After going through a nearly 5 day power outage a few months ago due to a hurricane, I am more aware than ever about the importance of being prepared for weather related emergencies. Long power outages, especially when you cook with electric can be trying times, but if you Prepare Wise , it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
When a storm is pending is not the time you want to be scrambling to gather supplies. Stores will be packed with other last minute shoppers, and essential items are quite likely to run out of stock. Already having a prepared storm kit and emergency food , will allow you to focus on other immediate preparations, rather than futilely driving around seeking supplies.
Now is the time to ensure you have melting salt, Sterno or propane gas, fully charged cell phones, manual can opener, plenty of extra water bottles to freeze and an ample supply of food which can be prepared in power outage conditions. Wise food storage can make the difference between successfully weathering storms, versus possibly endangering your family. Although storage may be a bit easier in the cold winter months, because you can utilize the frigid outdoor temperatures, basic food safety rules need to be kept in mind. Make sure your heat source is capable of fully heating the food you are going to consume to a safe temperature, and check expiration dates on your emergency food supplies regularly, and rotate out items getting close to their expiration date.
Thinking about preparing for a winter storm now, before it is forecasted, is not something you will regret. The peace of mind is priceless, and the calmer you are in difficult times, the easier it will be for your children to handle, as well.
As I had mentioned a few days ago, Cheerios is about to kick off a new initiative to both show appreciation to our military families, and make a considerable donation. The program is called 
