Info to Know: “Storm Survival Guide”

As I’ve been sitting here watching CNN all day, I can’t help but sympathize with the residents of Atlanta and Alabama. Now I won’t get into the blame game, as I see many commentators doing on TV and online, but rather I’ll offer some valuable advice. I know this subject is way off of the norm fashion stuff for me but I’m really moved by what I see on TV today. Especially those citizens going out in the weather to assist motorists stranded on the highways with food and water. That was so touching to me. But for future reference I’d like to share some of my survival tips for situations like this.

Ever since Hurricane Katrina many years ago, I make a point to keep a tote in my vehicle, at all times throughout the year, filled with a blanket, roadside kit, water, canned goods and hygiene items. (Also never leave home without your medications if you take any). Many call me a “Scary Mary” but I say better safe than sorry. Just update your bag from time to time and check the expiration dates.

In these type of situations too one must use good judgement. If I hear of an upcoming storm I go to the store and stock up on items in case roads are closed and I may be home-bound for a few days. (I also find it a good idea to have CNN and local news stations tweets to come directly to my phone via Twitter). I do understand that some ‘bosses’ are not sentimental in these situations and I’m so thankful to be able to use my ‘own’ better judgement in not going out in these bad weather situations. I feel so sorry for those kids still stuck on those school buses or not able to go home and be with their parents. I couldn’t imagine that turmoil. I do hope that they had cells phones to keep in contact with family.

Which brings me to this. I got my son this rechargeable power bank from 5 Below as a Christmas stocking stuffer. It was only $5, compared to $20+ elsewhere, and has a key chain fob attached to it also. This is perfect for kids, an adults, to carry with them at all times as a backup power source for your cell phone.

Also, as a Christmas gift, I gave my aunt a roadside kit as she travels a lot by herself on the highway. I bought hers from Citi-Trends for only $10 and it came in a cute pink girlie color too.

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Below are more tips, courtesy of WTVR, to use in severe weather situations:

Don’t stray: Believe us, it’s safer inside your car than it is for you to go exploring outside. For one thing, it’s warmer. You’d be surprised how quickly hypothermia can set in. Unless of course, there’s a gas station or some other building nearby where you can get warm and toasty.

Don’t sleep: At least, not with the engine running. In fact …

Turn off that engine: Even if you have a full tank of gas, it’s best to just turn your engine on, say, once every 15-20 minutes — enough to warm you up. Why? Because you have no idea how long you’ll be stranded. And gas is your friend.

Beware of carbon monoxide: Every once in a while, hop out of the car and check your tailpipe. You want to make sure there’s no snow clogging it up. Because if it is, guess where those carbon monoxide fumes flow? Yep, back toward you.

Stay warm: Wrap yourself in whatever you have handy. Your jacket. Or that ratty picnic blanket lying forgotten on the backseat floor. The key is to keep heat from leaving your body.

Stay connected: If you have a cell phone, now is not the time to play Angry Birds to while away the time. Save the charge. You’ll probably need it.

Move it, move it: Clap your hands. Snap your fingers. Stretch those legs. Do the chicken dance. At least once every hour, it’s good to move the different parts of your body. This helps keep the blood flowing and keeps you warm.

Drink up: Water, that is. It’s good to stay hydrated. But don’t eat snow. Your body will have to melt the ice first, and that requires heat. Heat you can’t afford to waste.

When you’re moving again ….

Ease up on that lead foot: It’s better to be Mr. Late Arriver than the late Mr. Arriver. And use your low gear when driving on those treacherous roads.

Tap, tap, tap: To avoid spinning out of control, don’t slam on the brakes. Tap on them instead.

Watch out: Black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, can sneak up on you. Also look out for fallen trees, power lines and other obstacles.

Be nice: Don’t block DOT trucks putting salt on the roads. In fact, don’t pass them — let them do their job so you can get where you need to go safely.

Sing out loud: When you get home that is. You did it! You survived Snowmageddon!