Royal Oak Battens Down the Hatches in Advance of Oncoming Storm

Those of us in southeastern Michigan have been breathing a collected sigh of relief this winter. That's because unlike the hard hit East Coast and southeastern states, winter's snow and ice have been but a blip on the radar. Of course, that will all change soon, when it is predicted the Detroit metro area will receive a foot of snow or more.

Even as early as yesterday, the grocery stores had begun to empty. Sunday is a normally busy day at popular grocers like Holiday Market and Westborn, but the news seemed to bring people out stocking up provisions.

It's nice to have enough food to last a few days, because who really wants to shop in near-zero temperatures? Let's face it, it's no picnic trying to maneuver a shopping cart across a snow-packed parking lot. But it's not just food one will need while waiting for the plow to make its way down to your street. Don't forget these items as well:

1. Pet food. I noticed my dog food was nearly gone, and yesterday I went to the pet store where I found a lot of like-minded people buying big bags. You don't want to feed your pet table scraps.

2. Medicine. If you have a prescription, pick it up. Now. Also, restock any cold medicine or other over-the-counter aids.

3. Gasoline. Cars get horrible gas mileage in the snow, what with the reduced traction. They're also left running to heat the interior, which depletes the supply. Top off the tank before you find yourself really needing gas.

4. Battery supply. In case of ice storms when electricity may be cut off, a full supply of batteries will be needed for such things as radios, flashlights, etc.

5. Wood. If you are blessed enough to have a fireplace, make certain you have good, dry wood on hand in case the heat goes out.

And remember, when Mother Nature finally ends her snowy tirade and you need to shovel a way from your back door to civilization, make certain you don't overdo it.