Living in Calvert County you’re bound to encounter a good snow storm at least every few years. I can recall ice storms in the 90s and the Snowmageddon of 2010.
Over these and several other snow storms I have picked up a few tips that may help you weather the storm and help you actually enjoy being at home stuck in the snow! Here are our top tips:
- Charge Your Electronics – Make sure your cell phones, portable gaming devices, kindles, nooks, and the like are charged up. With the possibility of not having to work you could easily read a book or pass the time playing a game.
- Follow Us on Facebook & Twitter – We’ll be keeping you up to date on the weather, power outages, and other related updates as long as we have power.So follow us now: Facebook & Twitter.
- Flashlights & Batteries – If the power goes out you’ll want to have your flashlights, lanterns, and other light sources ready to go along with spare batteries. Just don’t use outdoor rated light sources inside as you’ll put yourself and your family at risk.
- Fuel Your Generators – If you have a generator make sure you are ready to use. Besides making sure you have plenty of fuel get the generator in its place and turn it on to make sure it works. In most all cases generators are made to be run outside and should not be operated in a home or garage as carbon monoxide can build up, it’s clear and has no odor so you won’t know until it’s too late.
- Toilet Paper, Bread, & Milk NOT – Most news sources will say to stock up on toilet paper, bread, and milk. If you shop regularly you probably already have plenty of toilet paper on hand. With the potential power outages I wouldn’t recommend getting a ton of extra milk either. Get bread if you like and while you are at it grab some peanut butter or my favorite, Nutella.
- A Big Freezer – If the power goes out you can always take a cooler put your food in it and place it in the snow. When its 20 degrees outside your food will easily avoid spoiling. Just make sure to get it back inside when the power comes on and before the temperatures rise.
- Fire Up The Grill – You can eat like a king in a snow storm even if the power isn’t on. Just fire up your grill and cook yourself an amazing meal. You might be cold while cooking outside but at least you won’t have to eat cold soup. Imagine you’re stuck at home in the house but outside on the grill you are smoking up a rack of ribs, delicious!
- Clear Your Heat Pumps / Outdoor Units – Your heat pump is already struggling to work in weather this cold. Make sure that if snow does fall that you clear away any snow from the coils and fan so it can work as well as possible.
- Get Your Playing Cards & Games Ready – Make the best of your time off and play some games with the whole family. How about a game of Monopoly, Tripoli, Texas Hold’em, or let your kids pick their favorite.
- Huddle Up By Your Fireplace – Your fireplace might just be the best source or only source of heat. Get ready to get comfy in front of your fireplace. If you have a wood stove you could make hot cocoa using a kettle, just make sure to not burn yourself – the water will be very hot.
- Remember Your Fury Friends – Dogs, Cats, and any other pets you may have still need love, attention, and food! So, while you are out getting those last minute items grab some food for your furry friends and maybe a treat or to as well.
- Have S’more Fun! – Make the most of any time you are stuck at home. If you have a real wood fireplace you could grab some graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate to make s’mores indoors. You and your kids will have a blast and definitely make a memory that lasts a lifetime. It might just become a snow storm tradition.
You just read our top 11+ tips to survive a snow storm or actually enjoy it! Now here is some useful links for staying abreast of the weather, power outages, and more!
Calvert County Public Schools
Calvert County Government
BGE (877-778-2222)
Pepco
Smeco (877-747-6326)
National Weather Service
What tips can you share on enjoying winter snow storms in Calvert County?
Kyla Kincaid Connors says
Eh, I ain’t buying it. Signed, Snow Hater
yourcalvert says
It’s snowing!
Kyla Kincaid Connors says
How I would enjoy it would be to leave town.
Teri Andrews Johnson says
Some people are so cranky about the snow. Gosh! Kyla Kincaid Connors
Kyla Kincaid Connors says
That’s not cranky at all. Don’t get me going !!