Don’t get caught unprepared for this year’s snow storms! Winter is imminent, and the sooner you prepare, the better equipped you can be for the harsh cold that’s to come.
Survival Kit
Make sure you gather supplies for you and your family in case of a power outage or extreme snowfall! Your snow storm survival kit should include the following items:
- Flashlight and batteries
- 2 gallons of fresh water per person
- Canned and packaged food
- Books (to keep the kids entertained!)
Remember, you could be trapped inside for several days, so you’ll want enough food, water, and equipment to keep everyone nourished and happy.
Snow Removal Supplies
Having taken care of your survival kit, your next priority is dealing with the actual snow outside your house. You’ll need supplies that help you remove snow while providing you a safe path from your home to the street.
- Metal snow shovel (plastic is too flimsy for heavy snowfall)
- Ice scraper and snow brush for your car’s windshield and windows
- Snow removal salt to drop on your sidewalk and driveway
If you live in a neighborhood with children, feel free to hire them to shovel out your driveway! It’s a good way to take some of the workload off of you, plus it makes other children feel great about their work.
Snow Strategy
Not everything is based on supplies. There are other strategies for dealing with the snow that you need to implement for yourself and your family.
- Have the grandparents taken care of. If they don’t live in an assisted living facility, then make sure they you’ve made arrangements to have their sidewalks shoveled out. Also consider preparing survival kits for them as well.
- Make sure you stay up to date with your kids’ school’s information. Tune in to the correct TV or radio station so you can be prepared for a school closing.
- Unless you can hire a sitter, let your boss know ahead of time that you might need to stay at home with the kids in case of a snow day. Missing work is never optimal, but if you let your boss know in advance, then there’s a better chance that he or she will be understanding of your situation.
When it comes to snow, make sure that you use common sense. For instance, it’s not a great idea to schedule doctors’ appointments during a week that has heavy snowfall, because you’ll most likely need to cancel if you can’t drive out there. It’s also a wise decision to put your car in the garage, if possible, to protect it from the harsh environment.
Good luck this winter!