Sunday, January 25, 2015

STORM PREPARATION




Our last big snow storm 08


We have it coming: A major Noreaster (a blizzard to those who don’t speak Maine.)    The snow is due to start Monday night and continue into Wednesday.  Most Noreasters last from six to eight hours but according to forecast this one will stall and continue for more than twenty four hours. 

I don’t mind.   I have been complaining all of January that we haven’t received enough snow to bank the house.  We got approximately a foot in early January and then came rain so we have ended with about five inches of frozen, crunchy, ice crystal snow cover that has endured until now.  

The snow predictions range from eighteen to thirty-six inches with high winds, according to which computer model you pay attention to.

So preparations begin:  we will go into town tomorrow and shop to stock up the food larder.   Fresh vegies keep well and will give us salads.  Can goods including tuna, salmon and beans are a good put by.   We will likely lose electricity for and extended time but we can cook on the gas stovetop and move perishables into the back hall as temps are predicted in the single numbers to below zero at night.   We have put new batteries in our flashlights and in our battery operated lantern, we also have an oil lamp and gas lamps installed in the living room and kitchen.  We have six gallons of water for flushing the toilet and twelve gallons for drinking.   I moved about a quarter cord of wood to my wood storage unit by the back door and filled my normal storage on the back porch. 

Holds a quarter of a cord filled.


Tomorrow I will fill the snow blower with gas and start it and run it for a few minutes.  The shovel is by the back door.   I also filled the bird feeders and will probably have to make trips out back to keep them clear of snow.

We don’t have a check list, but have done this enough that it is second nature. 

It will be time for books and games and snuggle down with the cats; a not all together unpleasant prospect.  




the Ol’Buzzard

11 comments:

  1. Thank goodness you will be prepared. Most people don't do that because they're just plain stupid. I would have gone shopping today instead of tomorrow. It's going to be crowded at the grocery store. Y'all stay safe.

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  2. you either were a boy scout in your youth or had a lasting affair with girl scout leader..

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    1. I was also a Navy winter bush survival instructor for nine years.
      I even arranged for my wife (then girlfriend) to go through the training - we had no trouble staying warm.
      OB

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  3. I like JackieSue's comment. Enjoy your storm. A snowblower makes a big difference to one's enjoyment of snow. Stay warm, my friend.

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  4. Enjoy the storm. Hope you do get enough snow to be able to bank the house. Living where we do, we're always prepared for the power going out: our back porch miniwoodshed is usually well-stocked, there's food in the freezer (which won't be affected much by no electricity unless the no electricity lasts more than a couple days), the pantry is stocked. . . and we've even got sufficient toilet paper. We don't worry much about toilet flushing water when there's multiple feet of snow on the ground here now. If the power goes out, we fill a couple 5-gallon pails with snow. Sooner or later, it melts and we flush.

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    1. You and your SO are like minded with us in Maine. Actually, you usually have a little more of winter than we do.
      Stay warm.
      OB

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  5. You didn't mention stocking up on bread and milk before there is a run on them and the shelves are empty because everybody is rushing to the store at the last minute to get milk and bread??

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    1. We buy our fresh milk in boxes - Parmalate - it doesn't require refrigeration until you open it. We make our own bread and but can switch to fried bread if we are out of power for some time. We did, however, stock up on wine and beer - the staples of life.
      OB

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  6. Sounds like you will be well prepared! Stay safe and enjoy your storm-stay!

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  7. At least living out in the country you get used to bad weather and just do the sensible thing. Stay home for a few days. Intermittent Power and Light will get up and running again eventually.

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  8. 68 degrees here with a chance of rain. Stay warm and safe old friend!

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