By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
Last winter taught some of us mountain residents some hard lessons about winter, first of which is those who are prepared will be better off when those storms do arrive.
Just weeks ago, on Dec. 21, winter officially arrived. Temperatures have dropped and some rain and a bit of snow have warned us that winter is here.
Now is the time to be sure you are really ready as winter is here.
Review these ideas to be sure you have everything in readiness so you can live comfortably, no matter what the weather is outside. One of the problems that many suffered last winter was a shortage of food, since the power was out for long periods of time in some areas and the roads were closed, causing grocery delivery to be stopped. Then the roof of Goodwin’s Market collapsed.
Now is the time to stock up on nonperishable food by packing your pantry with canned and dried foods for meals you will want to eat. Be sure you have a manual can opener in case you lose power. After last winter, some have acquired an alternative method of cooking such as a camp stove; remember the fuel and matches. Some may make soups and stews in advance and freeze them, remembering that snow can act as a freezer when the power is out.
When the power is out, even for short periods of time, it means for most that your lifestyle will be affected. Get some backup power sources, such as solar or battery power banks or a portable generator and keep extra batteries, flashlights, lanterns and candles easily available. If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged before the storm arrives and know you may recharge in your car if you have a charging connector. Also useful is an inverter generator for your car, for another source of emergency power to keep your electronics running. Also essential is a battery-powered radio to know what is happening in the outside world and weather forecasts.
Something many residents found helpful last winter was to have phone numbers of their neighbors, both in their phones and on paper, for when the power is down. In case you need to walk out, having boot chains, crampons or ice cleats for boots for safety is important, as you don’t want to fall during a storm. Be sure to layer up and stay warm in your home or outside.
Be sure your home is ready for a storm. Winterize it by cleaning your rain gutters and insulating your outside wall water pipes and then leaving under-sink cupboard doors open at night to keep those pipes warmer. If you will be gone for even a few days, be sure to drain all your water pipes so they don’t freeze and burst. If you have a wood stove, fireplace or furnace, schedule an expert inspection for safety and have wood in advance, stored in an accessible area.
Winterize your car, too. Keep your car filled with gas. Have your brakes and heater checked and get new windshield wipers, if needed. Do you have snow tires? They are worth the investment if you live in the mountains, so go get some and the proper size chains, too, because they could save your life, if stuck on the road during or after a storm. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle with blankets, snacks, water, first aid, etc. in case you get stuck or are in an accident and are forced to spend time out on the road, waiting for assistance.
Most of all, be safe and warm – layer up!
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