How To Survive A Blizzard

Kristin
by Kristin
It has been one of those winters!
It seems as if no matter what part of the country you live in, snow keeps creeping in! Even though we live in one of the most northern states in the US (Minnesota), we have not received the snow that many other states have. I say that with caution because don't get me wrong - we have snow. Plenty of it. At the same time, we have not had the blizzards that many other people have. Yes, we have had days off from school, times where leaving town are not possible, but again, I know we are not the only ones!
Where do you live and what has the weather been like for you? Has it already been a long winter? Are you dreaming of that warm place? Where would that be?
In light of all the snow, there are certain survival ideas and skills that we tend to push to the side until it is too late. What are some of those survival tips you might ask?
The #1 survival tip is to:
PREPARE!
1. Prepare for POWER OUTAGES: Do you have an alternative for heat? Do you have a propane or kerosene heater? What about candles and flashlights to shed light? In all of these make sure you are on the lookout for fire hazards!
2. Prepare for WARMTH: Do you have a stash of blankets stored somewhere? That the whole family knows about?
3. Prepare to EAT: Without having a stove, oven, or microwave, do you have ideas of what you can eat? Always have your cupboards stocked with cereal, granola bars, protein items, crackers, peanut butter, etc. You can always use camping equipment to cook!
4. Prepare an EMERGENCY KIT: batteries, flashlights, crank or battery powered radio, matches, candles, cards, games, water, non-perishable food (snacks).
5. Prepare your CELL PHONE: Make sure your cell phone is fully charged if you know a storm is coming
6. Prepare JUGS OF WATER
7. Prepare YOUR VEHICLE: Keep an emergency bag in your vehicle: water, tow rope, blanket, shovel, snacks, first aid kit, radio, flashlight, batteries.
If you do get stranded, try to save on gas by turning off your vehicle and turning it on every 45 minutes or so. Also, keep drinking water - dehydration can quickly set in. Keep moving to keep blood flowing. Make sure your tail pipe is clear of snow (open your window slightly when turning on vehicle), watch your gas gauge, and STAY IN YOUR CAR (unless you can find cover).
This winter is far from over! STAY WARM and make sure you are PREPARED!
What are you doing to survive the blizzards?
Kristin
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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3 of 9 comments
  • Carole Alden Carole Alden on Feb 13, 2014
    We have someone plow, but also use the bobcat to scoop it up and make a hill. The hill seems to help a bit. Problem is that the bobcat is on it's last legs and we need it for the horses.
    • Kristin Kristin on Feb 13, 2014
      @Carole Alden I think those piles really do help - unfortunately it sounds like those hills may not be as high if the bobcat goes out!
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Nov 17, 2016
    Yes it is important to clear driveways (especially) and walkways too beyond their areas as much as possible. Where I used to live my driveway was very long and back near the house very wide. When I used to plow it with my lawn tractor and later with my regular snow plower, we cleared snow in the rear about an extra 10 foot or so (almost to all of my landscaping) and as wide as my driveway would allow which was maybe 15 feet. Usually the only real drifting that occurred was up in the front in line with where the other houses were (about 50 or so foot off the road). I always kept extra water for my dogs and of course they were in with me because they like to be warm too. Candles, oil lights etc. are always a must along with fresh batteries for flashlights. Shop early for your stash for winter weather. If nothing else fill a cooler with different things and stick that in your vehicle. If you get stuck out there on the road, you need water, some food, an extra pair of socks, a blanket, a box of tissues or a roll of toilet paper, a first aid kit, a flashlight. And don't go running around in a car with low gas. First, last and always "STAY SAFE"!!!
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