How storm ready are we? We are being warned that it could be a winter of storms. I’m not a doomsday person but it’s obvious to most of us that storms are getting more frequent and more severe.
When it comes to being storm ready, I think there are three types of people.
There is the ‘I’ll be grand’ cohort who believe that because they live in a city or are young and fit, they won’t be affected. Their misguided belief is reinforced with media reports of those affected by storms as being elderly people who live in the mountains. I suggest those in this cohort look at what has happened all over the world as weather events impact even the biggest cities. As for being young, well that might help you move a few fallen branches but it won’t boil a kettle or restore your wifi.
Then we have the ‘I have a few candles’ brigade. These are usually people who have experienced a few short-term power outages and used it as a time to enjoy family games of cards or romantic candlelight salads. I was one of these for many years. I kept an eye out for camping stoves on sale during the summer so I’d have a back up but never actually bought one.
Two years ago, after three days with no power, I moved from type two to type three.
As soon as we get a storm warning I check I have water, eggs, bread, and firelighters. I fill the car with diesel and download a few movies onto the tablet. I fill the wood basket and have an extra pile at the back door
Type three are pretty well prepared and come October we are checking supplies and getting organised.
I’ll start outside. All summer furniture gets moved either inside a shed or is tied down securely. I have been surprised how even the heaviest of flower pots can be whipped up during a storm so I take no chances. The bins are in a sheltered corner and I have a few blocks ready to put on top of them.
Inside, I have a fully stocked emergency box. I gave up waiting for the camping stove to be on sale and bought one with a few gas canisters. Honestly, being able to boil water for tea and fry a few eggs makes even the most miserable cold day seem better. I would suggest you have a go at using it before you actually need to so you are familiar with how to put in the gas canister.
Also in the box, I have a small amount of cash. Why? When wifi and power are gone your local shop may be able to keep the doors open but they can’t take card payments.
There are definitely no smelly candles in the box. Either the smell will get to you after a few hours or you’ll get frustrated at how little light they give off. Instead I have several lanterns and a few rechargeable torches. I also have a pocket size battery torch for walking around the house. I check the charge in each of them the first of every month in the winter. I also have a power bank fully charged as back up for my phone and torches. A spare charging cable that works in the car is a back up, back up. Finally for entertainment there is a pack of playing cards and a jenga game.
As soon as we get a storm warning I check I have water, eggs, bread, and firelighters. I fill the car with diesel and download a few movies onto the tablet. I fill the wood basket and have an extra pile at the back door.
I also fill the bath with water. Like many rural households I rely on a pump to bring water into the house. No power, no pump. I can handle a day or two without a shower but not without flushing the toilet. A bucket beside the filled bath makes life much more pleasant.
All of this is very practical but it can be very lonely on dark nights with little heat. After Storm Éowyn I decided that if a power outage went on longer than 48 hours I would move to stay with friends or family. Emergency preparations are great but can’t help with how lonely it can be after a few nights of dark and cold.
Here’s hoping my emergency box gathers dust from being unopened this winter.
