Soooo after the 2021 Snow-Apocalypse in Texas, I decided to share some “things” I learned, some “things” I have added to the list to buy … soooo that hopefully any future “Texas-Sized” Winter Storms are no problem! I know lots of my friends live in northern states where Snow and Super-Cold Winters are normal … but just to put it in perspective, we often get to mid-December still wearing shorts and flip-flops!

I remember during the storm jotting down a list of: (1) things I realized I should have done (2) things I should have purchased or (3) things I wanted to do “in the future”.

I also remember being grateful that we never lost power, but our water heater (in our attic!) did burst and led to a mini house remodel!

Soooo that entire week, we did not have Hot Water and our Septic Lines were frozen … soooo we used water VERY carefully for 7 days!

Outside: To-Do

• Animal Feed to Stock (Chickens, Rabbits, Dogs)
• cover Outdoor Hose Faucets
• empty Septic Tank
• turn off Septic Pump Motor (so it doesn’t burn out, trying to pump out.)
• move Chicken Coops close to the house
• clean/prep small waterers for animals
• stock firewood & starters (move some close to the house)
• propane, stove, table to back porch/deck

Inside: To-Do

• do all laundry, bedding and towels
• Flannel: sheets & pajamas
• run dishwasher
• charge phones & computers
• charge batteries for flashlights
• buy: groceries, hot choc/tea/coffee/drinks
• open cabinets & drip faucets
• move Indoor Propane Heater & Propane tank inside
• move Propane Water Heater & Propane tank (to back porch/deck)
• lights “on” in attic & buddy heater on near water heater (we moved it to the garage in the remodel)
• gather: Tent, Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Bedding
• Hats, Gloves, Fleece Pants, Boots & coveralls for barn work
• switch to “Emer. Heat” on Heater and set to 58-64
• full bathtub for flushing toilets
• fill Berkey and water storage for drinking
• Food: Pre-Make Breakfast Cereal (Hot), Muffins, Soup for Lunches, Biscuits/Cornbread and Dinner for 3-5 days of Food
• Make Boiling Water and Coffee, every night (store in Thermos!) … just in case!
• Put a Little Flashlight by everyone’s bed
• Gather Games and Fun stuff!

Buy-To Get Things:

• Propane Stove/Oven (Coleman, Camp Chef)
• Rocket Stove
• Percolator Coffee Maker or Pour-Over
• Propane: Extras (refill 20# canisters)
• Gas (for generator)
• Little Flashlights for bedrooms
• Tent (for camping or indoor if needed)
• 4 Sleeping Bags (for camping or warmth)
• Flannel or Fleece Shirts/Zip-ups
• Indoor Propane Heater
• Silver Survival Sheets
• Duct Tape (to close off rooms) or Blue Painters Tape
• Paper: Plates, Bowls & Silverware
• 2, 1-gallon Stanley/Yetis for pre-made boiling water and coffee
• Sterilization Tabs (for drinking water or rinsing dishes)
• 2, 5-gallon buckets & bricks (septic covers)
• generator: propane/gas or solar (and inverter)
• solar power cell (4patriots) for charging phones/computers
• 3 hose bib covers
• water bob or water bricks for water storage

Feel free to chime in, What am I missing?

Tip: A Super fun thing to do with kids is to talk about ALL the ways you have to Cook food or Heat water!

I know LOTS of people don’t even know where to start. Here is a book I really like, why? Well, because Preparedness is MORE than just “food” … soooo much more! This book breaks it down into manageable steps, here’s a link for you = > https://amzn.to/3coS7j7