WINTER STORM PREPARATIONS & SAFETYA COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE

Mike Trumbature

A squirrel may not appear to be that smart compared to humans, but at least they’ve got enough sense to prepare for winter. Basic instinct has taught them over the years to store up nuts, or whatever they can find, to get them through the harsh weather since they can’t get out and go shopping for nuts on day-to-day basis.

Bears likewise do similar except they pig-out, storing up enough in their bellies to survive on, then go take a loooong (hibernate) nap and sleep through the whole mess.

Other animals, like deer, are not as organized and have to feed on a daily basis, taking on even more food to keep warm through the cold weather through their digestive process. Luckily their four-part stomach system, like a cow, allows them to survive on a wide range of vegetation, including buds and grass. As long as there is food they can stay warm.

Like the deer, many humans may not prepare for winter, storing up water and some non-perishable food to get through a winter storm with no utilities or transportation from frozen roads to get to the store. They also cannot survive of off grass and sticks and twigs like a deer.

Two things are associated with power outages during storms, winter or summer - emergency generators and emergency generator fires. Here are some survival tactics on how to survive and do it SAFELY.

Last Update 1--2014, 7:36 AM

VEHICLE PREPARATIONGetting out on the road in time to stock up for the winter with the items below, before the ice and crowds hit at the last minute, is the best place to start. Last, but not least, is getting vehicles ready. Automotive stores are a good place to get fuel additives and windshield washer fluid. The fuel additives can prevent an water in the fuel from freezing whether gas or diesel. Sales people can give you the best recommendations for your car. Top off fuel tanks before heading home, follow the additive instructions.

Run, or drain, all the water out of the windshield washer reservoir and replace it with the washer fluid. Run the washers until all the water has been flushed from the lines. This can [prevent cracked plastic lines and fittings

Check the radiator for antifreeze. People with leaky cooling systems have a tendency to repeatedly add water only, possibly raising the system’s freezing point to above expected temperatures. If uncertain, get an antifreeze checker at the automotive store. There are service centers that can check and add if needed. NEVER OPEN THE SYSTEM WHILE HOT! THE SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE AND CAN BURP HOT WATER, RESULTING IN SEVERE SCALDING, EYE INJURIES ETC. ALLOW THE SYSTEM TO COOL AND SLOWLY CRACK THE CAP TO RELIEVE ANY PRESSURE. OLDER STEEL CAPS ARE AVAILABLE WITH PRESSURE RELEASE HANDLES.

PERSONAL PROTECTION - BODY HEATNow that the vehicles are winterized, you're next. Hypothermia from loss of body heat, whether trapped in your home or vehicle on the road, can be extremely dangerous and fatal. Here are a few things for backup for home and vehicles. Chemical pack hand and foot warmers, combined with a Snuggie or thermal emergency blanket, take up little room in vehicle and can likewise be used at home. The Snuggies work, I have one.

WATERWater for drinking and utility like washing your hands and dishes are a good start. Even if you’ve protected your pipes from freezing , depending on utility codes, not all smaller MUD districts may have emergency power, one of my homes did not.

One utility water container with a spigot, set on the kitchen counter with the spigot overhanging the sink, will take care of water loss from utility problems or frozen pipes. A minimum of a 5-gallon water cooler for one person, a second for families, is light enough for one person to handle and capable of being set on a variety of furniture or small tables without damaging them. Handy wipes and hand sanitizer can help reduce water usage.

With no power, heat or running water, the house temperatures can drop below freezing. Water trapped in pipes and toilet bowls and tanks may rupture both. If anticipating this, shutting off the water and draining the pipes and toilets is the best to prevent permanent damage, especially if going away prior to the storm hitting. Heaters and foot warmers can be used to keep drinking and utility water from freezing. Use with caution.

COOLERS AND WARMERSMost everyone is familiar with an ice chest or cooler. Ice is not a problem during a winter storm as opposed to summer storms and hurricane season. A standard ice chest with some hand or foot warmers like slide #3 may be needed to keep critical liquids like milk above freezing which is about 31.5 deg F, especially if you have a baby. Electronic coolers that operate from a 12 volt automotive outlet are designed to provide some heat when the connections are reversed. They are available in chest and smaller sizes. These electronic cooler/warmers use much less electricity and operate off of 12 volts with 120 volt power supplies available. You can bring the unit up to temperature and hold it for hours without power, depending on usage. NEVER RUN A VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE WITH THE DOOR FULLY-CLOSED!

Koolatron 36 qt. Kool Kaddy Cooler Koolatron 18 qt. compact cooler

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NON-PERISHABLE MEALSIf you’re experiencing a winter storm and power outages, you won’t have far to go to find a place for cold storage of existing food in the refrigerator and freezer. The freezer alone can keep food to a safe temperature for hours (days) alone. Eating up the food in the refrigerator first, followed by that in the freezer, makes use of everything without a loss. Once that’s gone, you’re own your own. With frozen roads and no power, trapped in a home with no food is no way to survive. There are several non-perishable meals-in-a-can food options like Spagetoes, etc for dinners and milk and cereal for breakfast. There are also a multitude of dehydrated meals in a bag like these from Academy, all you need is water and no allergies to preservatives. I recommend heated water and soap before handling any food directly. Paper towels instead of reused hand towels can also reduce bacteria build up over the days.

COOKING WITH GASPropane stoves, BBQ pits and lanterns can provide a safe reliable source for cooking as well as light. The additional heat given off is enough to help warm a room. PROPANE HEATERS with a pilot light and LOW OXYGEN SENSOR is a plus, the pilot light alone gives off heat. All run off of disposable propane canisters found in stores and gas stations. The stove and heater can easily be fitted with a propane tank converter. These are all available from major department and sporting goods stores. Close unused bedroom doors, use southeast bedrooms as common areas. Use blankets, quilts or towels to cover windows for insulation to keep the cold out and heat in. Battery powered lanterns are good for short term use to save propane. Use caution with any of these heating devices. GOOD VENTILATION IS REQUIRED FOR ANY OF THESE DEVICES INDOORS FOR TEMPORARY USE. NEVER LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED. FOLLOW CAUTIONS ABOUT SAFETY HAZARDS.

I used this $20.00 portable propane BBQ grill below the morning after 2008 hurricane Ike to cook breakfast. A country boy can survive. This is at the garage door edge.

COOKING WITH GAS - 2.0For people without a huge stash of propane, this may be the way to go. This STOVE will run off of unleaded gas, coleman fuel or propane with an inexpensive convertor like the one below.

Lanterns are available in dual fuel and propane and provide a considerable amount of heat as well as light.

EMERGENCY GENERATORSEmergency generators can provide a great source of emergency power for small portable heaters and lighting to your entire house. They are also a good source of carbon monoxide and fire hazards as well as a waste of money if you burn it up the first time out.

Generators should be placed outside, on a solid, non-combustible surface and away from the house. I suggest as, a minimum, the long run units with the larger tanks on top and LOW OIL SHUTDOWN. Under load, these units consume a considerable amount of oil and failure to check between refills can easily destroy an engine. In addition to stocking up on gas, you’ll need some oil for the long haul. Places like Northern Tool are a great source to pick from. I suggest a minimum of 3000W to 3500W for starters. They can be used to power many devices including central heating fans (if you have gas) and power battery chargers for your car and other gadgets.

THESE GENERATORS SHOULD ONLY BE REFUELED WITH SAFETY CANS WITH BUILTIN SPOUTS. DO NOT OVER-FILL THE CAN AND ONLY REFUEL AFTER ALLOWING THE GENERATOR TO COOL DOWN. STORE GAS CANS AWAY FROM WATER HEATERS AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES AND OUTLETS.

ELECTRONIC POWER SUPPLIES AND INVERTERSIn lieu of the more expensive generators, small 12 volt inverters can provide a variety of temporary 120 volt power from your car cigarette lighter to stand alone use. These can be used for small TVs, radios etc. They range from smaller plugin units, to larger cord units to completely self-contained units with built in batteries. Those with additional USB outlets can recharge phones and other USB chargeable devices. I keep this 150W inverter in the glove box and a 400W unit under the seat. NEVER RUN A VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE WITH THE DOOR CLOSED!

In the trunk, I have the Black & Decker unit below. It has two 120 VAC outlets, 400W total, two 12 VDC outlets, an air compressor, light and separate battery jumper cables. It can charge from the car or 120 volt outlet or 12 V SOLAR CHARGER during the day.

PORTA POTTYThe say “stuff” happens? Sooner or later this will probably happen to you, especially after eating some of that weird stuff above. Chemical porta potties like this 5 gallon unit for $40.00 are a good backup for convenience and health. They vary from inexpensive pump flush to battery operated units. I’d avoid anything that needs batteries. In a pinch, a five gallon plastic bucket(s) and lid with a couple of trash bags doubled up inside is better than nothing. You can purchase the chemicals and toilet paper separately for either.

Handy wipes and hand sanitizer can help reduce utility water usage. A second utility water container in the bathroom is a plus. These units are available in rigid plastic like slide #4 or less expensive soft, collapsible plastic.