Here in Massachusetts, we’re awaiting a major blizzard, which the forecasters have described as “epic” and “one for the record books”. Most New Englanders prepare by buying bread and milk, but with a blockbuster on the way, there’s a lot more to be done. Here are some tips on preparing for a big storm.
Safety and Well-Being Preparedness
Obviously, your first concern should be your safety, and there are lots of things you should do for family blizzard preparation.
- Medical Supplies – make sure you are stocked up with any medications that you and your family will need.
- Water – food is important, but water is essential. Purchase water bottles and fill your tub in advance of the storm.
- Food – stock up on non-perishables, and food that doesn’t need to be cooked, in case you lose power. If you have a baby, make sure you have enough formula (if you use it), baby food, and diapers.
- Shovels and salt – essential if you want to leave your house after the storm. Remember to take it easy and shovel a little bit at a time.
- Gas – fill up the tanks of all of your cars.
- Flashlights and batteries – important if you lose power. Remember to keep them somewhere nearby.
- Corded phone – if you lose power, an old-school corded phone with still work, as long as you don’t have digital voice. Our battery back up lasts about 8 hours, but we can only use it if we have a corded phone that doesn’t require electricity.
For more safety tips, check out Simply Preparing. If you have elderly neighbors, remember to check on them to see if they need assistance.
Entertainment Preparing
Sitting out a storm with kids can be trying, so it’s also to be prepared with entertainment options, especially if you lose power.
- Baking supplies – Bake early in the storm, just in case you lose power.
- Board games – in a blackout, it can be fun to just play board games with your family.
- Craft supplies – we visited Michaels this afternoon to purchase Model Magic clay and Valentine’s Day card supplies for crafting during the storm.
- Snow pants, gloves, hats, boots, and sleds – for fun after the danger of the storm is over!
- Back up cell phone battery – I have a Mophie
, and it’s currently charging so I’ll have double the battery power on my phone. The iPads are also being charged now.
What are you doing to prepare for the blizzard?
