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Preparing for an emergency

Posted on October 2, 2022 | Comments Off

Like the rest of the nation, I watched the devastation of Hurricane Ian in Florida and up the coast this week with a mixture of sympathy, terror and awe. What would you do? What could you do to prepare? The scale of this natural catastrophe is beyond comprehension. But there are a few things you can do to help during an emergency situation.

Last year I posted a few helpful hints for emergency preparations and equipment. I’d like to expand upon that a little.

First of all, you need a GO bag, or BOB (bug out bag). This is usually in the form of a backpack filled with some essential tools and equipment. You can buy variations of these emergency kits ready-made online or make your own. These can be tailored to your location, climate and season. Keep in mind the weight as you don’t know how long or far you may need to carry this.

I would definitely take a power bank which is already charged or can be charged from a solar-powered charger. Both of these items come in various sizes and weights. Add a solar-powered charger. And don’t forget your charging cords.

Then some rechargeable light source. Either free-standing or a headlamp so your hands will be free.

A portable radio, either rechargeable or hand-cranked.

A paper map. If the power grid goes down, your GPS won’t work. Familiar terrain may look totally different after a major event so a map could help.

Some cash money, as all the ATMs will be down if no power, as will the credit card machines.

Some high protein food, power bars, trail mix, etc. Water and / or containers, or even purification tablets.

Other items that may prove helpful would be a poncho or large trash bag, some smaller resealable bags, utensils, such as a knife or pot. Disposable lighters. Essential medications, or first aid kit. Good shoes and maybe a change of clothes. Copies of essential paperwork or at least an electronic copy on a water-proof flash drive.

As you can tell, the list is endless. It all depends upon the circumstances, the type of emergency you are expecting, and how long you expect to be on your own. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, earthquake or any number of man-made disasters. You should be able to grab your bag and get out of Dodge in about fifteen minutes.

There are some excellent websites out there, as well as some informative books. One of my favorites is Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag by Creek Stewart. You can learn a few emergency survival skills without becoming a total prepper.

A little preparation and knowledge can provide you with the confidence you may need when faced with a difficult situation wherever you live.

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Posted in country living, opinion

Tagged be prepared, blizzard, bug out bag, earthquake, emergencies, go bag, hurricane, natural disaster, preparation, supplies, tornado

Snowmageddon

Posted on February 6, 2022 | 4 comments

I love this view of the ice-covered branches, sparkling in the sunlight.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave or on a remote island this week, you’ve heard about the huge snowstorm that swept the nation. News stories abounded, showing endless reels of people who were worse off than you. Ice, snow, trees crashing, roads impassable.

Well, this was our reality this week.

The ice was the first to arrive, coating this rhododendron right outside the window.

Fortunately we had plenty of warning as we watched the storm roll up from Texas through the Ohio River Valley. Watching hours of local weather predictors guess whether the front would stay upstate or come down our way. Where is the snow line? Who will see sleet and ice? It’s tiresome after awhile.

But we were a little nervous. Ice on trees, add some wind, pop, there goes your electric for a few days.

My husband gets in pioneer mode. Park the newer car in the garage. Park the other vehicles away from the trees. Make sure we have supplies in – milk, bread (I live with a guy who bakes), wine. Check the oil lamps, the kerosene heater, the electronics are charged up as is the backup. I spoke about this before in a previous blog. We have a gas (propane) stove and hot water so no problem. Can’t use the gas furnace or the wood furnace because there would be no electric to run the blowers. But we do keep the wood fired up low to keep the pipes from freezing.

We were lucky this time. First the ice, then some sleet, then some snow. No wind. No loss of power. Just enjoy the peace inside with some books and the TV.

View down the drive, with the late afternoon shadows. We didn’t really have any trouble getting out, especially after grading the driveway.

My husband and the neighbor got outside to grade the drive with their tractors. I took a few walks with the dog. The glittering ice on the trees was so beautiful, tinkling a bit with a little breeze. Kept the birdfeeder filled. We buy sunflower seeds in forty-pound bags. Now we’re listening to the giant thumps as the ice melts and slides off the roof. The grandkids are over, taking more cooking lessons and playing with the toys that they don’t see every day. Stomping and sliding outside with the dog.

I hope you were able to find some good in the storm, even if it was just a little peaceful time to count your blessings.