Over Christmas weekend, many parts of Canada and America were hit a nasty snow or ice storm. Where I live we had rain and wind, followed by snow, then more rain, snow again, and then very high winds that lasted multiple days. The snow drifts were taller than me in some places and it was not safe to drive. I check the weather every day, so I knew ahead of time when this storm was supposed to hit. I did my usual preparations, which are pretty much the same for a storm in any season.
- I brought up my empty water jugs and filled them with tap water, for us and the pets to drink
- Watering cans were filled for the chickens to drink
- A large water tote was filled for flushing toilets, brushing our teeth, and washing our hands
- Flashlights tested and brought to a central spot in the house
- Canned food brought from the basement to the kitchen, for easy dinners
- Firewood brought in (we heat with wood stoves and they double as a cook surface in an outage)
- Extra blankets brought out
- Snow shovels within easy reach outside (forecast was calling for lots of snow)
- Portable gas cans filled to power snow blower and generator
- Extension cords checked and easily accessible (for use with the generator)
- Unplugged things like computer and sewing machine in case of a power surge
I know this seems like a lot. You might even be wondering why I do so much in case of a power outage if we have a generator. We just got the generator in the spring, and it is small. We can plug 3 extension cords in, so we do the big freezer, my husband's game freezer, and we run a cord up to the living room for some lights.
You might also wonder why my husband doesn't do this work to prepare, which is a fair question. The answer is simple: the running and maintenance of our home is primarily my job. Since my husband is at work all day it makes the most sense for me to all I can to prepare, and then he fills in the gaps as he is able. For example, I can't use the snowblower for the driveway so my husband will clear the snow as needed.
As you may know, I'm fascinated with the Proverbs 31 woman and how she might do things today. I condensed my research and insights about how she might prepare for a winter storm, and compiled that info into a handy graphic.
First, let's take a look at a list of qualities the Proverbs 31 woman possesses.
Keeping those in mind, let's look at how she might prepare for a winter storm. Note, if she has been actively preparing for winter, she should be ready for bad weather. But it is still important to take extra measures.
The modern day Proverbs 31 woman should have 4 main priorities for a winter storm: shelter; warmth; food; neighbours/extended family. I came to this conclusion based on the previously listed qualities she has. I feel like keeping these priorities in mind can help us focus on our own winter storm preperations.
SHELTER
If a storm is coming, don't be heading out to stores or on errands unless absolutely essential. Why risk getting stuck in the bad weather or driving in unsafe conditions? Of course, there are times where travel may be unavoidable, but that should be rare. If you have pets or outdoor animals, ensure they have a safe place to wait out the storm. Fill their food and water, and make sure it is accessible for them, and will stay protected from the snow or rain.
WARMTH
I realize not everyone has a generator, fire place, or some other way to create heat if the power goes out, but I know there are some alternatives on the market (such as portable heaters). If budget allows, consider purchasing something of this sort for the future. If that is not possible, have a supply of extra blankets, warm sweaters, socks, etc that your family can layer on. Additionally, consider buying inexpensive hand warmers (Little Hotties is the brand we have for emergencies). If you heat with wood, make sure you have a supply within easy reach should it be needed.
FOOD AND WATER
Plan for a power outage and have food that can doesn't need to be cooked. I am aware that propane powered cookstoves can be operated without electricity, but I would still advise conserving it. Keep things like canned tuna, crackers, jerky, trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, etc on hand. If you have access to a propane BBQ or camp stove (use it OUTSIDE!!) you may wish to have canned soups at the ready. One of the reasons I love to can food is so we have a shelf stable meal in an emergency. I can open a jar of chili or stew and heat it on the wood stove. Ensure you always have extra pet food as well. Obviously, it is important to have water for everyone to drink but consider a source for things like washing hands, brushing teeth, and even flushing the toilet. I'll be honest, toilet flushing is not a top priority for us when there is no power but we are just a 2 person household. If you have a larger family, you may prioritize the ability to flush often.
NEIGHBOURS AND NEARBY FAMILY
All of our close by neighbours have generators for a power outage and tractors for plowing their driveways, so maybe they should be checking on us, haha! Still, we keep an eye on things and see if anyone needs help shovelling their steps or pushing their truck out of a snow drift. Our parents and siblings all live 45 minutes or more away from us and in cities (wer live in the country) so it is not possible to physically check on them in bad weather. But we make sure to check in on the phone and stay in contact. Once the roads are safe to drive, we offer help with snow clearing if needed. You can do similar checks on the people who live close by to you.
Part of being a modern day Proverbs 31 woman is planning ahead so that when situations arise, we can calmly react and look out for our family. If you have been wanting to emulate the Proverbs 31 woman but weren't sure where to start, might i suggest using this post as your guide?
She watches over the activities of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27
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