Ways the Average Person Can Survive a Snowstorm at Home

There have been times when my family has been without electricity due to storms. The longest lasted about a week. Friends of ours were out for almost two weeks during the same snowstorm.

Along the way, I've learned about ways the average person can survive a snowstorm at home. I'm sharing these tips here. No list is 100% complete and not every suggestion will work for every person. You can get more tips from your local Red Cross, county emergency management and sidebar links on this article.

Ask yourself what you would need if you had to fend for yourself for at least 3 days. Then, take stock of what you have and compare it to what you might need. The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley has a list of what you need in a disaster supply kit. It's well worth taking the time to read it.

Food
When looking at things the average person can do to survive a snowstorm the first and easiest is to stock up on food. Canned and other nonperishable items are often good for a least a year. During the winter months, pick up a few items at a time when shopping.

Make sure you buy nonperishable food that you don't have to cook. Unless you have a camp stove or grill (and space to use it outside) you may have no way to warm up that can of soup or beans.

Shelter
One of the things the average person can do to survive a snowstorm is to double check your heat source. During the storm, friends of ours with gas heat found out their blower required electricity. This is something you want to know before the snow falls.

If you use a back up heat source be sure that you have all the supplies that you need. Kerosene and portable gas tanks are hard to find right before a storm.

Water
Bottled water is only part of the story. If you have a heat source and can cook you'll need water for cooking, dishes, washing hands and flushing the commode. Fill up your bathtub. If you have a large container or bucket, fill that up too.

Medications
Refill any prescriptions that you may need. Put everything in a gallon zip lock bag and put them by the door. They'll be easy to find in case of evacuation.

Keep the cold out
One of the things the average person can do to survive a snowstorm is to close off any room that you don't have to heat. In case of power outage this will keep the main part of the house warmer. Roll up towels and use them to block the draft of any door or window that you can.

Refrigerator
Turn the dial to the lowest possible setting. This may help your food stay good a little longer if the electricity goes out.

Get cash
Go to the bank or ATM before the storm comes in. Your debit card won't work without electricity.

Get gas.
Another one of the things the average person can do to survive a snowstorm is to fill the gas tank before the storm comes in. Buying gas is something else you can't do without electricity.

Cell phones.
During the storm, keep your cell phone plugged in as much as possible. You may need to make calls if the power goes out and may spend time on hold.

Miscellaneous items..
Assemble a box with matches, flashlights, a radio; battery operated camping lantern and extra batteries. If possible, avoid candles. They are a fire hazard and cannot be carried from room to room like a camping lantern.

Reading materials and games will help keep your mind occupied in case you are home for a few days.

Laundry
Part of things the average person can do to survive a snowstorm at home is to do the laundry ahead of time. You may need the clothes, blankets and towels to help you keep warm.

The buddy system works.
Pick a friend to keep in contact with. Make arrangements for this person to call authorities in case you lose contact. It's an easy thing to do but one that is often overlooked.

Should you stay home?
After taking an honest assessment, one of the things the average person can do to survive a snowstorm may be to seek shelter elsewhere. If you are elderly, disabled or without a back up heat source it may be best to stay with family or friends until the storm passes by.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Red Cross of Lehigh Valley