2/8/13
The Northeastern part of the United States is expecting a blizzard today. I live in the Northeast United States and anyone who has lived here most of their lives are very use to blizzards. The worst part of a blizzard is waiting for it. You know you are going to get a storm, all the television news programs are telling us what day and what time it will come. I resent these arrogant news anchors telling us to, “Be ready!” or “Don’t run your generator in your house!”, or “Make sure you get gas and those last minute supplies!” It’s as if the network news anchors think their viewers are all on Prozac, or their viewers are completely stupid.
The hardest thing I find to prepare for, before a major snow storm is
a power outage. I have been through a few and learn a little more each time about what and what not to do or buy for emergencies. In a power outage the best tools to have at your bedside are a battery operated radio and a good, fully charged, flashlight or lantern. Another important thing to get ready before the storm is clothing. Make certain boots and heavy coats are available near the front or back door. Also lay out ahead of time what you might want to wear the next day, instead of having to look through your draws or closets in a blackout with a dim flashlight.
As I get older I dred these “Nor’easters.” This geographic area is noted for these storms so we should know what to expect. Unfortunately either most of our population are new to the North East or they all have extremely short memories, because these storms come every year. The panic prompted by the news media drive people into a hording and survival mentality, which causes shortages throughout the North East in fuel and food.
The cost to business and the state and federal government is astronomical if they have to shut down the state or call out the National Guard to help clear the roads and highways, or help communities or individuals who are stranded without power, fuel or food. We in Connecticut have been through many natural disasters in the past few years, and we all were forewarned. There really is little anyone can do except to wait for it, then wait it out. Waiting for a blizzard is nerve racking. We can only try to prepare as best we can by having an emergency plan, and enough common sense to get what we need in advance of the storm, and be off the roads before the storm starts.
I am never fully prepared for a blizzard’s severity or length. There is always something I should have gotten or could have used. I add something new to my stormlist every year. This year I added hot cocoa mix and whipped cream. I missed it during last year’s Nor’Easter. I’m sure there is something else missing in my emergency kit, but I won’t really know about it until I miss whatever it is.
Have a happy blizzard,
L.A. Steel
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