There are many kinds of emergencies that we actually know about in advance such as storms. Our local meteorologist recently said that they can now forecast the weather more accurately five days out than they could two days out when he started decades ago. So with current technology, we usually know about coming storms such as hurricanes, blizzards, and severe weather outbreaks well in advance.
I have developed the habit of doing a list of particular things as soon as I hear there is the potential for weather to impact our electricity and ability to go about our normal routines outside of the home. Where we live, I mostly try to anticipate wind storms, ice storms, and blizzards. You may have a completely different set of concerns in your location, but I’m guessing you also have storms for which you can prepare.
My Pre-Storm Checklist
I thought it might be helpful to share the list of things I do. Whether it is a line of thunderstorms, an ice storm, or a blizzard, I go through these steps to help my family remain comfortable. You can create a list of your own to put in your Prudent & Prepared binder for the next time you have impending weather concerns.
Gas and Fuel
We check to make sure the cars are filled and the back-up gasoline tanks are full as well.
Laundry
I catch up on all the laundry whether it is a regular laundry day or not. Everything is washed and put away.
Sheets
If it is close to sheet day, I will change and wash all the bedding.
Vacuum and Dust
The entire house is vacuumed (carpets and rugs) or dusted (wood laminate). I also make sure the furniture is dusted.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms are cleaned including tubs, toilets, sinks, floors, and mirrors.
Lights and Batteries
We check to make sure the flashlights and lanterns are all working and have fresh batteries. We also check the back-up supply of batteries for these items.
Food
Since I keep a pantry, we usually have all of the food we need on hand. However, I make sure we haven’t overlooked anything and we’ll purchase the fresh things we might need.
Check Heat Source
We have gas heat, but need electric for it to kick on. We have a fireplace as an emergency back-up. David makes sure there is plenty of split wood in the house and also stacked up in the garage. If we are very concerned about the winter weather approaching, he will also move extra unsplit logs to the garage just in case the weather makes it difficult or dangerous to bring in more wood (such as an ice storm).
Check Outside of Home
Depending on the type of storm coming, we will make sure everything outside is secure. If necessary, we will bring items into the garage.
Charge Devices
We make sure every device in the house is fully charged. I also encourage Caroline to download a few things she might want to watch.
Feed the Birds
We fill the birdfeeders and put out extra suet (in the winter) because we care about them, too!
Create Your Own List
Now create your own list using the Notes, Lists & Records printables. Rather than frantically racing to take care of things at the last minute, have a written plan to implement. If it’s written down, it’s easy to delegate to other members of the household who are able to help.
Feel free to use my list as a guide and adapt it to your family’s own particular needs. Then add it to your Prudent & Prepared Notebook for future use.
The Prudent & Prepared Homemaker
Read All of the Posts in the Series
3 Reasons To Become A Prudent & Prepared Homemaker
5 Reasons To Keep Written Pantry & Emergency Notes
4 Must-Know Tips About Stocking a Pantry
3 Tips for Building Your Pantry
7 Places To Find Extra Money For Stocking Your Pantry
3 Reasons Most “First Things to Buy” Prepper Lists Are Worthless
4 Tips to Deal with Emergency Anxiety
4 Facts About Preparing For Emergencies
3 Unusual Tips For Emergency Preparedness
11 Ways To Prepare Your Home For A Storm
4 Important Tips About Safe Water
4 Types of People Who Should Buy a 14-Day Emergency Food Supply Pack
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