Here we sit in the path of another winter storm. they have names now, as you doubtless know, and it doesn't make them one bit more likable, either. In my mind it makes them all the the more menacing, could that have been the intent? I dunno.
I don't know it's name, but I would suggest "Icemonger" or something suitably fierce sounding, Giving winter storms Human names will lead to much emotional trauma for innocent children in the future. My prediction anyway.
So anyway, for years people have rushed out before storms bought bread, milk, batteries, and anything else they thought they might need. Going home and preparing to wait it out. Being "snowed in" for a few days is stressful, or depending on how well prepared you are. and that is the key, and I know this not only from experience, but from the admonitions of various TV survival personalities and the most authoritative source, The Weather channel.
I dutifully watch the weather bulletins and shop accordingly. I don't like to admit that I buy many "extras" read junk food there, but my deep seated belief that those salty crunch goodies, as well as the chocolate covered ones aren't real food and therefore will not go bad under adverse conditions.
WE prepare for storms, by seeing that there are enough batteries and candles, books and music, board games, shovels. tarps, kitty litter in the vehicles. Oh and don't forget gas for the generator! While I am at it, I noticed that sugar is an anti-skid, it says so right on the bag. Again it is time to line up the brooms, shovels and snowbrushes, make sure that everyone has extra gloves and warm socks, flashlights and a place to dry their clothing ,but it seems is never truly ready for a big storm, something unexpected always happens.
I often bake extra quick breads, make a pot of soup and a casserole or 3, all of which can be warmed on the wood stove if the power goes out. The purpose of this is as much a love of homemade food as it is an expression of the hearth being the beating hear of a home. Since we are in a good old days mode, enjoy the quiet, or conversation, and the glow of candles, camp lights and make a bad storm into a good memory .
Stay Safe everyone!!!!
This post is inspired by the following article. there is some really good information in it.
How to Prepare Your Pantry for Severe Weather
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When a winter storm or hurricane shows up in the forecast, the first thing most of us do is make a bee-line for the grocery store. But besides milk and bread, what other food items should fill your cart?
Such foods will do you little good if you lose electricity during the storm.
If widespread power outages are expected (as is common when storms pack strong winds, significant icing, or accumulating heavy snow) you'll want to make it a point to stockpile "non-perishables" — foods that require no cooking or refrigeration. Even if you don't expect to lose power, it's still a good idea to grab a handful of non-perishables just in case.
Because non-perishables, or ready-to-eat foods, are made to be eaten "as is," many people struggle with ideas of how to make a meal of them. Here are some suggestions to help get your started:
Ready-to-Eat Breakfast Items:
1. Know how long the storm is forecast to affect your area.
2. Consider how much food your family eats in a days' time. Buy that amount for the number of days the storm will last, plus enough for an additional one or two days.
3. If widespread power outages are expected, avoid buying a lot of "fresh" foods and stick mainly with ready-to-eat options. If the threat of a power outage is slim to none, buy what you wish, but also pick up a few
The Importance of Non-perishable Food
Grocery shopping for inclement weather isn't all that different from ordinary grocery shopping. You should feel free to buy the foods you normally eat and enjoy, but be careful if many of them are found down your grocer's refrigerated and frozen food aisles!Such foods will do you little good if you lose electricity during the storm.
If widespread power outages are expected (as is common when storms pack strong winds, significant icing, or accumulating heavy snow) you'll want to make it a point to stockpile "non-perishables" — foods that require no cooking or refrigeration. Even if you don't expect to lose power, it's still a good idea to grab a handful of non-perishables just in case.
Because non-perishables, or ready-to-eat foods, are made to be eaten "as is," many people struggle with ideas of how to make a meal of them. Here are some suggestions to help get your started:
Ready-to-Eat Breakfast Items:
- Cereal
- Dry milk (use bottled water if threat of contamination exists)
- Fresh fruit (apples, oranges, grapefruits, and bananas stay fresh for days to weeks)
- Canned or dried fruits
- Granola bars
- Protein bars
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, Vienna sausages, Spam)
- Canned soups, broths
- Canned vegetables, beans
- Nuts
- Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
- Snack crackers (saltines, goldfish)
- Pre-packaged cookies
- Trail mix
- Bottled or boxed juices
- Bottled water
How Much Food Is Enough Food?
Determining how much food to buy can be stressful.
After all, if you get snowed in and are unable to leave your house, you need a large enough food supply to outlast the storm.
The next time you're faced with this predicament, follow these three tips to keep from under-buying and overspending.1. Know how long the storm is forecast to affect your area.
2. Consider how much food your family eats in a days' time. Buy that amount for the number of days the storm will last, plus enough for an additional one or two days.
3. If widespread power outages are expected, avoid buying a lot of "fresh" foods and stick mainly with ready-to-eat options. If the threat of a power outage is slim to none, buy what you wish, but also pick up a few
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