With the storm rolling in I went to the store yesterday to stock up. We received 11.5 inches of very wet snow.
My shopping list was short because I had many items here already so I'll list everything I always stock up on for ugly snow/ice storms/
- Water- bottled or gallons I do bottles (1 case for each person)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread (three loaves)
- Peanut butter
- Canned chicken & tuna
- Fresh vegetables & fruits (non-perishable)
- Blankets
- Backup electric supply (I have portable solar chargers AND yes they work when it's cloudy)
- Crackers
- Candles
- Camp stove (use outside or in well ventilated place)
- Refill all medications a day before the storm
- Bleach (in case water main breaks and a boil order is issues and no electricity)
- Soda or you favorite caffeine (instant coffee)
- Bottles of juice (for my kiddos)
- Batteries
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit- bandages, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, ace bandages
Other things you need to know is where water shutoffs are at and how to shut them off in case of a pipe breaking. If lights start to flicker, shut down your computers. Power surges can kill it.
Remember these are just things I have in preparation for a snow/ice storm. You may need to add more if you have an infant or elderly person living with you.
Time for Tornado Preparation
I do not have a shelter where I live so I must go across the street to a friend's. This is what I pack:
- Laptop & charger
- Solar chargers
- Birth certificates, car titles, Social Security cards (all tossed into computer bag.
- Backup all computer files to Dropbox
- Save important things on computer to flashdrive
In Back packs:
- Two bottles of water
- Tablet & charger
- Phone charger
- Ace bandages
- Regular bandages
- Gauze
- Medical tape
- Peroxide
- Rubbing alcohol
- Razors
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tylenol
- Ibuprophen
- Aspirin
- Ice packs (instant kind)
- All medications
- Travel toothpaste & toothbrushes
- 2 cans of Soda
- Crackers
- A change of clothes, flip flops (we wear tennis shoes so we don't slip on wet ground )
It may seem a lot but an EF-5 tornado came through here 10 years ago. I have also been a first responder so I know what is needed right away. A simple thing like aspirin can save someone who is having a heart attack, or at least help keep them alive while waiting for help. I am also certified in CPR and First Aid. My friend across the street as a back-up generator for my elderly man that needs his oxygen machine charged and all other items like our phones. Many here in town are scared of tornado season, I however; love it and I'm prepared for almost anything.
If you have a shelter or basement keep a case or two of water and canned foods.
Please be safe in all weather no matter where you are.
