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Better Safe Than Sorry

   Written by on February 4, 2016 at 11:18 am

logo-wee-notesWere you prepared for the recent big snowstorm?  “Jonas” dumped a beautiful foot of snow on our parts, but that was only half of what we were expecting.  Did you run out of bread or milk? How about toilet tissue?

We laugh and joke about those items, but they seem to be the first things we think about when we begin hearing about the likelihood of snow or other weather conditions that may keep us at home or cause us to lose power.

In the mail last week, I received my bill from Southside Electric Cooperative.  Enclosed within, was a card containing some “Winter Storm Preparedness Tips.”  Clearly not intended to be a comprehensive list, it did give some very basic information. It also provided the Web address, readyirginia.gov, for more information.

In as much as you are able, you should collect some essential supplies to last each person a minimum of three days including:

• Water – a gallon per person per day for drinking and hygiene (For a family of 3 that would be 9 gallons.)

• Food – think non-perishable (If your supply includes milk, you will likely be able to keep it cold using snow, but consider having a cooler in which to store it.)

• Rx Medications – include prescribing doctor’s contact information

• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and extra batteries (Even though we all tend to have our cell or smart phones, they must be recharged and when power is out, that becomes a big issue.)

• Flashlight

• First-aid kit

• Toilet tissue, soap, plastic garbage bags and other personal hygiene items

• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members

• Pet care supplies and information

• Manual can opener

I would add that you should make sure your vehicles are filled with gas (with an extra can of gas if you have a safe place to store it).

We tend to laugh at suggestions like the above until they are needed.  We are pretty complacent in this area because we so seldom have crippling weather.  If you are too young to remember l993 and 1996, ask around.  It can and does happen.  Better to be safe than sorry!

I hope you had a great time during our latest snowstorm.  I trust you made an effort to play in it with your wee ones.  My daughters in South Carolina were both homesick for snow as they recalled the fun times they had as kids.  My son, after spending a year in Alaska, got hit with 30” of white stuff in Winchester.  He had fun Jeep-ing in it! Happy safe parenting everyone.

©2016 Brenday Holland-Robinson

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