Life lessons used and learned thru the March 2025 Blizzard yet turns out many of these could be used in other weather events or other emergencies.
For the record book since it was so devastating here's a look back.
Then the aftermath of the 60+ mph winds along with 2 to 3 inches of ice on everything including power poles and lines. The incredible destruction of the electric grid could be seen for miles. Estimated 23 counties in Nebraska were impacted. In the Omaha Public Power District alone, an estimated 1,400 utility poles have or will be replaced (guessing this could rise as I type this).
The storm started late in the evening on March 18th with rain and thunderstorms. In the early morning of March 19th the rain turned to a bizarre combination of sleet, hail, large snow flakes, and thunder snow. When it completely switched over to snow it was very wet, heavy snow which would continue till early evening3
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A number of years ago I put together a bag just in case we had a tornado warning. That bag has sat in 2 different basements so far and one item in particular has come in handy twice. A battery powered radio! I'm not even sure where I got this radio but in case you're looking for one I found some similar but better on Amazon, it offers solar power too. Here's that option: https://amzn.to/3RlCeyu
Tip: Be sure to have batteries! lol
If you want light without the hazards of candles and not as harsh as flash lights, a lantern is a great option. Pictured below is a solar powered option I sat in the window sill during the day and we used it at night. This was a swag freebie a number of years ago.
Here's a couple great options I found and these might be even better as they can charge a cell phone too.
Amazon links:
Waterproof latern - https://amzn.to/42if7ew
Luminaid - https://amzn.to/4j7Hsdk
On the subject of "power", having juice to charge phones is another one. Though we found charging in our vehicles to be most efficient, we also had power banks which we usually travel with.
I have this one: https://amzn.to/3DUPMOA
Casey actually had two; one was a promo item and another he had grabbed as a Black Friday special at Menards years ago. It was that BF one which seemed to do the best. Though he didn't pay this much for it, this is same brand and looks to be very similar (without having a box to compare specs). https://amzn.to/425GbMY
We are on a private well so when there is no power there is no water. A trick I learned from camping off the grid was using a large water jug to wash hands...if you can get drinking water in it to serve two purposes that works too. However whenever I could get warm water in the jug that was refreshing to wash your hands and the jug keeps it warm for some time. This was a hand me down jug.
Here's an insulated option: https://amzn.to/4bZuHPm
For quick hand wipes or to clean up when there is no water this wipes are fantastic! I've been using them for years for all sorts of things.
No photo as this one is easy. CASH
This was something I thought of while writing. On Thursday a few spots were open but only accepting cash since they had no internet due to the power outage.
A way to care for your skin...
Back to the we did not have water however these are also really easy ways to care for your skin when in any type of a pinch.
Featured are Water Wipes: https://amzn.to/3Rkoe8c These are literally water and .1% grapefruit seed extract which means they are super gentle on the skin versus many of the makeup wipes on the market.
Then pick your cleanser of choice:
Above video was Facial Cleansing Milk and below videos is Anti Aging Cleansing Oil.
A first aid kit! I've put together a few for our vehicles and boat. However you can buy already assembled kits if that's more your style. Here's a small version example: https://amzn.to/4iLhix9
Might want to toss in any personal car items which you would not want to be without! Think worse case scenario here. Might not hurt to add some combination of paper towels, toilet paper, and/or kleenex.
Some other things to consider...
Here's a couple great charts for food safety after loss of power. Remember we store some things in the fridge which don't require refrigeration so they may not be bad after power loss ;)
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage
I have a change of clothes simply because I have a memory of running to the basement in the middle of the night when tornado sirens went off. I haven't done it yet but it's crossed my mind to put a pair of shoes for this same reason.
Perhaps bottled water and non perishable food or snacks. Remember the can opener if you put canned goods there ;)
Sleeping bags! Or emergency blankets.
Review the bag each year just as we change batteries in smoke detectors each year.
If you know of an item you believe would be a great addition to this list please send me a text or email. Chances are I'll be adding to and updating this list over the years! One reason I blog is I use them as a resource for myself, lol.
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