Hope for the best but prepare for the worst

  In 2009 we had a terrible ice storm here.  I was without power for 8 days; some went longer.  Some died since no one could get to them and they were elderly .  Even after the storm there were so many downed trees and power lines you couldn't get out.  Once you got out you discovered the stores were empty because the trucks couldn't deliver.  I thought I was fine because I had a fireplace insert and plenty of wood and kindling.  Unfortunately, the wood was green and just smoked.  I got cold but the house never got below 40 degrees but it was one of the most miserable experiences I've ever had.  After it was all over I bought this book at Lowes.

I have good wood and kindling inside and in the garage so it doesn't get wet and I don't have to go out if I don't have to. 

These Coffeemate containers make good sprinklers for ice melt.

I have these ice grippers so if I have to go out I don't fall and break my neck!  I got these on QVC.  If it weren't for QVC I wouldn't even know things like this existed!

Water and plenty of it although our water seems to still run without power.  When I lived on the farm it did not run because the pump was electric.  I have city water now but I'm not taking any chances.  They say a gallon of water, per person, per day and I have the 3 girls too so it's not just me.  I have plenty of food as this time of year I ensure I have plenty on hand for all of us.

 

I'll be making turkey carcass soup tomorrow so I can heat it up on the wood stove easily.

 

Instant coffee since my Keurig won't be working if I lose power and I would be hurting big time without my coffee!

 

Lanterns, flashlights, batteries and candles; both real and battery operated.

Below is a "camping LED light".  I have 2 of these.  One in the basement for tornado season and one in the family room where the wood burner is.  They're inexpensive, the batteries last forever and they throw a lot of light.  I also have under the counter LED lights in the kitchen that I only use when there's a power outage. I also put up curtains on tension rods in the doorways to keep the heat in the family room.  

I have battery operated candles and a string of battery lights over the mirror and in the middle are real candles....even the big pumpkin is a candle.  I was just starting to decorate for Christmas but had to postpone because of the upcoming storm. Those are still my Fall decorations.  I did get some lights put up outside as it's been 70 here and today I even got some more windows washed but that's it as the rain starts tomorrow and by tomorrow night we will be in the 20's and the next night single digits!  I pray everyone stays safe, warm and dry as almost the entire country is having storms of one kind or another.
If I don't blog you'll know why!   Wish me luck!