Caught in the Cold - How I'm Learning to Prepare for Winter Storms the Hard Way
The chilling reality of underestimating a winter storm taught me invaluable lessons—ones that may save me and maybe you from a lot of avoidable trouble.
Ignorance, is not a bliss. Ignorance, will get you screwed!
We really don’t have any power to do anything except the ability given to us, the real dice to roll, is the “Intent”. When that is clear and pure, then God intervenes to help.
That is if He wishes to. In my case, I have no idea how I’m going to make it, but I will try, but this time, with the “Intent” to make it, the rest is up to God.
A Hard Lesson Learned
When this winter’s storm arrived, I thought I was ready. Blankets, some real food and a little canned food, water, heating, will, and a vague confidence that it couldn’t be “that bad”. The reality hit harder than the storm itself for many—power outages, unheated houses, dwindling food supplies, and the creeping realization that we were woefully unprepared.
I spent hours regretting my own neglect while counting how many signs I missed and praying for warmth to continue, though in our case, we were mercied by God. We had everything except for the lack of salt, antifreeze and shovels and we were 5 people clearing snow taking shifts. Imagine what must have happened to those who had no help or were unprepared. We were not prepared, though we should have been.
But that experience became a wake-up call. Today, I’m not waiting to find myself caught off guard. Instead, I’ve built a comprehensive action plan to prepare for the next winter storm. My aim is not only survival but comfort and security for my family. Here’s how I’ll ensure, with will of the God, that this never happens again—and how you can, too.
Action Plan: Preparing for a Winter Storm
1. Building a Reliable Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit is your lifeline during a storm. Here’s what we need to put together:
Food and Water Supplies:
3 days of non-perishable food per person.
Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day).
Manual multi purpose can opener and a solid all steel knife.
First Aid Kit: Fully stocked with bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications.
Lighting and Power:
Flashlights and extra batteries.
Solar or battery-powered phone chargers.
Backup power bank.
Clothing and Warmth:
Thermal blankets and sleeping bags.
Wool socks, gloves, hats, and extra layers.
Hand warmers.
Basic Tools:
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife.
Duct tape and rope.
4 Shovels and ice scraper for emergencies outdoors.
2. Preparing Your Home
Your home should be your safest haven during a storm. Here’s how we can reinforce ours:
Heating:
Portable heaters or a wood-burning stove (and a stockpile of wood).
Weatherproofing windows and doors with plastic covers and draft stoppers.
Power Backup:
Investing in a generator with a safe storage setup.
Ensuring a supply of fuel for the generator.
Insulation and Maintenance:
Insulating pipes to prevent freezing.
Checking the roof for weak spots or leaks.
Stockpiling Supplies:
Keeping at least 80 to 100 pounds of salt for de-icing.
Storing at least two weeks' worth of necessary supplies.
3. Planning Communication and Safety
When isolation hits, communication becomes critical. Here’s how to stay connected:
Communication Tools:
Weather radio with NOAA updates.
Pre-charged satellite phone as a backup.
Family Plan:
A designated meeting spot if separated.
Emergency contact list, both digital and on paper.
Awareness:
Familiarizing yourself with the nearest shelters or community centers.
4. Managing Transportation
Snowy and icy conditions make mobility difficult. Do not try to be a macho-man by going out on the roads even if you think you have a good car or tires, you may end up regretting it. I have seen it, you cannot imagine what kinds of cars and trucks I’ve had and driven on these roads across America and around the world, so just listen and accept what I’m telling you if you want to stay safe and not end up hurting others. Here’s my new plan for getting around safely if needed:
Vehicle Prep:
Snow tires installed before the season.
Keeping the gas tank at least half full.
Emergency car kit with blankets, flares, jumper cables, and a small shovel.
Avoiding Travel:
Monitoring weather reports and staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
5. Staying Safe While Clearing Snow
If you must work outside to clear snow, personal safety is the top priority:
Safety Precautions:
Warm up before starting to prevent strain or injuries.
Take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion.
Stay hydrated, as the cold can be deceptively dehydrating.
Waterproof and Insulated Clothing:
Jacket and Pants: Wear waterproof and wind-resistant outer layers with insulation.
Gloves: Use insulated, waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
Boots: Invest in waterproof boots with good traction to prevent slipping.
Layers: Dress in thermal base layers, mid-layer fleece, and outer shell protection.
Accessories for Warmth:
Hats that cover ears.
A scarf or neck gaiter to shield against cold winds.
Goggles to protect eyes from snow glare and wind.
Snow-Clearing Tools:
Lightweight snow shovels to reduce strain.
Ice chippers for stubborn spots.
Snow blowers for larger areas.
We have spent so much of money on useless stupid things in our lives, now let’s try to invest in things that matter, and if you die along the way, your family can use all this gear to help themselves and maybe others.
If you know you live in a place that may experience snow then one of your best investments could be an electric or gas powered snow blower. Even better would be a heat thrower, just melt the snow away.
6. Preparing Your Home Exterior: Salt, Antifreeze, and Equipment
Snow and ice management starts before the storm. Here’s how to prepare your home’s exterior:
De-Icing with Salt:
Stock up on rock salt or ice melt, ensuring it’s not hazardous to people or animals.
Spread salt over driveways, walkways, and stairs before the storm hits to prevent ice accumulation. Keep an eye on the process and add more as needed.
Using Antifreeze:
Apply antifreeze in external pipes and gutters to reduce freezing risks.
Use de-icing sprays on vehicles and outdoor equipment for easier post-storm use.
Investing in Snow Removal Equipment:
Snow Blower: If your budget allows, a reliable snow blower can save significant time and physical effort.
Snow Pusher or Plow Attachment: For larger properties or driveways, a snow pusher for your vehicle can clear snow quickly.
Heated Mats: Lay heated mats on walkways or doorsteps to automatically melt snow.
Maintenance Tips:
Keep tools like shovels and blowers in accessible, weather-protected locations.
Regularly check outdoor drains for blockages before snowstorms.
7. Mental and Emotional Readiness
The stress of power outages, isolation and cold can be as harmful as the physical challenges. So don’t worry and accept what’s happening. Work with it not against it.
Mental Wellness:
Stocking board games, reading material, and puzzles for entertainment.
Having a communication routine with neighbors or friends for morale.
Community Check-Ins:
Assisting elderly neighbors or vulnerable individuals in preparing, and helping them in fulfilling their post storm needs.
So What Will You Do Now?
Not preparing for a winter storm once was a mistake. Not learning from it could be a disaster. By adopting these realistic practices, I’m not just preparing to be ready—I’m trying to address the basic facts on the ground so that I can at least tell myself that I did what I was given the ability to do, to help protect myself and my close ones, with God as my Protector and my Helper. Blessed God Lord of the knowing.
It’s like preparing for our confirmed death, that we ignore everyday. Like preparing for the Hereafter, that is bound to come. But like surely believing that it will occur, which will spur readiness and action demonstrating how strong or real is the belief.
Storms test our resilience, but preparation proves it. Don’t wait for regret to push you into action. Let’s try and follow this plan, with focus on our safety, long before the first flake hits the ground.