Storms can strike at any time of year. But winter storms, with their higher probability of power outages, can be one of the most stressful to experience. This emergency preparedness guide will help you be ready for any winter storm or emergency situation that arises by helping you plan as though you've found yourself in the midst of a zombie attack.
Whether it's a snowstorm or the zombie apocalypse, being prepared to be stranded with no power and very little possibility to venture outside requires a surprisingly similar set of basic supplies. Read on to learn what you need to be storm (or zombie) prepared:
It doesn’t matter if it’s a hurricane, thunderstorm, winter storm or a dystopian apocalypse, if your home loses power the result is the same. There’s no way to know when electricity will be restored, so your best bet is to keep a stock of emergency supplies on hand.
Food and water is an absolute must for survival. It’s become an overdone joke that anytime we have snow in the forecast, all grocery stores will be depleted of items such as bread or milk. It may seem silly to purchase milk when you could possibly lose power to the refrigerator, but if it does indeed snow, you could simply store the cold items outside. However, these items in particular can be used to make simple meals that require few ingredients and no heat, specifically breakfast cereal or peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches. So remember to apply this concept to your own emergency food supply. Choose items that can be eaten without the luxury of a stove or microwave. Canned foods, such as vegetables, beans and soups should be rotated out occasionally to prevent your emergency food supply from spoiling.
You must also consider medical needs when planning your survival. In addition to a basic first aid kit for bumps, scratches or close encounters with reanimated corpses, make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications you may need. Get refills in advance, if possible. Also, consider having a supply of hygiene products that don’t require hot water. Dry shampoo and baby wipes are not exactly ideal when all you want is a shower, but it’s certainly better than nothing.
Finally, you’ll need additional supplies to deal with that pesky darkness situation. Your cell phone could be used as a source of both light and entertainment-but only as long as the battery lasts. With a portable USB battery pack, you'll be able to drastically increase the amount of time you can spend streaming episodes of the Walking Dead. Or pick up an LED lantern that does double duty with a built-in USB charging port.
Whether you need to find more supplies or just the simple fact that you absolutely have to get to work today, you will eventually need to leave. Make certain you have a strategy in place for making a safe escape. Is there gas in your vehicle? Do you need snow tires? Is the driveway clear of ice and debris? Do you have appropriate gear for the weather before you get out on the roads?
If the roads are treacherous, take a supply of food and water with you in case you become stranded. And always have a way to communicate with others. If the battery on your phone is starting to die, take this opportunity to plug the phone into a portable car charger.
Once you arrive at work, it is in your best interest to determine that your boss has not become a member of the undead before settling in at your desk. Good luck and stay safe!