Safety Survival Hacks (Infographic)

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Many thanks to Lee Flynn for the image!

Follow him at Twitter @foodstorage101

Keep Your Food Storage Hidden in Plain Sight

Editor's Note: Many thanks to Lee Flynn for this guest post. Kindly check out his links after the article.

Planning for a disaster scenario in which you are left without power or water for a few days in not too difficult to do. Most of the food from your pantry and extra water will get you though most emergencies. But what if you were left without power and water for, let’s say, a month… or longer? How can you store the food you need to survive and also keep it secret from bands of pillaging people who didn’t prep for disaster like you did? You can store the food you need in a small space and we are going to examine how.

Have you ever seen how much food it actually takes to sustain one person for one year? The amount is tremendous and adding the size of your family can leave you with a legitimate storage space issue. You will roughly need 80 sq/ft of storage space to sustain a family of three.

 

Rather than trying to convince your family that the 50 buckets of emergency food will make a great TV stand or bookshelf look for creative ways to keep that amount of food hidden in plain sight. That’s right you can have a home with limited space and still have a large supply of backup food and supplies.



Food Storage Safety

First let’s address one of the big concerns with food storage - safety. Making sure the food you are keeping in case of an emergency is free from contamination is a big deal. If your food is full of bacteria, mold, fungus, insects, or other pests not only will the food be inedible but if ingested could be a serious health risk. Botulism can be fatal people, be careful!

Food and water must be safely prepared and packaged for storage to avoid getting sick or losing the food due to spoilage. Water needs to be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Check your water every six months to make sure nothing has contaminated it making it undrinkable. Green or blue containers work best for water. Don’t reuse water containers that had other liquid in them. Chances are you won’t be able to completely clean them making the water undrinkable quickly.

Avoid storing food in places that change temperature, like the garage or a shed, for long term because it can get very hot in the summer months destroying food quality. If you vacuum seal food use an oxygen absorbers in each container. Keep a journal of the shelf life in your food storage and rotate out items which may be expiring soon. This isn’t a big concern with prepackaged food storage due to the fact that they last for 25 years on average.



Hiding Your Food in Plain Sight

Take a look at the type of containers each type of food comes in to decide where to hide it. The standard food storage container is a 5 or 6 gallon bucket filled with Mylar bags full of food. These hefty buckets can make great replacements for box springs or a bed frame. Simply place your buckets under the bed evenly cover it with a piece of plywood and place the matters on top. Under a full size bed you can store 15 – 20 buckets of food! Converting each family member’s bed like this will provide lots of extra room. Don’t forget the bed skirt to hide it from view.

Another way to hide food in the open is turning household items into dual purpose pieces of furniture. Some of the easiest conversions are changing nightstands and end tables into food storage containers. The inside is full of food and you can still rest your drink on the top.

Tall furniture that is be close to the ceiling like a bookshelf can also hide food but be careful. Placing food on the top of bookshelves will keep it above eye level if positioned correctly. Remember a thief may peer through the window. A well placed bookshelf near a window can completely hide the top.

Do you have a kitchen island? The island can be converted into a can rack or shelved storage container. Can racks can literally hold hundred of cans of food in a small space freeing up cupboard space. Unfortunately if you suffer a home invasion during the dystopian nightmare the kitchen is the first place they go for food. Lock the island to deter theft and put it on wheels to keep it mobile.

Do you have room for another dresser or just extra space for one? A hollowed out dresser filled with food hold lots of food and may not be the first place an intruder would look. If you don’t want a new dresser for food just convert some of the drawers to food storage, easy.

The closet is another small space food storage option.  Many closets have lots of wasted space if they don’t have shelves. The bar for clothes and one shelf above that isn’t good enough to be useful. Take the measurements of the closet and find some heavy duty racks that will fit inside. Then use the racks to store food.

The utility room where the washer dryer live is like the closet because you can have significant wasted space. Build or buy shelves or even install a can rack that can fit over the washer/dryer. It will fill up the space nicely.

Do you have books on bookshelves? There are probably a few extra inches of space that canned goods could fit nicely behind the books and stay concealed.

Organizing food into a small space can be easy. It will require some creativity and may require some sacrifice. If you have to get rid of some unused clothes or junk to make more room for food, do it! Best of all the organization and storage of your food can be done economically. You don’t need to buy expensive items to hide cans behind books or under the bed. Don’t let uncertainties about actually fitting food storage in a small space stop you. Build it up slowly and steadily.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lee Flynn is a freelance writer and expert in emergency food storage.

Food Preservation in the Event of the Zombie Apocalypse

Note: This is a guest post by Empress of Drac

You just got home from work and turn on the news only to hear the impossible - the zombie apocalypse is upon us and everyone must be ready for the worse. Cities are in despair, and citizens are banding together in order to increase their chances of survival. There is a massive shortage of food as the days go by, and these groups of survivors are looking for anyone who has a steady supply of nourishment. You sit and wait, hoping to see a group of nomads you can join, because you have exactly what they need.

            Thanks to a change in the way you chose to purchase your groceries, you are sitting on a large supply of freeze dried food. Thanks to the research you did; you know that the best food storage is the easiest food storage. Buying freeze dried foods is a great idea to both save money and have a healthy supply of food that will last a long time in an emergency.

While the world reels from the spoiling of huge amounts of food, you and other like-minded individuals have freeze dried foods can last up to 20 years while sealed and for up to 18 months when opened. Once the power went out, you had nourishment that would sustain you for a long time without the need for electricity to prepare it. This made freeze dried better than any other food alternatives. 

You also know that it only takes a little bit of water to reconstitute the freeze dried foods, so it won’t put too much of a dent in the ration of water you have. The foods are also packaged in the prime of their nutritional value, so once they are ready to eat; you are still getting all the vitamins and minerals that the foods would offer if they were fresh. Stocking up on freeze dried foods instead of store bought gives you a much better option to save money and provide comfort in the event of an emergency. Now that the zombie apocalypse has hit, it’s a good thing you made the switch; you can trade access to your food supply for the safety from the roving bands of humans.

Freeze dried foods can provide a healthy, cheaper alternative to purchasing foods in the grocery store. They can also provide the needed currency to save your life in the event of the zombie apocalypse. Either way, freeze dried foods are a good investment.

     

 

Book review: When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody Lundin

With topics such as starting fires, purifying water, finding/catching/preparing food, first-aid, shelter, hygiene, proper burial among many other covered. It’s a very thorough book, topic-wise. It was almost too overwhelming for a noob to read. It’s my own fault for trying to read it from beginning to end as it were fiction. This is more of a reference book really and should be read as such.

I love that it’s written in a straight-forward manner that any average civilian could understand – you don’t have to be a hard-core survivalist to comprehend any of its content. His overall tone is pretty laid-back and fun which made it a quick and easy read for the most part. It’s peppered with humorous illustrations throughout as well (which was sometimes distracting). The best part about this guide is how it’s not focused on buying cool camping and survival gear. The projects he mentions are usually low-budget or no-budget at all (you may already have the materials in your home).

I came across Cody Lundin’s name after scanning for books to review for this site – he has a survival show (available on Netflix) which I’ve been meaning to watch. If I’m going to learn from someone, it might as well be from an expert who lives, breathes, and teaches this way of life.

Tons of info here for those seeking out a starting point. I actually read the e-book version of this which is perfectly fine, but I think this is one of those books that would be better off sitting in your shelf as a reference.

You’d probably get more enjoyment and use out of this if your preparedness and survivalist skillset is in the beginner or intermediate. Also good for the casual read.

Definitely a great addition to any prepper library. 4 out of 5 stars.

A Chance to Win an Underground Shelter - SPIKE TV Casting Call

SPIKE TV IS GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN AN UNDERGROUND SHELTER FOR YOUR FAMILY

Are you a survivor? Are you prepared?

Nuclear war, terrorism, pole shifting, killer comets and tsunamis all have the potential to cause national or worldwide disaster. Some people think the Mayan Calendar predicts the end of the world on December 21, 2012.

If you've always wanted to secure lifetime access to a well-protected, underground shelter for you and your immediate family in case of a global emergency, then this is your chance.
SPIKE TV and Vivos Shelters (www.terravivos.com) are seeking a handful of lucky people to compete on a new TV show for the chance to own shares in a state-of-the-art, community underground shelter for up to 6 family members.

Producers are looking for outgoing, competitive PAIRS of immediate family members (husband and wife, father and son, siblings...) to represent their family household on national television in a series of fun and exciting challenges. This is your opportunity to PROVE that you have what it takes to join a community of people who can survive global disaster!
APPLY TODAY!

Send an email to LastFamilyCasting@gmail.com with the following:
1. Your name and the name of at least one family member who could be your teammate
2. Your phone numbers
3. Your city/state (same household or neighborhood preferred)
4. Recent photos of each of you
5. A brief explanation of why you want to win this show AND what skills you and your family can offer a community of survivors.

Deadline to apply is JUNE 20, 2012! Producers are waiting to hear from you!
* To compete on the show, you must be a legal U.S. resident and at least 18 years of age. (Note: Family members of any age are eligible for a place in the shelter. Conditions and restrictions for shelter co-ownership apply.) For more information, visit www.pilgrimstudios.com/casting/LastFamilyOnEarth

Casting: Looking for Single Survivalists & Preppers for TV Show

Received an email a couple of days ago from a casting agent/company who are currently looking for single survivalists and preppers for a show. Here are the details:

CASTING:
SURVIVALIST AND PREPPERS,WHO ARE SINGLE AND LOOKING TO DATE



DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE END OF THE WORLD IS NEAR, YET YOU ARE STILL SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE TO FALL INLOVE WITH?


A Major television production company is casting single men and women who share the belief that the world is soon ending for a new major television series. We are in search of people who passionately believe in the world’s inevitable end, but are also single andlooking for someone to enjoy the rest of their time on earth with!  Please tell us your story.

Please email us with yourstory with a current photo of yourself along with a current contact telephonenumber and email address to Sean De Simone (http://seandesimonecasting.com/) at survivaldatecasting@gmail.com

Zombie Survival Map: Map of the Dead

All you zombie fanatics will dig this - Map of the Dead is a new site that uses the Google Maps API and color-coded keys to show you where you can get essential supplies in case the zombie apocalypse goes down.

Relax, it's all in the name of fun and entertainment folks - nobody really thinks a zombie outbreak will happen....Right?!

Cool, anyway...the map divides areas into danger and non-danger zones. (I'm basically SOL due to my location, practically everything around me is a danger zone).

It shows you where the gun stores are located as well as pharmacies, cemeteries, malls, outdoor stores, radio towers, among other things. Plus, it also allows you to print your map.

Go have a look for yourselves.

http://www.mapofthedead.com

Discovery Channel's Out of the Wild: Venezuela - Get your Survivalist Fix

Out of the Wild: Venezuela - The Volunteers

The premise: 9 ordinary people dropped off in Venezuela's southern frontier with basic supplies. The goal is to travel 70 miles through a remote area and make there way back into civilization.

Here's what I liked about this series - while most survival reality tv shows have a handsome reward in the form of monetary gain at the end for those who completes the challenge, this particular show has none. Its reward is the experience in itself. The participants joined for self-exploration / self-improvement / the thrill of the adventure, etc. Not to mention the tremendous bragging rights.

The participants were put through a 3 day crash course on survival skills training. They were allowed to bring the items in the list provided:

1 Pair of good hiking boots
1 Pair of trainers (aka running shoes)
3-5 pairs of socks
1 rain jacket (Gore-Tex or rubber)
1 pair of rain pants (Gore-Tex or rubber)
1 fleece jacket or wool sweater for warmth
3 pairs of underwear (not cotton)
Malarial drugs
 2 pairs of long pants
2 long sleeve shirts
bandannas — suggested
Hat — Wide brimmed or baseball
2 T-shirts
2 pairs of shorts
Bathing Suit

Source: Discovery channel

In addition they were allowed to gather additional supplies near the drop-off point from a supply cache, keeping in mind that they would only be adding to the weight they'd have to haul along.

Supply cache:
2 small metal framed military backpacks
7 Pemon packs
4 bows with real barbed 1 and 2 point arrows
1 flint stone rock
1 spool of bailing wire
1 yucca strainer
1 big fish trap
10 fish hooks
9 GPS Beacon transmitters
1 small dutch oven-style metal pan
1 big dutch oven-style metal pan
1 skillet
1 spool of 1/2" twine approx. 50' in length
2 broad blade hunting knives with leather belt sheaths
1 Pemon big drop basket
4 small gourds
1 large gourd with cork
3 machetes (small Pemon-style)
3 Pemon baskets
1 big flashlight and 4 extra batteries
9 mosquito nets
2 candles
9 whistles
 1 magnifying glass
1 axe with handle
1 axe without handle
1 hatchet
2 military belt-mount canteens
7 round shoulder slung canteens
9 pairs rubber boots
9 hammocks
1 roll of 1/8" parachute cord-style twine
4 pairs of leather gloves
1 oversized metal cooking pot/wash basin
2 maps per leg
300 electrolyte tabs
3 tall baby food jars
2 boxes of tampons
1 compass
1 lb of Pemon ground grain
1 Block of local back salt beef
5 military fleece blankets
1 spool of spare slingshot cord
1 palm hook knife with no handle
1 roll of screen mosquito net
1 file for sharpening
1 small roll of duct tape 

Source: Discovery Channel

I sat down and pretty much watched the 8 episodes of the series in two days. It was an engaging show - interesting people with very different background stories, beautiful and dangerous terrain, of course some conflict (this is inevitable in a group setting, especially under these very stressful conditions). As the show progresses, you can see how much weight the members lose from caloric intake deficiency.

Each participant has a gps locator beacon system that they can use should they choose to leave at any time. All they have to do is press the button and the helicopter extracts them. No spoilers here, you'll have to find out who leaves and who stays.

It took the remaining volunteers twenty six days to reach civilization.

Hands down the best reality tv survival show I've seen so far. 5 out of 5 stars.

Currently available for Instant Play in Netflix (as of April 9, 2012) or you can watch the entire season 3 at Vimeo starting with Episode 1 right below:

Hunger Games Trailer (New TV spot)

Just wanted to post the latest Hunger Games trailer:

Out on theaters March 23, 2012.

The film adaptation is based on book 1 of the Young Adult trilogy by Suzanne Collins. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it.





Official movie site: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com

The Last of Us Debut Trailer (Survive an Apocalypse) - PS3

"This is our routine. Day and night," says the girl character, Ellie, in a voice-over. "All we do is survive. It never lets up."

Survive an apocalypse on Earth in The Last of Us, a PlayStation 3-exclusive title by Naughty Dog. Here, you will find abandoned cities reclaimed by nature. Here is a population decimated by a modern plague. Here, there are only survivors killing each other for food, weapons, or whatever they can get their hands on. Here, you find no hope.

Joel, a brutal survivor, and Ellie, a brave young teenage girl who is wise beyond her years, must work together if they hope to survive their journey across the US.

A few weeks ago they released the following teaser trailer to whet our appetites:

They just recently release the debut trailer (which looks amazing by the way), not surprising at all since Naughty Dog brought us the Uncharted franchise.

Check out the official site:
http://www.lastofus.com/agegate.html

The Last of Us should be available for PS3 in late 2012 or early 2013

I AM ALIVE (Prepper-type post-apocalypse video game)

Came across a trailer for a game that goes over some rules of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
 
I thought my prepper/survivalist readers might enjoy it.

The game is called I am alive by Ubisoft.

Here's the game synopsis from the official site:

One year after a worldwide cataclysmic event that wiped out most of the human race, a man struggles for survival in a desolate city as he tries to reunite with his long lost family. In this post-apocalyptic tale, there are no supernatural threats, just an everyman who faces a decaying and hazardous world and humanity’s darkest inclinations. Will you hang on to your humanity and help strangers or are you ready to sacrifice others in order to survive?


I am alive trailer "Rules"

I am alive trailer "general preview"

Official site:
http://iamalive-game.ubi.com/iamalive/en-US/

Release date is sometime in Q1 2012 - available for Playstation Network and XBox Live Marketplace

Newbie Prepper Progress Report

Switching it up a bit and trying out something new here in which I go over what I've done so far as a newbie prepper. 


I'm starting a new Twitter hashtag for it for those who want to follow and join in.

#newprepper

Even with the last two weeks being more hectic than usual I've managed to get some things sorted out.

Being new to prepping, I had to set some short term goals (6 months). Here's pretty much how I broke it down.

1) Acquire new skills
   - read
   - learn
   - then put into practical application

2) Put together an emergency medical kit (we already have a rudimentary kit put together, which definitely needs to be improved upon)

3) Customize my EDC (everyday carry), BOB (bug out bag), BOV (Bug Out Vehicle), and our bug-in supplies.


I currently have a very basic EDC. Also a bugging-in emergency kit/supply is already in place. I just need to expand on it.

Food and water supply is not too bad, we tend to be always well-stocked, I just need to see if it's well-balanced supply.

Some things I have to keep in mind as I go about this:
storage space, budget allocation, and time constraints - I'll try to address each one in a future post.

What I've done so far in the last couple of weeks:

• Created a reading list related to this site and uploaded it to my Kindle app. I'll post reviews of it here as I finish them.
• Started decluttering one of the hallway closets. I've moved one of the supply bins down to where it's easily accessible. 
• Started putting together a binder for important documents which I'll end up digitizing for multiple backups
• Purchased a wet/dry shop vac to clean up both vehicles as well as a larger storage area in the basement.

So that's where I am right now. I think it's a good idea to track your progress for any endeavor since it helps put everything into perspective. See what works and see what doesn't as you learn from it all.



-----
As for this site, it's continuously evolving. I hope to do a major overhaul in the near future (target date is approx. 2-3 mos.)

• For now, a few small additions: A food storage calculator. 
• A Favicon (it's that little square that shows up next to the url when you bookmark a site or on the actual web browser tab - you can also see it if you add my blog to your google reader).
• Added a link exchange page: If you have a site that you think is relevant for apocalypse hub send me an email with a link to your site so I can check it out.

Survival Emergency Plan: Water Purification

Water is the most crucial element for staying alive. It's more important than food.

Everyone must have enough safe drinking water, which generally means one gallon per person per day. Needs will differ according to age, physical condition, lifestyle and climate.

This doesn't include water for cooking, bathing, washing dishes and clothes, and pets or other animals. Large dogs may need as much as a gallon a day, while cats can do well with just a pint a day. If you have other livestock your water needs obviously soar. But in that case, water taken directly from a river or stream, without purification, will probably be okay.

Untreated water straight from the tap should keep for six months when stored in clean, durable containers. However, it must be changed periodically. Bacteria-free water, which means treatment with bleach or other compounds, will keep up to several years. Heat, light, deterioration of the container and other factors can cut this figure substantially.

Water should be stored as far as possible from paint and petroleum-based products, acids or anything with strong odors such as fertilizer or common household cleaning solutions. Lower-grade containers are permeable to certain gases and should be avoided whenever possible.

You'll need to locate at least one other water source, since even several hundred gallons of stored water won't last long. Assume any water not stored or purchased is contaminated, especially in perilous or unstable times. A mountain stream could look pristine, but still be polluted.

If you can find only marginal water, first strain the debris through a paper towel, clean cloth or coffee filter, then use one of the following methods.

Boiling

Short of using a very high-quality water filter, this is the most reliable method for killing microbes and parasites. Bring water to a rolling boil and keep it simmering for at least several minutes. Add one minute of boiling to the initial 10 minutes for every 1,000 feet above sea level. Cover the pot to shorten boiling time and conserve fuel.
Liquid chlorine bleach

Use 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite that is free of soap or phosphates. To treat one gallon of water, add eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach to clear water and 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) to cloudy water.

When purifying five gallons, add 32 drops (1/2 teaspoon) to clear water or 64 drops (one teaspoon) to cloudy water. By purifying a larger quantity of water, you will cut bleach usage 20 percent over the one gallon at a time method. After treating with chlorine, mix well and allow the water to stand for 30 minutes before using. An eye dropper can be used to measure the dosage.

Bleach that is more than a year old loses approximately half its potency. Adjust the dosage accordingly.
 

Dry chlorine

Also known as calcium hypochlorite, it is used primarily in swimming pools. Since it is a powder, it has the significant benefit of extended shelf life. Dry chlorine may be stored for up to 10 years with minimal degradation if it is kept dry, cool and in an airtight container.

This is a far better choice for quantity storage than liquid bleach. Dry chlorine is commonly available at swimming pool supply stores as well as many hardware and grocery stores.

For chlorinating water in rain tanks, the recommended dosage is seven grams dry (1/4 ounce by weight) or 40 milliliters (1.35 ounce) per 1000 liters (264 gallons). Let the water stand for 24 hours before drinking. To maintain chlorination, add one gram (.035 ounce) of dry chlorine or 4 ml (.135 ounce) weekly per 1,000 liters.
Iodine

If no instructions are provided on the bottle, use 12 drops per gallon of water. Increase the dosage if the water is of dubious quality. Mix well and allow the water to stand for 30 minutes before using. Iodine does have an unpleasant aftertaste.

Hydrogen peroxide

This is a suitable disinfectant, as it oxidizes the water. Peroxide degrades even more rapidly than chlorine, and it needs to be kept in a dark bottle that blocks out sunlight. Potency could be an issue if it has been stored for a long period.

Testing for peroxide residual levels is more difficult than testing for chlorine content. Residuals need to be measured to ensure that disinfection is thorough.

The bacteria content of your water source is a major factor to monitor. There are various methods for testing the bacteriological level, but measuring residual levels is a much simpler task.

"Residual" is what remains from the original dosage. For example, if one cup of water has 20 parts per million of impurities in it, the disinfectant dosage needs to be at least 20 PPM but no more than 25 PPM to prevent ill effects. A dosage of 23 PPM of the active chlorine content will have a 3 PPM free residual while showing a 23 PPM total chlorine level.

Peroxide would potentially have the benefit of breaking down to oxygen and water, but its use is also made more difficult by that tendency.

A common calculation for daily usage is the required dosage in parts per million times the volume treated in gallons divided by 120,000, which is a constant number. This will give you the number of pounds needed for a particular dosage.
Purification tablets

They are either iodine or chlorine based. One or two tablets will purify a quart of water depending on the contamination level and length of time allowed for treated water to stand. Follow instructions on the package. These tablets are among the more convenient and affordable ways to purify water. Not every brand of purification products (especially iodine tablets) will kill giardia.

Stabilized oxygen

People who have used this method generally prefer it to chlorine or iodine. Both treatments have shown some side effects if used for an extended period of time, and iodine and chlorine give water an off taste. Stabilized oxygen doesn't have side effects or add unpleasant flavors to water, and it also offers health benefits.

For long-term storage, treat one gallon of chlorinated water by adding 10 drops of stabilized oxygen. Add 20 drops if the water hasn't been chlorinated. Use five to 20 drops per eight-ounce cup of giardia-contaminated water.

Stabilized oxygen is the new kid on the block in water purification, so it isn't as widely known as other methods. Among the chlorine dioxide (a form of stabilized oxygen) products on the market are Aerox, Genesis 1000, Dynamo 2, Aerobic 07 and Aquagen.


 
Water purifying units

There are literally dozens of units on the market. Some are designed for campers, while others are made to be installed on household plumbing.

If you plan to rely heavily on a water filter for purification during a crisis, choosing the right one will be a vital decision. Durability, dependability and a company's track record are important factors to consider. "Test drive" the unit to see how easy or strenuous it is to pump. Ease of use should be a high priority for anyone with limited strength or physical ailments.

What is the average water output? This is especially important for families or groups. Will this filter eliminate giardia and bacteria? Don't assume that the filter you choose will be 100 percent effective.

Can the filter handle the really nasty stuff - stagnant, muddy, even brackish water? Are replacement elements and parts easy to locate?

How often does the filter have to be replaced? Sporting goods and camping stores as well as a number of discount stores and mail-order firms offer water filters.

One model to consider is the Swiss-made Katadyn. Although it isn't cheap, the Katadyn is popular with serious outdoorsmen, Third World travelers and others who frequently deal with polluted water. To improve the taste of treated and stored water, pour the liquid from one clean container to another several times. This will help re-oxygenate the water and remove some of the "blah" effect that comes with long-term storage.

Click image to see large version

Bugging In Idea for Preppers - Infographic: How to Build A Panic Room

I was looking through various infographics (because they're an excellent way of presenting new ideas and data), and I happen to stumble upon this.

It's by ADT (home security company). 

Emergency Kit for Winter Power Outage

With the early winter peeking its head here in the northeast, we're already getting some supplies stocked up as well as replenishing our emergency kit. With the possibility of extreme weather conditions, you just never know when a power outage will happen.

I still remember the record breaking snow accumulations from last year. The roads were completely impassable - hell, you can barely walk a few houses down. People were running out of places to dump the shoveled snow. Pipes were freezing and when the snow did start to melt the basement would flood. Fun times.

As for the emergency plan, of course, this'll vary depending on your situation as well as location. Either way here are some useful things to keep handy for the winter season with a power outage specifically in mind

• A battery or hand cranked powered radio (to keep track of weather reports, emergency information,) flashlights, and plenty of batteries.
• Plenty of extra blankets and towels (you can use the towels to seal up any drafts from windows and doors to keep heat in)
• Paper plates, plastic utensils - you won't have to use up stored water for cleanup
• Fill spare containers with water for washing, and plenty of bottled water – one gallon per person per day (Most emergency preparedness experts recommend having at least a three-day supply on hand.)
• non-perishable food items, along with a manual hand opener for canned food.
• first aid kit - always keep in mind any special medical & dietary needs of those in your household. 
• If you have a fireplace, be sure to have enough wood stocked up someplace safe from the elements
• a firestarter - you'd be surprised how easily you can forget the little things such as matches and lighters.
• a pack of cards / boardgame for entertainment (esp. if you have kids)
• Shovels and plenty of sidewalk salt (ice melter)
• Don't forget about supplies for your pets as well.

You can pretty much place most of these in a centralized location and the smaller items can be kept in a footlocker or a plastic bin where it's easily accessible.

During outage:

Dress for the season, wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent

 

Avoid drinking coffee and/or alcohol - will promote dehydration & chills

Wear a hat since most body heat is lost through the top of the head

 

You can always use the snow as an extra temporary water source or to keep items from your fridge cold (place in ice chest/cooler)

Before an outage:

It's always good to anticipate potential problems so in addition to stocking up you might also want to

prepare one or two rooms to be your hub. By that I mean setting it up in a way that it's the most insulated spot in the house prior to any major snow storms. You can do this by hanging up thick drapes in front of the windows. You can even add additional weather stripping. Keep the area/s clutter free - easier to move furniture around and set up sleeping arrangements.

 

Know where your primary and secondary water valves are in case you have to shut it off. It's always a good idea to shut off the pipes that are leading out to external fixtures (back yard or side of the house). 

If your water supply could be affected (a well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.

 

Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).

 

If you have medication that requires refrigeration (such as insulin), check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.

 

Review the process for manually operating an electric garage door. (Not that you'll be able to pull the car out but it's still good to know how to do this.)

To prevent water pipes from freezing, keep faucets turned on slightly so that water drips from the tap

 

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Our experience with a winter power outage: Rural setting

Middle of a harsh winter in the hill country of Texas - it's not so much the accumulation of snow that was hazardous, it was the fact that everything outside had iced over.  Thankfully we had a wood-burning fireplace then and we stocked up on a lot of wood. 

You can never have enough firewood and kindling. 

The pipes didn't freeze but we were pretty much homebound for several days.

We ended up filling up some bins with water in case the pipes freeze. 

We had plenty of food so that wasn't an issue. 

The main issue was keeping warm. The house wasn't well insulated so keeping the heat in and the cold out was the challenge. We turned the family room as the main hub since the fireplace was there.

 

It took maybe 3-4 days until power was back on. 

So this year, since we're now in a metropolitan urban setting with no fireplace, our current emergency kit / plan reflects that. 

Hope that helps and be safe.