#storm chips

    First off, storm chips are a thing! The focus around food is that it has to be counter or cooler safe. It was recompensed to us to have 4 days worth of food prepared before the storm hits. So of course we did, and we had all the leftovers in the fridge. Once the power went off, it hit us that what we did wasn’t the best idea. Thankfully, the Atlantic Superstore down the street has it’s own backup generator and we were able to purchase some quick meals. Many people will also buy numerous bags of ice to pack into their fridges/freezers to try and keep the area cool if a blackout lasts for a few days. Much later in the storm season when the weather is rather cool, one can store things to be kept cold outside. Many who have BBQ’s will opt to fill their propane tanks and BBQ their meals once the storm has passed. PLEASE DON’T BBQ INSIDE YOUR HOME. Canada’s public health services recommend food that won't spoil, liked canned goods, energy bars and dried foods.

     Water is also a big deal. You want to be sure to have enough water to drink, bathe, flush the toilet, clean etc. for about 4 days. So, buying jugs of water is common as well as filling up all bathtubs with water. Canada’s public health services recommend two litres of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily.

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     Batten down the hatches! Storm winds range from ~75km/h to ~115km/h which can have a huge impact on your yard and home. All loose Items or things that aren’t permanent fixtures should come down and be stored in a secure location. This could be under the skirting of a deck, inside a shed, inside the house or if you’re so luck you’ll have access to an indoor garage. Cars should be moved close to the house or taken to places that have indoor/protected parking. During storm season, many businesses in the area offer their protected parking areas for free to people who don’t have garages. It’s honestly a wonderful benefit to the maritime community. Of course doors and windows should be firmly locked & latched. I like to have the blinds open so I can see what’s going on in the community and can better anticipate if any property damage is going to happen to our home. Trees are a big thing to look out for. Depending on the time of season, there can be a lot or minimal damage from trees. The leaves act as sails which is more likely to down branches/whole trees so an early storm can do a lot of damage. Once the leaves have come off the trees, the risk of damage is far less as only limbs are likely to break instead of whole trees coming down. If you can, trim high risk/loose/damaged branches prior to storms.

     Power outages can last a while. In the Atlantic region, most of the power lines are hung, not buried, due to the density of clay in the ground. This means that power outages happen often and after a big storm, they can last for a few days while everything is being repaired. Some people have backup generators or other power sources that they can use during this season. Obviously, there is priority restoration to places like hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities, and people’s homes who have a resident living on an electricity powered device. This can pose a problem when it comes to heat and light. Many folks have candles all over their home and a plethora of blankets. A big one is to be sure to fully charge all of your devices and backup/external batteries. It was advised to me to limit the use of them after the power goes off because one never knows exactly how long the power outage will last. 

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     People safety is obviously an important one. Be sure to refill all prescriptions prior to the storm, including an extra set of glasses/contacts if you use them. Fill up all of the vehicles you own with fuel before the storm. Be sure you let the power company know if someone in your home is dependent on electrical devices (oxygen providing, ventilator, etc.). Many people take storm season as an opportunity to check the smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in their home and support/replace them as needed. In the interest of community, make sure that you have the numbers of people you care about as well as neighbors and high risk people in your community so that you can check in on them throughout the storm. It’s often a good idea to have an emergency/storm kit in your home as well;

flashlight & extra batteries 

candles & matches

can opener

external battery for electronic devices

basic first aid kit

fire extinguisher: ABC Class

battery-powered or wind-up radio and extra batteries

blankets & toilet paper

special needs or health-related items such as prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities

extra keys for your car and your house

cash (especially smaller bills and change for payphones)

your family's emergency plan

     Pet safety is close to many people’s hearts during storm season. Have carriers/leashes on hand with a little travel pack of your pet’s necessities inside. This is mostly done to prepare for if there is significant property damage and the family needs to get out fast. That being said, I keep my pets on the same floor or in the same room as I am just in case we need to leave fast. Please don’t leave your pets outside or unattended during a storm such as these.