Debbie McDonald
Each winter on High Prairie is different and unpredictable, but it’s better to prepare for extreme weather before the unexpected happens. Thinking about what could happen at your home, farm, work or school will help you develop habits and collect items to make emergencies a bit less imposing. I can remember a few power outages, feet of snow, and ice storms, one that left us in the dark for a week.
The composition of each household is different, and family members should take time to write down what they will need to be safe, warm, healthy, clean and fed. Pets and ages of family members will make your list unique. The lists don’t have to be overwhelming – you may already have the essentials – but lists help keep your family organized and prepared.
It’s a good idea to keep gas tanks above half a tank year-round. If any family members will be away from home, a kit for their car or backpack will be helpful. Store full, leak-proof containers of water where they won’t freeze for drinking, washing, and sanitation. If you rely on canned foods in emergencies, do you have a manual can opener? How will you heat food or water? Extra medication, candles or flashlights with fresh batteries, blankets, emergency chargers, battery powered radio, shoe traction devices, and a shovel might be on your list. Non-clumping kitty litter is handy when you suspect ice – non-clumping is essential. Before stepping on your porch or out of your car, toss a bit out your door to take that first step without slipping or falling.
How about a communication plan? Cell phones, cordless phones, or phones connected by wi-fi may not connect during power outages, so keep a phone that plugs directly into the phone jack for emergencies. While you’re writing things down, add phone numbers of your neighbors, emergency contacts, places of work or school, and any other people you might want to contact or check on. I don’t think any of us memorize phone numbers anymore, and if we rely on our memories during an emergency, the numbers will fly out of our brains.
Do you live alone or stay by yourself while others are away? Create a community of neighbors and friends who will check on you and with whom you can touch base. Is there someone who will clear your walkways and driveway of ice or snow? I’ve seen folks post on the High Prairie Washington Community Facebook page looking for help. Write down phone numbers posted in replies for future reference.
About all this writing down – keep the lists or a notebook with your emergency supplies for easy access. Check the lists periodically and inventory your supplies. Just 5 or 10 minutes now and then will ensure you are ready for any High Prairie winter.