> TEOTWAWKI Blog: Snowmageddon is coming...

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2/12/14

Snowmageddon is coming...

Just started to snow in my neck of the Southeast. 6 inches of snow is the forecast, and it looks like things will be largely shut down for the next day or two. Last year I think we had 1 inch of snow around here, so that should tell you a little bit about the relative scope of this storm.

I'm not expecting anything particularly interesting to happen, but stopped by the store to pick up some groceries this morning. We've been traveling and were low on stuff like milk, juice.

Saw lots of folks buying cheap flashlights or looking for batteries. We've got lots of both around here. Shelves were still well stocked, though eggs were noticeably missing.

I have friends and co-workers in the Philly area that just had their power restored yesterday it was knocked out by an ice storm 7-ish days ago. Cold and inconvenient. One guy gave up after a couple days and checked his family into a nice hotel to wait until power came back on.

Preps for this kind of thing aren't too complicated. Warm clothes, good sleeping bags and something like a Mr. Buddy Heater (I still need to pick one up) to keep you warm. Some basic lighting and a way to power your cell if the power goes out. A way to heat water/food, too. If you live in the northern lands, you already know all this.

If you DO have to go out and drive around in the snow, make sure you've got warm clothes and some variety of 'get home bag' on the off chance you do get stranded. A sleeping bag, some food, more warm clothes, maybe a candle or two and some 'Hot Hands' things, etc. A shovel, some sand/kitty litter for traction if you need it and a tow strap if you know how to use one.

Last storm around, the strandings in the Atlanta area were pretty epic. Kids staying at school over night, births on the side of roads. I grew up and learned to drive in Canada, so a few inches of snow sure would not keep my 4x4 from picking up my kids or getting my wife to the hospital.

But, best to play it safe, and that's what people seem to be doing this time around.

Stay warm and safe!