January 2024 - Storm #1 - January 8 - 11, 2024
Well, at this point, I can say... That didn't go as expected. I was pretty confident as to the snow but the power outage was not in the cards. I have spent YEARS telling people to prepare...do you really think I wouldn't have or didn't practice what I preach? After lots of messages and texts, I decided to share updates on Facebook. I did it only to keep those messaging me updated. I was in complete preservation mode with cell phone battery. The internet goes out when the power does so, the laptop was useless. Anyone that has done any kind of preparations know this. We have 2 generators. We have had our electric co-op for about 20 years and never experienced an outage longer than 6-8 hours. This was the first. We did fine...for the most part. Obviously, as I have also said, you can not fully plan or prepare for everything. Learning to function without lights, without simple conveniences of a microwave, not just popping snacks in one, and the extreme darkness around here was new. When you live in the sticks, it's a different kind of dark...kinda spooky when something like this happens. Fortunately, MY own preparations, my husband's ability to grill anything, and thinking ahead nearly a year ago; gave us what we actually needed. Being honest, we did learn some areas we needed to improve "just in case" this were to happen again. We will have some of those improvements this afternoon, so we are ready for the next round coming in tonight. One thing I am going to stress right now.... GET YOUR CELL PHONES CHARGED, YOUR BACKUPS CHARGED; RIGHT NOW AND KEEP THEM CHARGED. You do not realize how quickly those batteries run out with any use...like checking weather updates and checking on neighbors. So, here are some areas we have found, and how we really fared.
*making sure the power cords used for connecting to the generator are correct...not so well here. We did have a back up heat source. One thing to keep in mind with any back up heat source...they all need some form of power; whether that be fuel, diesel or propane. When you are using those fuel sources, they will run out, and you will lose that back up...even if you are prepared.
*food - we had plenty of eatable food that didn't need to be cooked, and plenty that could be cooked on the grill or griddle. We also have a burner on our grill, that allowed us to use a kettle made for outdoor cooking, to heat up water. Hot drinks helped us to stay warmer. Thawing food, naturally, is more difficult the colder it gets indoors.
*water - make sure you have plenty of water if you know bad weather is approaching! There were many local updates about water districts without power, since we were out for an extended time. They were telling people to limit use. Make sure you have plenty to use for drinking, cooking, and especially toilets!
*Warmth - make sure you have plenty of warm clothes AND blankets!! I am of firm belief you can never have enough blankets! I can promise you, we have more than I know where to store them...but I will continue to welcome more!! Wool socks, stocking hats, long underwear, thermal clothes, those hand warmers you can buy in the hunting sections of stores are amazing! Insulated bibs, heavy coats(not the "pretty" one), insulated boots, gloves - MANY pairs, we have insulated slippers too! Layers are your best friend when it's cold!
*Lighting - although I was plenty prepared...you don't realize how dark it can get when there is zero light source. Candles, flashlights, lanterns...in addition lighters, lighter sticks(easier to light candles), matches, and make sure everything works! My planning and preps, had been a good thing. A year ago, at our local bargain warehouse, they had those sticky backed, switch lights that ran on batteries. They are bright!! I got them on sale for $4 each, and those were a God send during our outage. They had sat in my preps for nearly a year, and they were an incredible alternative. If you use candles, especially if you have pets...have something you can put them in, or they make a decorative dome you can put over them. Having cats especially, having open flames is a no-go!! I had found a set of candle sticks with the old fashioned hurricane wraps at a yard sale years ago...they provided us plenty of light and safely since we have cats. I also have a metal and glass decorative thing that I can set a candle or two in...it's completely enclosed to cat tails don't run through the flames. We do have a fire place, however, it has been unusable for many years now, as an actual fireplace. Since we don't have a big call for it, and I avoided using it even when we could...it made a safe place to put more candles that the cats couldn't get to. The last thing you need is a pet accidentally starting your house on fire when you have any kind of emergency. Keeping safety is mind is imperative, ALL-THE-TIME!!!
*Medical needs. While we were lucky and really didn't need anything, there are many that do. For us, it is always making sure to have plenty of allergy meds, Tylanol, sinus/cold meds, bandaids, triple antibiotic ointment, gauze, cotton balls, alcohol, peroxide, and butterfly stitches.
*Animals/pets - making sure you have plenty of food and supplies for your animals is just as pertinent as it is for you. We planned for the worst, and weren't thrown totally off guard. We had some extra feed, pet foods, and had hay and straw for beddings. We also know when the weather is at its worst, at least where we live, it would be DAYS before seeing a plow or being able to get to any town safely. While I have heard some run their yap about not being afraid to drive in snow or ice...that is not the issue. The issue is when it is not safe to do so, you're an idiot if you do! Period!! You are not only putting your life in danger, but also the lives of others. If you don't value your life more than that...then know that the lives you are putting at risk do value theirs!
Overall, planning and preparing requires a small level of common sense. If you aren't sure what or how to prepare...take a 24 hour period, and go completely off-grid! No cell phone, no internet, no lights, limited bathroom trips, no microwave, no indoor cooking, no oven, not opening a refrigerator or freezer, no heat/AC, no radio, no going anywhere. See how well you survive. It's tough! We have all become addicted to our creature comforts, us included. When you have all of that removed, it stirs a period of panic before the survival instinct kicks in.
So, this is my update for this first round of severe winter weather 2024. Yes, there has been plenty of room for improvement. Yes, we survived just fine. Honestly, aside from the heat...I'm ready to go dark again! Supper and games by candle light was super nice! The quiet was amazing. We are restocking everything possible today...well, the guys are bringing it all home, before our next round comes in tonight. I will be spending some time this afternoon getting some baking in, getting my chores done, refilling any water I can, and getting meat out to thaw! :)
Thanks to all for the sweet thoughts. We are good because we practice what I preach about!
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