The first big ice storm of 2013/2014 has struck Ontario
CA. Coating trees, gardens, fences and
snowbanks with ice. Turning the outdoors into a fantastical
place that is both fun to play in and dangerous!
Our grandchildren have found it a magical place to play in
with light reflecting off of ice crystals creating rainbows everywhere. A place where they can run on top of snow
banks only to crash through with shouts of laughter. They proudly announce as them come in to warm
up, “we have been to the Antarctic and seen the most amazing things”.
After hot baths, warm dry clothing and hot chocolate with
too many marshmallow they tell us about their adventure to Antarctic. They saw polar
bears, walrus, and penguins. They also had an adventure as they avoiding falling into a crack in the ice.
While the girls found the world created by the thick coat of
ice fun to play in, for others it was and continues to be a dangerous place
with down electrical lines, falling trees and broken limbs from falls on the
ice. A place that is both cold inside and out where getting water to make a hot drink is impossible because there is no electricity.
I have previously written two winter safety blog posts:
now it is time to turn attention to keeping ourselves safe at home in a winter weather disaster.
FEMA, and the Canadian Government both have websites dedicated to creating a household Disaster ready
kit that will carry the family through 72 hours - Winter Readiness Home Survival Kits. Please click on the links provided and become informed on what you need to do.
Winter Readiness Home Survival Kits
For every member in your home you need to
have enough:
- food,
- water,
- warm clothing and
- personal medication to last 72 hours
In a winter disaster there is one BIG NEVER! – Never bring a BBQ gas or charcoal into the house for cooking or heat. They give off carbon monoxide an odorless
killer.
Have in your kit three-days’ worth of non-perishable food with
the supplies necessary to open and prepare the food. Remember having food on hand that your family
will not eat is not helpful. Foods that
are high is salt like crackers will make your family thirsty and drain your
drinking water supply. If someone in
your home has special dietary needs plan for these as well.
The FEMA website has suggestion on:
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Cooking
- Managing Food without Power
Water is going to be the most difficult commodity and most
essential element to your survival. When
the electricity fails so do household and municipal pumps.
It is recommended that you have on hand one gallon of water
per person per day at a minimum and you need a three day supply.
Other supplies you will depend on your family personal living circumstances and here is a basic
list needed for winter:
- Candles for light and a fireproof tip resistant container to burn them in
- Matches
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Warm blankets and clothing
- Moist hand wipes
- Cell phone with chargers
From the Canadian Preparing a Family Emergency Kit here is a short Video
I am not an expert in this area and strongly recommend that you go to the two websites provided to read what the experts have to say. I pray everyone has a safe and happy winter of 2013/2014
Grandma Snyder
©2013 Twosnydergirls
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