The new year is here. Can you believe it’s already 2010? Just a few short years ago, the big news was the year 2000, the year of the millennium, with Y2K and everything that “could” have happened.
We speculated about disasters such as our computers going down, and not being able to purchase supplies. We worried about having enough food or having access to the money in our banks, fuel in our cars and energy for our homes. The general public opinion was varied though. Some withdrew money from their bank accounts, bought extra emergency supplies and stocked up on extra groceries. Others did nothing and continued on with their normal routine. Thankfully there were no problems and we moved on into the New Year just fine.
Worrying about something bad happening can upset all of us, however we can all learn from our experiences. During the upcoming winter months, we don’t plan on any major problems or issues interfering in our plans. But over the last couple of years, we discovered that winter weather is something that can (and has) taken us completely by surprise. Winter storms can put us in very unpleasant situations, leaving us without electricity and heat, unable to cook and basically leave us “in the dark” in our homes. This winter, we need to be prepared for the unexpected just in case.
Being prepared for bad winter weather is the best way to get ready for an unexpected situation. Here are a few tips and some extra items you may want to have on hand, just in case bad weather comes our way:
Make sure you have an emergency kit for your home. Bottled water, canned or dried food and drinks, and a manual can opener are good items to keep in stock. Include both perishable and non-perishable foods, just in case you are without electricity for a couple of days. Items like crackers, peanut butter, nuts, pretzels, puddings and canned fruit and soups are excellent choices to have at your disposal during the winter months. Also keep a few flashlights and a battery-powered radio on hand with some extra batteries in case the lights go out. It’s also a good idea to have hand sanitizer and a few paper goods in your home, such as paper plates, napkins, paper towels and plastic silverware.
Extra clothing and blankets should be kept within easy reach, along with a list of your family’s emergency phone numbers in case someone needs to be contacted. Don’t forget a first aid kit, including any medications needed for members of your family, and pet food if you have a family pet.
As always, if possible, stay inside during severe weather. If you have a neighbor or family member that is homebound or alone during bad weather, be a good neighbor and volunteer to help them “weather the storm.” Shovel a drive or walkway or run errands for them if they need assistance. Not only will it make your neighbor feel special, it will make you feel good about yourself.
Hopefully some of these tips will make things a little easier for you if severe weather were to come our way this winter.
Stephanie Denham is the nutrition program director for the Area Agency on Aging.
