7 Ways to Prepare for Winter Storms

Winter storms can be brutal to power lines, sometimes leaving you without electricity, heat and hot water. This will definitely change your daily schedule and if it’s an ice storm or heavy snowstorm, it could keep you housebound for hours. The key is to be ready all winter long.

 1. Home Pre-Storm Prep

Ideally, it’s best to purchase a house generator if you own your house. This will ensure that there is no interruption of power to your home. It’s especially important if you have a sump pump or if your power grid goes off more than once a year. These run about $10,000 and should be professionally installed. When deciding the wattage, keep in mind that an electric range uses 5,000 watts and a small water heater uses 3,000 watts. If this is out of your price range, you could get by with a small, portable 3,000-4,000 watt generator ($400+) to power a microwave (1,500 watts), refrigerator (600 watts), sump pump (600 watts), several lights (400 watts) and a TV (200 watts).

Here is a checklist of 23 things to do before a storm. In addition, have the following on hand:

• Sturdy snow shovels and/or a snowblower
• Salt-free ice melter for sidewalks, walkways, and driveways
• Gravel (reusable), sand or cat litter for icy spots if you don’t have ice melter
• Heavy plastic sheeting and duct tape in case windows get broken

2. Car Pre-Storm Prep

If the power goes out, gasoline pumps won’t work.

• Fill up your gas tank and a canister for a snowblower and generator
• Put on snow tires
• Have jumper cables in your trunk
• Park at the beginning of your driveway if you don’t have a garage (less snow to remove)
• Make sure you have a first-aid kit in your car
• Cover car (optional)

3. Infant Pre-Storm Prep

Stock up on all supplies for your little one.

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream/ointment
• Hot water bottle
• A way to heat water
• Formula
• Baby food

4. Senior Pre-Storm Prep

Have specific items on hand in case of emergencies.

• Prescription medicine
• Vitamins
• Aspirin/Ibuprofen
• Hot water bottle
• A way to heat water
• Wool sweaters
• Warm slippers
• Disposable briefs
• Throw blankets for lounging

5. Pet Pre-Storm Prep

• Food
• Cat litter
• Medication
• Booties and coat for small dogs (optional)

6. Items and Gadgets to Have During a Storm

Warmth, lighting, news, entertainment and a power source are covered in this list of 16 gadgets to have on hand during power outages.

7. Have a Back-Up Plan

If the power is out in your home for more than a day, find another location that has heat and electricity. This could be a friend or relative in another town or power grid or someone who has a house generator. Often, downtown Princeton is the first grid back up, so you could Book a hotel room at the Nassau Inn or Peacock Inn.  During Hurricane Sandy, several places in town opened their doors to the community, so these might be alternative places to seek comfort. Princeton Public Library was the ultimate Community Living Room offering heat, electricity, wifi and other services to all in the area. Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton United Methodist Church, and Trinity Church offered warmth, electricity/charging stations, wifi, food, and even showed movies during the crisis, and are places you could visit for comfort, community engagement and possibly entertainment. Many residents also ate out in restaurants downtown. If you decide to do this, call first to see if they’re open.