It’s Cold tonight: if your power went out…
It’s already 21 degrees F here in the city. Part of me laughs because it used to be considered a thaw if it went up to 3 degrees F in midwinter in Maine. 21 degrees here means that it’ll be lower before morning. I won’t turn the heat down too much tonight as a security caution. Don’t want the pipes to freeze.
I just visited the Tulsa blog.It was short but poignant. I wrote about an emergency plan. Do you have one?
Some things to consider beyond survival are: how will you handle stress? How will you prepare food? How much water do you need? I used to live out in the country in Maine and power outages were not uncommon in winter. If you have a lot of snow, water is easy you just melt it down. What most people don’t realize you need water to flush toilets. I had a well which used an electric pump to get water. No power, no water. Also no laundry…
I was fortunate because I had a tank of propane gas for the stove, and a wood stove. I don’t have either here. Did you know if you have a large bucket filled with sand and lots of candles in it you have a heater? Or that you can use blankets to create tents and cushions to make warm floors? Small spaces are easier to stay warm in.
What about boredom, stress, things to do or make, ways to create warmth? Layered clothing helps. Excercise is a must. Lots of healthy snacks. Lots of sandwich makings. Lots to drink. If you don’t have a grill or gas camping stove, what will you do?
More warm tricks: hat and scarves and extra socks. SPace blankets. If you don’t have hats and scarves use towels, pillow cases, skirts, other clothes. On Halloween I took a skirt and made a hood over my head, and let the rest slide over my shoulders.
Even cold teas can be soothing. Could you heat a saucepan with a large candle to warm up soup or ramen? T-shirts can become a multilayered slippers.
How is your vitamin supply?
Got power now? Bake casseroles, cookies, pies, cakes, potaotes and freeze them. Thaw them out as needed. Stock up in advance. Keep plenty of water available. Have dried fruits and nuts. Be creative. Become even more prepared. Give extra food to church pantries so they’ll be ready to help too.
Perhaps some of these ideas can start you thinking about how you’ll be prepared if you lose power. Make your plan today! Also feel free to share with people all across the nation. Send resource ideas to friends in the midwest and southwest. New Englanders may be prepared but you can always call or ask.
Hope you are well, warm, and prosperous.
Blogsville: www.countrymusicherald.com
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