Winter storms are destroying lots of lives, plus it seems like it’s only going to get worse. Do you know how to survive without power when there is so much snow? Think about how cold it’s going to get during the night.
Maybe you won’t need to deal with long power outages before spring arrives, but it’s better to be prepared just in case. Let’s look at a few tricks that will help save your life if nobody comes to rescue you.
1. Stock Up On Generator Fuel
It’s pointless owning a generator if you don’t have any fuel on hand. You’ll need to keep lots in your garage during winter. It’s better to have too much vs too little but make sure you know how to look after it properly.
Diesel particulate filtration is good if you want to protect the environment while staying warm. Some people will say generators make climate change/storms even worse, but it’s an essential tool when you lose power in winter.
2. Keep A Flashlight On Hand
Candles are great because you won’t need lots of batteries. If you scatter a few candles around every room, you’ll be able to see okay until the lights come back on. It’s still worth keeping an operational flashlight on hand.
If you get into trouble, it’s a good way to signal for help. Morse code could come in useful, so make sure you learn it or write it down. Your flashlight should be as powerful as possible, plus a few spare batteries won’t hurt.
3. Boarding Up Your Windows
Hopefully, the wind isn’t strong enough to launch projectiles into your windows, but it might pick up before the weather improves. You will need to find a way to plug the holes in your windows if they smash into pieces.
Plywood is reliable because it will cover everything once you’ve screwed it in. It’s going to let in a little cold air, but it’s better than being completely exposed. Get rid of any potential projectiles sitting in your garden.
4. Hot Water Bottle In Bed
You might need to heat water over a campfire, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Put some inside a hot water bottle before you go to bed at night. It will help to keep you warm when the temperature is at its lowest.
Keep some hot water in a thermal flask too, which will allow you to drink mugs of coffee or tea during the day. It will be hard to find lots of dry wood, so don’t bother heating water for things like morning showers.
5. A Quality Snow Shovel
Start digging your car out of the snow as soon as it stops. If there is lots of snow lying around, you’ll need a quality snow shovel. It’s pointless using a cheap one because it’s going to break within a few minutes.
I doubt you’ll be snowed inside, but you’ll be able to dig yourself out with a shovel if you are. You can’t wait until everything melts. If you live somewhere with lots of snow, you’ve likely got a shovel stored away already.
It Won’t Last Forever
Power outages don’t tend to last long unless you’re really unlucky. If you use these tricks when something goes wrong, you should live to tell the tale.
