The Ice Storm of 2013-14

The extreme winter storm this year, which was large in size and magnitude, was unprecedented.  Many people were unprepared.  Much of our Ward was extremely fortunate because our Hydro source is underground.  There were areas that remained without power for multiple days.

Here are some of my suggestions for disaster preparedness.

 

Before:

Listen to the news reports
Fill your car gas tank
Have cash on hand
Buy supplies like water, canned goods etc
Keep a hand can opener
Have a crank or battery operated radio
Have a dozen bottled candles
Have matches/lighters etc
Have sleeping blankets/extra blankets
 

During:

Fill up both your bath tub/pots etc with water – you may need to flush toilets with buckets of water
Keep extra batteries on hand
Have a wired telephone connection as a lifeline.  Bell phones use their own power
I believe in backup generators but your house must be wired for it
Make extra ice before the storm
Invest in a power pack
In cold weather, drain your pipes.  Turn off the water supply and open the taps
Turn off all electrical appliances, especially if you leave your premise.  It also helps with power surges (I would turn off the breakers but leave a breaker on for lights only)
Keep some Styrofoam coolers on hand for fridge items
 

After:

Inspect the perimeter of the house if applicable
Turn on the breakers one by one slowly
Turn on the main water valve. 
Close all water taps after the air is discharged from the taps
Inspect fridge food.  When in doubt throw it out.