Community Chat

[novamc1]

At various times during the almost 39 years of living in my present home and having been raised in this same zip code since I was 3 yrs. old, I've been through some extended power outages---from both hurricanes and snow and a power company that didn't used to be able to restore power as quickly as it can now.

We have two fondue pots, sterno fuel and a charcoal grill.  We won't starve in this storm if we can heat beans, soup, meat, potatoes and vegetables on the grill or over a fondue flame.  And the outdoors will probably provide better refrigeration than we have indoors.

At worst, we can eat cereal with milk.

[Mominohio]

I think there are more people out here who have alternate methods of cooking and storing foods than many of you realize.

We have two generators, and a gas stove that needs no power to run. If the storm is during the cold season, coolers on the back deck keep perishables if you are careful about sun and outdoor temps. Many people in our area are building ice houses or still have spring houses in the rural areas. So having frozen foods, or perishables isn't a problem for many of us.

And many people who don't have power/cooling/cooking backups also don't have much food in the house, so what they are buying will be eaten in just a couple of days anyway, depending on their family size, even less time. 

Many are taking the gamble that the electricity will stay on or be out for a very little while, but don't want to have to go out during or after the storm until things are more cleared up.

[Mominohio]

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@Sooner wrote:

I don't get all the smarty pants attitudes toward people who stock up.  You never know what might happen.  You might be stuck for days.  No, not everyone in the world is stocked up for days at home, believe it or not.  Some work, some have been sick and are putting it off, some just got back in town from being away, some just feel a little scared.

A few years ago, we were forecast for a few inches and got 15 and were stuck for days with no power.  So, those who were stocked up looked like the smart ones.

Toilet paper, of course,  you might be in longer than you thought--better safe than sorry.  Milk?  Yeah, it's easy to eat cereal.  Bread and lunch meat sure.  Sandwiches.  I've several times cooked a pot of beans in the fireplace or on the gas cooktop, kept food cold in the garage (didn't want to open the freezer because I wanted it to last for several days in there), and huddled without power for several days wrapped up by the fireplace.  Eat?  SURE you eat.  You are cold and tired and miserable, and need the calories to deal with being cold.  Plus, you are bored to death.

So go stock up!  You might be sorry if you dont; no harm if you do!

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@Sooner Not just here, but on other threads in the past where people seem to trivialize or deomonize those who live a prepared lifestyle just make me smile.

I go so far as to, each fall (early), hit the pharmacy at Walmart and stock up on all our cold and flu supplies, first aid items etc. The last place I want to be is out in the cold and snow (storm or not) when I'm not feeling well, trying to get those kind of things.

I stock up in the fall on pet food, kitty litter, and all our health and beauty aids to I don't have to think of those things for the next whole year.

Yep. I said it. I keep a year's supply of toilet paper!

[rhinovodka]

I live in the city now in snow country and I have never stocked up, of course I shop every one or two weeks and there is a Walgreens down the street that is always open, so I never worry about those things.

I did grow up in a rural area, so I understand people in rural areas stocking up a bit more, as you may not be able to get out for a few days. Country dirt roads in the hills can be unfriendly in the snow.

[ECBG]

We dug out the grill when we had the blizzard and I cooked in my cast iron frying pans.  Eggs, I don't know unless they're baking before hand.

[Tinkrbl44]

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@novamc1 wrote:

At various times during the almost 39 years of living in my present home and having been raised in this same zip code since I was 3 yrs. old, I've been through some extended power outages---from both hurricanes and snow and a power company that didn't used to be able to restore power as quickly as it can now.

We have two fondue pots, sterno fuel and a charcoal grill.  We won't starve in this storm if we can heat beans, soup, meat, potatoes and vegetables on the grill or over a fondue flame.  And the outdoors will probably provide better refrigeration than we have indoors.

At worst, we can eat cereal with milk.

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Fondue pots !      What a great idea !!   

[Luvitorleaveit1]

I do my heavy duty grocery shopping every two weeks and just pick up minor items as they run out in between so I don't understand people in the supermarkets with two and three carts full of groceries especially since the blizzard coming our way in NYC is pretty much one and a half days not a week or so where you may not be able to get out.  Before winter begins I stock on salt and replace any other items as necessary I don't wait until the storm was announced to do these things.  When Sandy hit our area I didn't run to the store because I keep bottled water, and plenty of batteries, candles and other things but we lost power for a few days so we along with many other people were eating in restaurants during that time.  Fortunately I didn't have a whole lot of food in my freezer or refrigerator so after our power was restored I did my grocery shopping and Costco of course for my paper products and other things I buy in bulk.

[AngusandBuddhasMom]

I would rather be prepared then not. I was without power for almost a  month after Sandy hit.  My office in  downtown NY was not habital until March so no matter how prepared you may think you are you never know. 

[SahmIam]

I can tell you why I do:

With snow, food can be stored outside. Use Mother Nature instead of your fridge without issue.

You want to use non-canned items up first and SAVE those things in the cupboard in the event there is no food for days (I've lived through that). Part of my survival kit is a small camp stove. Again, you can build protection from wind outside in snow and then cook on it.

SNow can be melted and then poured into a Brita Water Pitcher; filter and drink (done that a few times).

Bread lasts a while. Fruit and root vegis last a while. Soup is easy to make.

Candles and matches are things I saw no one buying....why? You need those too.

In any event, that's why I buy those items. In the case of this storm, today is my normal shopping day so I bought my usual items as well as a few extras.

[Bird mama]

@Shorty2U

I didn't read all of the replies so if this is a repeat, forgive me. 

For people like me, I shop once a week and don't really stockpile anything.  So, if I was looking at 2 feet of snow, I can tell you I wouldn't be in a hurry to hit the road to buy anything once the snow fell.

As far as a power outage, I have, in the past, buried perishable food in a snow drift to keep it from spoiling - usually double bagged in heavy duty garbage bags.

While my cooktop has an electronic ignition - as long as the gas comes on and I have a match, I can get the cooktop going and cook all sorts of things in saucepans or frying pans.

Also, when we have bad weather events, the supply chain is disrupted and there is a lag time for stores to restock.  So I would assume folks are also preparing for the 'after' of the event.