Where a storm brews, the stir-crazies follow
By Whitney
A winter storm, like the one endured by the folks on the East Coast recently, can really put your patience to the test. When I imagine what I’d do with my two- and five-year-old for 48 hours without electricity and a yard filled with snow, my visions of cozy fireside story-telling last for 5 minutes, and then I begin to brainstorm how we’d fill the next twelve hours until bedtime. Sure hope my husband’s iPhone is fully charged!
UL has provided some recommendations for what families should have on hand in the case of a major storm. Games for the children are on the list, as are other critical supplies, such as a gallon of water per person per day. Check out the list (below) and be prepared.
Also, be prepared to spend lots of hours entertaining your kids indoors. Consider this tip from The Rookie Moms: Announce special storm-day rules. Eat cereal for dinner; fill the dining room with stuffed animals; use face paint; camp out on the floor in Mommy’s room in sleeping bags.
Put everyone to bed early and hope that tomorrow is a clearer day.
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Storm safety kit contents
- First-aid kit
- Bottled water (one gallon of water per person/day for at least three days)
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Non-perishable food
- Can opener
- Weather radio (battery-operated)
- Blankets
- Fire extinguisher
- Aspirin
- Any prescription medication(s) needed by family members
- Extra clothes
- Games to keep children occupied
- Corded telephone
- List of phone numbers for relatives, neighbors and utility companies
- A map to find the main shut-off valves for electricity, gas and water
Photo credit: Ben Hollingsworth on flickr.com
