Snowstorm Essentials Every Home Needs
Snowstorms and winter go hand in hand. At times, the amount of snow can cause roofs to collapse, close roads for extended periods of time, affect power lines and wreak havoc with public utilities. When this happens, you and your family need to be ready by obtaining specific items so that you can triumph through the disaster.
Power Sources
If the power grid goes down, food in the refrigerator and freezer will last for 24 hours at best. A portable or whole-house generator, fueled by propane or natural gas, will supply power for appliances, lights and heaters.
For portable generators, propane fuel is easy to store and affordable. Propane does not go stale as gasoline does and is safe to store in tanks. Generators can be used to charge portable power supply units.
Solar panels and a battery bank can store power for emergencies and help lower utility costs all year long.
Portable power supply units can power laptops, radios, televisions and other items.
Heating
Without fireplaces in each room, heat becomes an issue during a cold-weather disaster. Propane heaters will keep individual rooms warm, but there are safety issues. If the flame goes out, carbon monoxide poisoning is possible. A pillow, toy or other object too close to the heater can catch fire. If the heater is knocked over, there is no automatic shut off safety feature.
A safer option is an electric fireplace heater. Choose the model with enough BTU’s for heating a specific room. They can work from a portable power supply or from a generator.
Sleeping bags rated for cold weather should be stored for each family member. During a disaster, bedroom doors can be closed and everyone can camp in the living room. Heating one room is easier than a whole house.
Water
If the power grid is down, water pumps may be knocked out. Water pipes can freeze or burst, leaving homes without running water.
Plan to obtain water storage bottles and keep a week’s supply for each family member and pet. Allow additional water for cooking and dishwashing. To reduce the need for water, store disposable plates, cups, bowls and flatware.
Food
Involve the family in planning a disaster menu. Foods that require little cooking, such as canned, dehydrated or instant should be stocked. Instant drinks such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk should also be stocked.
Do not leave out planning for the family pet.
A camping stove is easy to store; propane cylinders are inexpensive and easy to use. A set of camping cookware will keep expensive pots and pans from becoming damaged.
Toilet
If the sewer lines are not working, a portable camping toilet is a necessity. There are models that use special bags containing liquid-absorbing gels and odor inhibitors. These bags can be zipped closed and discarded in the trash. Although they seem initially pricey, they work well and are worth the expense.
Lights, Batteries And Radios
To help reduce the amount of power required by the generators, hand-crank lights and radios may prove invaluable. Store and use rechargeable batteries for small appliances; solar and conventional battery chargers can work during the day or night to keep them charged as needed.
It has been recommended by most authorities that each household should store three day’s worth of supplies. This is according to the assumption that essential services of water, sewer and power should be restored in that time. Disasters over the last two decades have lasted longer than that time. Each household should plan for a week or more.
