Winter Deck Chairs
Just last week, millions of people along the East Coast experienced their first snow storm of the season, knocking down trees, destroying property, and leaving hundreds of thousands without power, some for up to a week.
I don’t know about you, but it made me realize that I need to update my emergency kit for winter weather, not only for me but also for my five cats. Part of my kit includes an emergency plan, which I can put in action should I lose power for more than a day or so.
For me and my husband, I’ll include the following in the kit:
- Extra change of clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags. I’m probably going to buy these cool thermal blankets, too, in case there’s no heat in the house.
- Three days of food and water supplies (6 gallons), including crackers, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly, pop tarts, nuts, canned fruit, and tuna fish. I’ve got a can opener and am considering a camp stove so I can add soups to my menu.
- Cash ($100 in small bills), photocopies of insurance papers, etc.
- Paper towels, disposable (but compostable) dishes, toilet paper, and wipes.
- Flashlight, NOAA weather radio, extra batteries.
- Medications and a first aid kit.
- A list of emergency contact numbers laminated (cell phones might not work–or my computer).
For my cats, I’ve got pet carriers, food, medication, water, toys and proof of vaccinations. In case I need to leave home, I know my local vet clinic boards cats, and if they’re full, I have a list of friends and hotels where I can stay with them until the power is back on.
What I need to do next is update my winter emergency kit for the car so that when I go on holiday, I’ll have everything I need in my vehicle to survive overnight should I get stranded.
What do you need to do to prepare your family for the winter?
