We were prepared for the worst here at Barefoot Farm with the heavy snow that was dumped on us but that didn’t happen. Although the power stayed on and we didn’t need the preps I am glad to have had a chance to do the dry run.
We expected to be housebound for a few days so here are the steps we took.
We topped off all of the gas cans and cars. Bruce got out the snow blower and made sure it was ready to go. We recharged all of the small electricals like the cell phones and Phoebe’s feeding pump. I did a run to the pharmacy and refilled the necessary prescriptions. We made sure the dishwasher was empty and the laundry was caught up. I cooked a couple of meals and got them in the refrigerator. It is easier to heat up a casserole than to start from scratch. We had just had a propane delivery so that wasn’t a problem. That was pretty much it.
One of the things about being prepared is that so much of it should be a part of every day life. The cell phone should always be charged. The flashlights should always have good batteries. You should never get behind in every day chores. It feels good to know that there is food ready to eat and that you can be warm and comfortable. I did need to make a quick run to the hardware store and buy a couple of snow shovels as we needed the girls to help with moving all that snow. We live only a couple of doors from a terrific little hardware store so it was easy enough to grab them but I should have seen to it the day before.
We are expecting a bit more snow this week. In Western Mass, a bit is something between to little to measure and 24 inches. I think I am rooting for the dusting this time.
February 25, 2010 at 8:15 am
We ended up with 30″, took hubby 5 hours to clear the drive. All I needed was dog food and i got that Monday thinking I’d beat the rush. Daughter got stuck in town, but she had friends to stay with. Haven’t a clue what we’ll get with this next one! It’s 40 degrees and snowing right now.
February 25, 2010 at 8:19 am
hmmm, just a quick add on to my comment: last year before the ice storm it was like it is this morning with the fog and borderline temps.
February 25, 2010 at 9:56 am
Here our issue is typhoons – but I run through a very similar list whenever we’ve got one on the way!
February 25, 2010 at 1:18 pm
If your garage is insulated, and it stays a bit above freezing in the garage, you may want to collect a few buckets of snow, and you can use the meltwater to flush toilets. Just in case the power company doesn’t get out to the rural areas. Our utility company has the outlying areas on a lower priority than the city.
February 25, 2010 at 9:47 pm
kathy, i ordered some heirloom seeds but i still have seeds from last year that i bought from our local feed store. My question is can i plant both kinds this year or will they cross some way. I don’t want to mess up my heirloom seeds for the future plantings?
February 25, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Here in Kansas we deal with snow storms now, and starting in March, tornadoes. I have a mental check list I run through but the odd thing is that I am some-what disappointed when I’m all “prepped” and nothing happens. Crazy…I know! Your neck of the woods has been getting hit hard of late. Just found your blog site…love your book.
February 25, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Some things will cross and some not. Squash family and corn will cross. I don’t really know about other things.
Welcome to the site. We are just getting rain right now. What a mess!