Is it all hyped?
They said heavy ice, snow, rain and thunderstorms will be creating havoc over more than 2,000 miles of the U.S. There’s even the possibility of tornadoes and thundersnow.
And U.S. media are having a field day (snow day?) with the inclement weather. From the punny to the poetic, it seems there’s no business like snow business.
The New York Times summed it up eloquently with the headline “Tuesday’s Forecast: Horrific.”
They’re reporting that cities across the U.S. have already exhausted their snow-clearing budgets. “These means plenty of snowplowing company will be making money. So others sees $ signs, hmmm.
Chicago is bracing for a “storm of historic proportions” that the National Weather Service is warning could also be “life-threatening.” Forecasters are warning residents of that city to stay off the roads, especially near Lake Michigan, where they’re forecasting waves as high as 20-feet.
Now preparation is the key surviving the snow storm. Here are the steps. Follow at your own risk.
Make sure you have some basic survival items in your house before the threat of a storm:
# A shovel. Even if you live in an apartment you should own a shovel as you may need to dig yourself out before your ground crew gets in, and they are unlikely to dig out your car. - If you don't have one and you really need to dig your self out. you can use yard sticks, dust pan (metal), metal plates etc. Or borrow one from the neighbors.
# Flashlights. Make sure you have good quality flashlights and lamps with fresh batteries. Also purchase "Self Powered Flashlights" and "Self Powered Radios". Some models will also charge your cell phone.
# Food. Make sure you have enough non-perishable food to last a few days. Even if your budget is tight you should make sure to keep extra food in the house. Canned and powdered foods are good for long-term storage.
# A Can Opener. Make sure to have a good old-fashioned manual can opener.
# Blankets and Warm Clothing. You may already have these items, but remember you will need enough blankets to keep you warm without any heat and in adverse conditions.
# A Camping Stove or Barbeque Grill. A gas powered camping stove is a wise investment for any emergency situation. If you have an electric stove in the kitchen a camp stove is almost a necessity. Be sure you use it with proper ventilation, and have plenty of backup fuel.
# Matches to light your gas range/camping stove/candles. Do not rely on lighters that can run out of fuel or break down all too easily.
# A Battery Operated Radio. This way you can get news without wall power. Make sure the batteries are good. It is also possible to buy a motion charging radio, as you can with a flashlight.
# Prescription medications. Like food, it is always wise to have enough to last you a few days.
# Anything else vital to your household. You should always have ample supplies of items like diapers, formula, batteries, and so on before the storm hits.
# A wall phone with a cord, or a portable cellphone charger. Cordless home phones will not work when the power is out. Many states require at least one wall plugged phone, which receives power from the telephone connection, in all households.
- Make sure you are aware of approaching storms. Watch weather reports, listen to emergency radios, and actually watch the little black bands at the top of your TV screen warning you about storms. This will tell you when you need to be prepared for the storm.
- Have Entertainment Bored people can become anxious, panicky, or plain irritable, and this can sometimes lead to poor decision-making during a winter storm. Have entertainment such as books, board games, cards, crafts, and so on in the house. It's entirely possible to even enjoy a power outage!
Things you need:
* Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
* Canned food
* Snack food - Canned food can get boring if the emergency lasts a long time.
* Can opener
* Battery powered radio
* Flashlights
* Batteries
* Self powered Radios and Self Powered Flashlights. Batteries will run down eventually, especially if you live in a remote area that is iced in. Some models will also charge your cell phone.
* Coleman Stove, Barbeque Grill
* Enough fuel to run the stove
* Blankets
* Lots of clothing
* Water
* First aid kit
* List of emergency numbers and addresses (you may not be able to phone but you may be able to walk, hitch a lift etc. to get help)
* Foot and hand warmer packs
* Matches
* Extra hats, socks and mittens
* First aid kit with pocket knife
* Any necessary medications
* Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
* Sand to improve traction
* Non-electric entertainment: Books, Cards, Board Games, etc.
* PET SUPPLIES - Food, Litter, Water for your Pet to drink. An emergency shelter lined up (who will take pets) in case you need to evacuate.
STAY INDOORS!!!
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