bad weather and a few suggested ways to handle it

As the song goes, the weather outside is frightful...

Here in the Piedmont of North Carolina, we are not accustomed to the frozen stuff. Occasionally we will get a minute amount of snow, but most times the bad weather misses us here. Not this time, it is currently sleeting heavily outside, I'm listening to it pounding the window as I type. The power has blinked once and came back on. The odds of it going off and staying off, are probably pretty good at this point. 

 As a young person, growing up in this very house, I remember times of power outage and how we handled it. I recall our mother cooking hamburgers on a camping stove using a camping lantern to see by. We wrapped in blankets and gathered in the living room trying to stay warm.

 Here I am an adult, sitting here listening to the storm outside and wondering if I'm prepared enough for this.

 I have two battery operated lanterns that I purchased more batteries for. I also have hurricane oil lamps, oil and matches.

 I purchased a small battery operated lantern to leave in the bathroom.

We have a wood stove to keep heat in the house and if I have to I can cook on it as long as I'm not in a big hurry. I can also heat water on it for coffee.

 I've collected water in plastic jugs for cooking, drinking and coffee.

I left a tub full of water for flushing.

We have bread and milk.

 I dug my winter boots out of the closet, and dusted off the big coat I like to wear when the weather wants to drop frozen down upon us.

I have plenty of food that can be prepared on the wood stove or on the grill. (I'm hoping that we have enough gas in the grill)

We have canned foods that are easily prepared.

I have extra blankets and quilts. 

 Inside I'm ready, I'm not so sure about outside, because I'm not so sure I want to be out there. But, for those who must, (and I will probably be among them in the morning.) here are a few ideas to consider.

Make sure you have plenty of fuel in the vehicle, and that you have kept it maintained. A full tank of fuel doesn't help if your battery is dead.

Have an emergency kit in your vehicle. It should have a flashlight, a snack and drink, a blanket, gloves, dry socks, hand warmers, among the many options.

Make sure to keep your phone charged at all times. Invest in a car charger for your phone.

Let someone know of your travel plans even if its only to work.

At work..

Remain focused on the job.

Make sure that any and all sidewalks are safe.

Be there if you can but practice common sense, especially if the roads are bad.

Dress for the weather, but be prepared to change into work clothes.

Bad weather can cause problems all around. If you remain calm and cool. If the power goes, there are ways to survive. You might even find the vacation from electronics a welcome change.