Emergency situations can happen at any time. It doesn’t matter if it is a huge winter storm or a summer tornado. I have seen how both of these weather events created chaos for people because they were not prepared. I witnessed the ice storm of 2008 where power was out for 7 days here where I live. Some folks didn’t get power back for weeks!

When I go into local stores right after a storm announcement has been made, the battery aisle is slim, the bread aisle and milk section are almost entirely empty.  Although buying batteries is smart, I watch folks buy groceries that will not keep unless they have a generator.  Unless it’s winter you may be ok as you can always store your groceries in the snow.  But in the summertime this would be a completely different story.  Unfortunately many people do not have access to a generator and/or can’t afford one. I have witnessed all local stores closed where you couldn’t get gasoline for up to 7 days. During the ice storm in Kinderhook, fallen trees completely blocked any passage on the roads. I was the fire chief here in Kinderhook at that time and it was not a good situation for the public.  Many folks were totally unprepared. Like I said before, an emergency can happen at anytime and anywhere.

If a weather-related emergency or national emergency happened right now and you lost power for days and you couldn’t leave your home, ask yourself these questions:

1) Do I have a way to cook?

2) Do I have nonperishable foods stored?

3) Do I have water?

4) Do I have a way to see in the dark?

5) Do I have a way to stay warm?

6) Do I have a way to get updates? Such as a radio

7) Do I have batteries that are new and not used.

8) Do I have certain necessities such as medicines?

Every home should have 2 flashlights with new spare batteries. The best place to store batteries is in the refrigerator or freezer.  By storing them there is will keep them charged longer.  Don’t keep your batteries in the flashlight. They will green up over time and leave your light useless. An emergency situation is not the time to find out your batteries and flashlight(s) are useless.

Nonperishable foods such as canned goods should be in everyone’s pantry as they can be stored for long periods of time.  Canned meats which I know many don’t think of (or want to!), are perfect for these times. I know many don’t consider Spam high on the culinary chart, but when you are seriously hungry, I bet you would reconsider!  Dried rice or noodles are perfect as well; but remember you’ll need potable water and a way to cook them.  Backpacking meals – any outdoors store would have them – are also great. Store these in a tightly-sealed, waterproof containers.  I would have at least 2 weeks to a month of food. 

You can store water in jugs or just have bottled water (preferably glass if possible).  You really don’t have to worry about shelf life. Again, I would plan on enough for at least 2 weeks to a month.

To be able to cook has many options. From grills to propane small camping stoves. Remember, at this point you may not have electricity or a generator, so I would recommend having enough fuel for up to 2 weeks at least.  A small propane camp stove with maybe 10 fuel cartridges is a perfect backup. Small propane tanks for grills should be filled and not used. A 20 lb tank will last a long time for an outside grill.

A small battery powered weather/ FM radio is perfect so to keep you can receive updates. Like I said, keep the batteries out of all devices until needed.  If you hear about a storm an emergency event, make sure your equipment works! 

Another thing that is very handy is a rechargeable power pack. Phones can be charged for emergency calling and receiving calls for updates. The power packs are not for gabbing for hours and using up the charge!

Of course we need to stay warm in the winter months. If you don’t have a wood stove, then I would suggest a small kerosene heater, which are perfect or propane heaters work very well. But, then again fuel has to be on hand. Please be sure you have proper ventilation when using these.

Also, make sure any medicines you are taking are stocked up as much as possible.  Particularly anything you may be taking daily.  Again, try to have at least an additional 2 week supply on hand.  Stocking up on medicines is a little trickier as it’s hard to fill too many prescriptions in advance.  Pharmacies have clamped down on that in recent years as many of you know.

This article was written because of what I saw during the ice storm we had years ago. These were the problems I watched people go through.  Like I said, some folks went for three weeks with no power. Emergency workers were not able to get to people for days. We are living in a time of uncertainties. Many things are going on in the world now that could eventually impact us here.

I hope this will get you thinking about being prepared. My next article will go into learning the basics of surviving in the woods.

 By Barry Knights

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Barry Knights is a lifelong resident of Kinderhook village in Kinderhook, NY.
Has been foraging for 54 years. Also taught in wilderness survival and other outdoor skills.
Has had articles published in the Conservationist, Field and Stream and Outdoor Life.
Has also taught different classes on various survival techniques Upstate New York