessons were passed along to me and I have done my best to teach others about being prepared.
Most of us who live in North America can expect to see an amount of snow during the winter season. For some it may just be a dusting and a little cold that lasts a few days before the sun melts it. Others can experience snow that is measured in feet and cold that lasts for months. In either case it pays to anticipate the potential coming weather and to make preparations for the conditions most likely expected. As has been said, “Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance”.
One of the easiest ways to prepare for winter and the possibility of storms is to examine our clothing. Sweaters, long underwear, hats, gloves, scarves, and warm jackets are simple items to help us stay warm when the temperatures drop. Dressing in layers is the best method to regulate our comfort as we move between indoor and outdoor climates. Growing up, I can remember more than once being told to “put on a sweater” if I complained of being cold in the house. Wool is warmer than cotton due to its fiber structure and is always a great choice in cold and snow weather.
Our homes can be a refuge from the cold but only as long as we have a source of heat. Having a secondary (backup) heating method is a typical plan in rural areas and can be utilized also in suburban areas. It is more difficult to install a woodstove or have a generator if you are living in an urban apartment. But even then, an electric storage battery (sometimes known as a “solar generator”) can power a small electric space heater. They can also be useful to recharge a cell phone or a USB rechargeable light. Solar rechargeable lights are also useful during a power outage as they often can be recharged with the minimal amounts of sunlight available in the winter and they are much safer than candles.
It’s always good to have a supply of food stored that doesn’t need to be cooked. Canned meats, canned fruits, crackers, and many other foods are helpful in a short-term situation. Having a camp stove that runs on bottled propane or a barbecue grill will allow you to cook simple meals, just do it outside for safety. Like so many other preparations, this step requires some easy work in advance of the “emergency”, but it’s not difficult.
Winter storms can be managed but not at the last minute. Think ahead of time about what you may need: snowblower, shovels, food, water, heat, and/or power source. Get those supplies early and know that you can be reasonably self-sufficient, at least for a short period. Prior planning is the key.