STORM CHECKLIST

Some suggestions for the weekend storm.  We haven't had a power outage in so long, that I almost forgot to dig out the flashlights and batteries!

1. Gas for car/generator
2. Food—nonperishable, easy-to-prepare  (we use our woodstove for backup cooking -- steaks and foil-wrapped potatoes cooked over the coals.  Mulled cider and wine stay warm on top.
3. Flashlight &  extra batteries
4. Cell phone - keep it charged
5. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
6. First aid kit  
7. Multi-purpose tool
8. Keep family and emergency contact information handy 
9. Bring pets inside - livestock should be protected
10. Ample alternate heating methods: fireplaces or wood-stove
11. Bookmark emergency sites on your computer.

Couple of past experiences:  In the 1980's we had a serious freeze with several nights of temps down into the teens and low 20's.  Our outdoor water lines froze and ruptured.  We didn't know a tiny trickle of water prevents that from happening.  Around the same time there was a snowfall that stranded cars without chains at the bottom of Honey Springs Road.  The weather reports say it's not likely we'll get much accumulation, but even the 2008 Valentine's Day snow made driving up Deerhorn Valley Road impossible once the snow started sticking.

VALENTINE'S DAY 2008