What IF's...

What If’s… This year, we have had some interesting weather! In one 3 months period, we had an earthquake (unheard of here pretty much), several tornados (also a rarity here), a hurricane and a snow stom before Halloween that dropped 24”. I would guess that half of lower New England was without power several times for more than two days. While it has woken up many people to the dangers (and inconvenience and cost) to not being prepared, many others say “It won’t happen again!”. Well, history tells us that it most certainly WILL happen again! Sure, it wasn’t the end of the world as we know it, but it sure threw people for a loop! For us, it wasn’t so bad since we use common sense and prepare for events like this. We have a heat source (wood stove) , a way to get energy (generator), non-electric lighting, stock plenty of batteries, food and water. We take the time to prepare when a weather event is imminent by removing objects that can fly around or be damaged. We take the time to fill up a gas can and the vehicles. The hurricane took out all three roads into our place and a major road nearby. We stayed in comfort without incurring extra cost (no food loss, no hotel stay), as did our neighbor who does the same. It just makes sense. Meanwhile, daughter was warning friends to at least stock up on water, milk and bread as well as have a flashlight and batteries on hand…some listened, some didn’t. There is nothing more a person can do except try to alert folks. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink” is the saying! This year is supposed to be unusual as well; I ask “What IF?”...”What if” one of those solar storms/CME’s actually hit earth? This would result in a lot of problems for those unaware and unprepared for even a short term power outage! “ What IF” YOUR area was hit with a freak weather storm when it’s not normal? Would YOU be able to manage? These things happen all the time, so perhaps, if you haven’t already, you could take some measures to be prepared! Things You Need to be Prepared – 1) A heat source if you live where low temps are normal 2) A water source and water storage. If you don’t have a working water well on your property, in a lights out situation, city water won’t be working. (that means sewer also) A person needs a gallon of water per day for eating and drinking. More for flushing and cleaning. 3) Food. A kit of easily stored food for 2 weeks is not hard to get together! Simply buy some easy to prepare food that you normally eat and keep at least two weeks’ worth in the cupboard. Don’t forget to have some means of cooking that food! (a simple Coleman camp stove works fine) 4) A can of gas (or two!). Gas pumps could be off and it will be hard to find a fill up so you can get to work. Never letting your vehicle get below half helps! 5) Light. Make sure to set aside some batteries and flashlights. I also recommend and oil lantern as well as the oil lasts a super long time and the lamps are pretty and don’t have to be stored…cheaper than batteries also! All of these things are fairly cheap (perhaps not the wood stove!) and easily obtainable. Have a plan of action in the event of an emergency, discuss it will your faily and know where everything is! For more information, go to Ready.gov. Though I feel their list is a bit limited, it’s a great place to start! If YOU haven’t got an emergency kit and plan, PLEASE, I urge you to do it now. The New Year is a great time for starting new projects like this.