Who’s ready for the snow/ice storm??
K. Ross
I had a blog all set and ready to go for this week…and then winter decided to do what winter does best—change its mind. With the winter storm coming in this weekend, I figured it was the perfect time to switch things up a bit. At first, they were calling for snow (which we all know how to handle by now), but now there’s been a shift and we could be looking at more ice instead. And if you’ve ever lived through an ice storm, you know it’s a whole different ballgame.
So instead of sticking with my original plan, I wanted to share something a little more timely and hopefully helpful: how to prepare for an ice storm—and what to do if we lose power. Think of these as equal parts practical and “future you will be very thankful you did this.”
First things first, let’s talk before the ice hits. Ice storms are sneaky. Roads look wet but are actually skating rinks, tree branches get heavy, and power lines don’t always stand a chance. One of the easiest things you can do right now is make sure your pantry is stocked. Nothing fancy—just enough food for a few days that doesn’t require cooking. Granola bars, peanut butter, canned soup, crackers…you get the idea. And don’t forget water! Even if you don’t lose power, it’s always better to be prepared.
Next up: batteries and flashlights. This sounds obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to grab a flashlight only to realize the batteries are dead. Check them now. Bonus points if you have lanterns or battery-powered candles—much easier to move around with and they make things feel a little less…apocalyptic.
Let’s talk phones and devices. Charge everything ahead of time. If you have a portable charger, make sure it’s fully charged too. During an outage, your phone becomes your lifeline for updates, checking on family, and yes, even a little entertainment to pass the time.
Another big one: heat. If you lose power, keeping warm becomes a priority. Pull out the extra blankets, layer up, and keep everyone in one room, if possible, to conserve heat. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s ready to go and that you have wood on hand. Please don’t use grills or generators indoors—safety first, always.
Outside prep matters too. If you can, park away from trees, bring in loose items, and make sure your car has gas. Even if you don’t plan on going anywhere, having a full tank is helpful if you need to charge devices or warm up for a bit.
Now, let’s say the power does go out. Take a deep breath. This is where a little mindset shift helps. Ice storms force us to slow down—whether we like it or not. Read that book you’ve been meaning to start, play board games, listen to music, or just enjoy the quiet. It’s not ideal, but it doesn’t have to be miserable either.
Lastly, check on your people. Neighbors, family members, anyone who may need a little extra help—especially older adults or those living alone. A quick text or call can go a long way.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but being prepared makes all the difference. Hopefully, we’ll just get a little ice and business as usual. But if not, you’ll be ready. Stay safe, stay warm, and let’s all hope this storm passes quickly (and quietly). ❄️
Comments(2)