7 Blizzard Survival Tips

It has been one of those winters!

It seems as if no matter what part of the country you live in, snow keeps creeping in! Even though we live in one of the most northern states in the US (Minnesota), we have not received the snow that many other states have. I say that with caution because don’t get me wrong – we have snow. Plenty of it. At the same time, we have not had the blizzards that many other people have. Yes, we have had days off from school, times where leaving town are not possible, but again, I know we are not the only ones!

Where do you live and what has the weather been like for you? Has it already been a long winter? Are you dreaming of that warm place? Where would that be?

In light of all the snow, there are certain survival ideas and skills that we tend to push to the side until it is too late. What are some of those survival tips you might ask?

The #1 survival tip is to:

PREPARE!

1. Prepare for POWER OUTAGES: Do you have an alternative for heat? Do you have a propane or kerosene heater? What about candles and flashlights to shed light? In all of these make sure you are on the lookout for fire hazards!

2. Prepare for WARMTH: Do you have a stash of blankets stored somewhere? That the whole family knows about?

3. Prepare to EAT: Without having a stove, oven, or microwave, do you have ideas of what you can eat? Always have your cupboards stocked with cereal, granola bars, protein items, crackers, peanut butter, etc. You can always use camping equipment to cook!

4. Prepare an EMERGENCY KIT: batteries, flashlights, crank or battery powered radio, matches, candles, cards, games, water, non-perishable food (snacks).

5. Prepare your CELL PHONE: Make sure your cell phone is fully charged if you know a storm is coming

6. Prepare JUGS OF WATER

7. Prepare YOUR VEHICLE: Keep an emergency bag in your vehicle: water, tow rope, blanket, shovel, snacks, first aid kit, radio, flashlight, batteries.

• If you do get stranded, try to save on gas by turning off your vehicle and turning it on every 45 minutes or so. Also, keep drinking water – dehydration can quickly set in. Keep moving to keep blood flowing. Make sure your tail pipe is clear of snow (open your window slightly when turning on vehicle), watch your gas gauge, and STAY IN YOUR CAR (unless you can find cover).

This winter is far from over! STAY WARM and make sure you are PREPARED!

What are you doing to survive the blizzards?