Storms ……. Always Be Prepared It is only spring, and we have already had a ton of tornados out west and our first tropical storm named Ana. So, I thought I would share some of the ways I try to stay prepared, as well as, how I have dealt with power outages and storm damage. Being from the backwoods of Roane County, trust me I have seen my fair share of storms and power outages. One instance I can recall, like it was yesterday, was on June 29, 2012 when the deratio came through the holler with 70 mph winds and put out our power for 14 days in the dead heat of summer. Also, my oldest daughter had only been home for one week after having scoliosis surgery to put medal bars in her back. With no water, it was a real chore to try and bathe her and keep the incision clean. But, luckily I had been saving water for months in milk jugs, 2-liter pop bottles, juice jugs and basically any jug I could find to fill with water and store. I stored this water under my kitchen table, most of the time, since it was a space that was not used much, therefore, it was a wonderful, cool hiding space . The rest of the family would go to the creek and take baths. But, it was the Dog Days of Summer, so I did not feel it was a good idea to bathe her in creek water. We also have a pond on our land and we used that water to flush, do dishes and laundry by hand and hung the clothes out on a line (this is something most young people know nothing about). My mom always kept 5 gallon buckets full of water year around for just this very reason. Since we are avid canners, we had a pretty good stock piles of food in jars. We also had a good stock pile of canned food, as well, so we could heat that up either on the grill or we would build a fire and cook on open fire. However, if you don’t can, always have a stock pile of non-perishable foods on hand just in case. Luckily, we had a couple jugs of gas for my mom’s generator, it only lasted 2 hours but that at least kept fans running and fridges and freezers cool. But if you don’t have a generator you can always use a cooler to keep fridge stuff in and put ice in around the food. Also, you can stuff your freezers full of blankets and don’t open them and the blankets will insulate the food and keep it cold for a few days. Another idea, if you do not have a cooler, you can find a tote or similar container, put your fridge stuff in it put ice or frozen stuff in around it and wrap the entire tote in blankets to insulate it. That will work for a while as well. Another good idea I have learned over the years, from my mom and dad and other long- term residents of the area, is to keep a good stock of kerosene for oil lamps as well. My husband and I probably have 10 of them, we love them. Nevertheless, if you don’t have them, just keep a stock of batteries and flashlights at all times. We used our fire pit to cook on and our grill. Since wood is our primary source of heat in the winter, we always have a supply of wood around. But if not don’t worry you can always find wood around to burn and cook on. I have been known to use two cinder blocks and build a fire in between them and put a grate from my oven on the fire to cook on. It is also good to always keep a supply of matches or a lighter. That way, you can always build a fire if needed. And remember, to have a car charger for your cell phone so you can keep in contact with the outside world. Also very important, in the event you lose your electricity for more than a few days, always keep in contact with your local emergency service stations for supplies and information as well. I myself am very thankful for my knowledge of how to survive in a crisis. I love sharing the experiences and information that might help you to stay safe and sound if the power does go out. On a final note, one of the great things about living in a small community is that neighbors look out for one another. So, always remember to check in with your neighbors, especially the elderly and make sure everyone in has everything they need to make it through okay. Have a wonderful summer and stay safe! Written by: Carrie Nicholas
