Preparing for Winter Weather by Gathering Bad Weather Supplies

As winter approaches you will want to stock up on bad weather supplies if you live in an area that is affected by winter storms. I also keep in mind winter affects us in more ways than ice and snow. Outdoor activities will be limited, and it is easy to get sluggish. When I am preparing my home for winter I pay attention to often overlooked details. In addition to winterizing, checking the thermostat, and for drafts and cracks I stock up on supplies in case of emergency. I also acquire items to help keep my family entertained while they are stuck indoors.

My family lives in the country atop of a treacherous hill. If it is snowing, chances are we will not be able to get into town. School is frequently canceled or on alternative route plans that do not include my secluded country home. It is important to make sure your pipes are well insulated and not in danger of freezing. You should be prepared for the worst-case scenario. I keep on hand ten gallons of water for my family as well as two cases of bottles of water.

I have experienced horrible winter storms, and one winter our pipes were frozen for nearly one month. We try to be as earth friendly as possible. When we empty a gallon of milk we rinse the container out and store clean water in the containers in our basement, as a back up source of water for winter storms. If you clean the containers well this water will stay fresh for a while, and it is nice to have on hand just incase.

I keep a supply of soups, canned fruits and vegetables, and canned meats on hand. Fortunately we have a functioning wood burning stove, which not only provides an alternative heat source, but also you can cook atop of a wood burner. I keep plenty of hot cocoa and apple cider mix on hand also. Add plenty of candles, and batteries to your winter supplies in case they are needed.

I sometimes have too much energy and I am always a step ahead. I pick up magazines, suduku puzzle books and decks of cards for my families enjoyment. I clip crossword puzzles from the newspaper and store them in an envelope, for the adults in my family. I keep pencils, pens, coloring books, crayons and instant lottery tickets in a box for a "rainy day". If you frequent your local library in the kids section, you might find activity pages and coloring pages to entertain your kids and these are generally free.

A little thought can make a huge difference in terms of your comfort and entertainment during winter weather troubles.