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Emergency Preparedness on The Farm

by Ashley Blass

 

In January of 2021, all of the Southern United States was bombarded by a snowstorm so harsh that records indicate nobody had seem temperatures so low since 1973! We are located in Central Texas and survived 4.4" of snow, which the last record was set in 1973 at only 1.1"!

During this storm, many went without both power and water for several days, some lasting over 2 weeks. Several people died from desperation to stay warm, so I made a plan during my survival on a farm located miles from any store, and 30 minutes from any family, and I want to share it with you!

The list will go over many typical and some more strange items that I had in my home and what I purchased (and where) to help you prepare for an emergency event! I broke the sections into clothing, power, light, heat, food & cooking, water, and additional needs, below!

In addition, I have created a 96-hour plan sheet for you to be able to download FOR FREE to prepare your family to have to fend for yourself for 8 full days.

Clothing

It is important during a storm to stay warm if you lose power. I always ensure to have in my home:

  • Thermal Pants, several layers of pants is best!
  • Thermal Shirts, also layering keeps your core temperature up.
  • Thermal Socks
  • Waterproof Boots, if you don't have these wrap your feet in trash bags before you put your shoes on, it will help keep your feet warm and dry.
  • Hat, I like to use something form fitting and covers the ears
  • Gloves, make sure these are insulated and waterproof
  • Face Mask, keeps your nose warm and dry, you can use a scarf too
  • Glasses (during snowy days to avoid blindness)
  • Shoe Spikes, in case of icy walkways. 

Power

  • Solar Powered Generator
  • Gas Generator and cans
  • Extension Cords, I would invest in 20-, 50-, and 100-foot cords.
  • Batteries + Case, make sure you have multiples of all types of batteries you have in your house. It is good to keep a list of what item takes what type and how many. 
  • Portable Power Bank (For phones and laptops)

Lighting

  • Lanterns
  • Flashlights
  • Candles

Heat

  • Wood Burning Stove + wood & kindling
  • Gas Burning Stove + gas as needed
  • Heaters (powered by generators)
  • Terracotta Pot and Candles (see below) 
  • Hand Warmers
  • Heating Pad/Electric Blanket

Food & Cooking

  • Canned Food (make sure you have a can opener)
  • Dry Food
  • Freeze Dried Food
  • Meal Replacement Drinks & Electrolyte Packets
  • Camping Stove
  • Hot Plate
  • Griddle
  • Extra Pet Food, if needed

Water

  • Bottled Water
  • Water Filter

Additional Needs

  • Extra blankets
  • Tent, you can your family can get inside of a tent to conserve heat with Ambient body heat. Kids will think it's fun too!
  • Camping Toilet (or) (see below for another option)
  • Kitty Litter Liner Bags, I placed these in the toilets when I needed to do my business. I know this is gross, but it was in desperate need for a place to use the restroom at the time. Simply do your business, wrap it up and take it outside. I double wrapped my bags to avoid leaking into my outside trash cans.
  • Camping Shower, I microwaved/heated water and let it cool for about 10 minutes before I used the water. Hang it in your shower and only let the water run when rising hair and body. Good enough for 1 shower per person!

 

Have Animals Outside?

If you have animals outside, I recommend ensuring their housing can withstand the sub-zero temperatures OR bring them inside. I rode out the storm with 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 5 chickens in my house. The dogs and cats roamed the house, and I had the below setup for my chickens:

Camping tent chick brooder: The best brooder in the entire world — The Featherbrain

If you choose to leave your chickens in their coops, I recommend ensuring it is insulted and all vents are closed, new shavings are placed, and (if you have power) investing in a heat plate and not a chicken lamp. I made the mistake my first year of owning chickens to place a heat lamp in their coop and I almost burnt down my coop.

Salt water filled bags placed in their water bowls will also keep the water from freezing over. Constantly check the water and break open any frozen tops often.

I went back and forth on the idea of blanketing my horses and because it got above freezing during the day I chose not to. They had a barn and many cows to huddle up with at night. However, if you see fit, please do so. 

 

 

 

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