I don't know how many of you remember, but last winter Texas had a massive winter storm that some have dubbed Wintergeddon. Fast forward to September and we have only recently seen 100 degrees in central Texas. Crazy, right??
But even though the temperatures outside are about 98-100, I've noticed that I'm not the only one wondering what is going to happen when winter returns. We lost power during a rain storm recently. During rain! It was crazy to wake up to flashing clocks everywhere. Last I heard, they haven't fixed all the problems that led to days without power, and even some deaths during the frigid cold.
Knowing this, my husband and I have started to prepare ourselves a little more. Last winter, we had needed to go stay with his mother and sister after waiting several hours for the power to return. Our home does not hold heat thanks to the outdated single-paned windows and gaps in the doors. But since we rent, there isn't much I can do to help that. Or is there?
Centralizing the heat
I've been doing some research. One way to keep from having higher bills, also works to keep heat or air centralized. You seal off rooms that you can do without. This got me thinking. Wouldn't be so bad to let the kids camp out in the living room, now would it? Close their bedroom doors, stuff towels in the window sills and door cracks. Then, make sure to close their vents. This works for having electricity or not. All the air will blow into the rooms being used instead.
Firestarters
We have a great fireplace to utilize in winter months. I've been making homemade fire starters from dryer lent and toilet paper rolls. Simple, yet highly effective! I filled a shoe box so far and then have been saving dryer lent as well.Lesson learned - pack it lightly!
Wood is something that we will have to store up. We plan to get a wood stacking rack. I rather not just have it piled on the ground. Plus, we will be keeping it covered to keep it dry from the elements.
Propane or gas grill
We bought a wonderful 2 burner stove top. It has dual uses. We can use it during camping trips as well as when there is loss of power. It is small, so making meals will be time-consuming. But still totally worth it. If you are looking for what we got, it is Ozark Trail. We love their brand! We can grab the little camping propane tanks to use.
Food stocking
Canned goods are definitely the way to go! So our plan is to collect canned soups and maybe ramen for warm meals. Peanut butter will be another thing we will keep on hand. Bottled water will be a big deal for us. These are things we can stock up on little by little from each paycheck.
Bringing out the heat
Lastly, we have talked about how to heat up the place in the event that the power does go out. How do we keep everyone warm? For the most part, I plan to keep all jackets, hats, gloves and blankets in the living room with the kids. It will be a giant, warm fort! Bundling up will be easy. We are looking into space heaters as well. And the fireplace will be kept stoked.
Passing the time
Everyone knows we live in the age of technology. So what do we do with no power? How do we plan to pass the time? First off, we have a portable DVD player we picked up at an estate sale. We have 2 DS game devices. And even a tablet. But how will we charge those? Our vehicle comes with plugs, both USB and your standard wall plug! When we have to go places, we can charge them here and there. But those aside, we have a ton of board games! We can easily pass the spare time with that. We are all readers. So books will be at our disposal. Nerf gun fights and Barbies, Lego creations and hide-n-seek games. We can pass the time. After all, during daylight hours will be school too.
Speaking of light...
Without power, we will be needing to pull out candles and flashlights. My favorites are the LED ones we picked up at Harbor Freight. They have multiple options on the type of light and are easy for the kids to use. So don't forget those extra batteries! 
What are your thoughts? How would you prepare? I'd appreciate hearing from you. Leave me a comment below!
My nana lived alone for most of her adult life. Her housing was always large for 1 person. She would tape up plastic (the sheet kind like used for painting with found in rolls at hardware stores) in the windows. She also used the rolled up material to block air from escaping into empty rooms. The plastic she left up year round to keep heat out. She put it in windows. With the air on your not opening them. In small kitchens making storage for cans is hard so look for space. Under a bed or bathroom sink. Kids closet shelves are to high for them but holds extra. Denim works well to make your own door stops to keep air out. Stuff with old clothes or more jean material. Just cut a pant leg off and staple, sew, or tape closed after stuffing it. People who own houses find that if their attic spaces are light on insolation they throw old jeans up there and it keeps bills down. Just remember it is not flame retarded and it takes a lot of blue jeans. also remember to fill tubes and toilets and a few rubbermaid bins full of clean water (as you may not have water for days). Think of hurricane prep if you don't have ideas on being out of power for long periods of time. WHile your looking that up also look up blizzard prepairdness tips. Or have the kids do a school assignment and make a plan of action for schooling. I like the light idea
ReplyDeleteA lot of good ideas! I especially like getting the kids involved and having them do a school project on it.
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