Just yesterday, the southern US was hit with ice storms and power outages.  Several children had to spend the night on a school bus because they got caught out in it. I wonder if that bus-driver was prepared for that?  Many motorists are, as I type, still waiting for someone to come rescue them. I hope they prepped their cars. You never know when you’re going to be in a situation like that.

In my last post I talked about how to prepare for your electricity going out in the areas of food and water.  This time I’ll talk a little bit about warmth and medicine.

Staying Warm

If your power goes out in the winter-time, and you are accustomed to using electricity for heat, you will have to find another way to stay warm. Don’t try to start a fire indoors unless you have a fireplace that is made for burning wood, its very dangerous. Don’t try to use a camping stove for warmth, its even more dangerous. kerosene

Think ahead. Purchase some kerosene heaters and kerosene. We have two 10,000 BTU kerosene heaters and the two of them are more than enough to keep our 1300 square foot home warm.   Its does take thinking ahead, however. Kerosene heaters must be started and used correctly or you can burn yourself down. Kerosene must be stored correctly in blue, non-static, plastic containers, away from your home.

If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, keep wood cut and on hand. Keep the fireplace or stove clean and ready to go if you don’t use them on a regular basis. If you don’t use them much, be sure you know how to start a fire and keep it going safely.

All types of heating that uses fuel can produce carbon monoxide. Since that stuff is poisonous, be sure you have carbon monoxide detectors with new batteries and that you leave one or two windows barely cracked open so that air can circulate.

To stay warm at night, put layers of blankets and quilts on your beds. Its warmer to use several light layers than one or two heavy comforters. Be sure that everyone sleeps with socks on, pj bottoms or long underwear and at least long sleeved t-shirts on.  Though it sounds old-fashioned, a stocking cap can keep you much warmer than sleeping bare-headed.

Physical activity is great for getting warm. Outside chores or even inside work can help you work up warmth. But be careful. Don’t over-do it. And be sure to drink plenty of water while you are working, If you’re thirsty, you’re already on your way to becoming dehydrated. I heard a military trainer say recently that many of the physical problems people have today, including back pain, are due to their constant state of dehydration.

To stay warm during the day, bundle up, drink warm beverages, get up and move frequently.

 

Medicine

Unless you’ve been without a life-saving medicine and couldn’t get that medicine there is no way to describe to you how desperate and frightening that situation is.

I’ve been there and so I encourage you and plead with you to have a talk with your doctor get the prescriptions you need ahead of time. If you have a good relationship with your Dr., and if you have a history of being honest and responsible with your prescriptions, chances are, he or she will work with you.

There are Over-The-Counter medicines you will want to have on hand as well. Here is my list. Be sure when you make your list, you know how to use these medicines. Take into consideration what kinds of ailments you and your family normally have to decide what you need to keep on hand.

first aid

 

 

 

 

Pepto-Bismol
Lomotil – this is for extreme diarrhea
Benadryl – We keep this on hand not just for allergies but for all kinds of allergic reactions like insect bites and stings, poisonous plants, etc.
Aspirin
Tylenol
Ibuprofen
Tums
Hydro-cortisone cream
Anti-biotic Ointment
Raw Honey
– for sore throats
Lemons – makes medicines taste better
Ground Red Pepper – for sore throats, colds, read about the uses for capsaisin.
Laxatives and Stool Softeners

We keep a big first aid kit in our home. We can treat anything from indigestion to a compound fracture.

Next time I’ll talk about making a Bug-Out-Bag. If you sign up now for my free newsletter, you’ll get instructions (also free) for making your own Bug-Out-Bag.