20 Tips for a Blizzard Warning

We're in the middle of a blizzard warning, and already have 4 inches of snow with a foot or two more to come. We're staying home today, but it's so bad that our dentist in Boulder called to cancel tomorrow's appointment.

The last time I went through this, Boo Girl was less than two weeks old. She's nearly four now, and I'm a bit wiser. So a few safety tips from an experienced Coloradan:

1. While it's still light out and your power is still on, gather up your flashlights, portable radios, and batteries.
2. Charge up the portable DVD player, your cell phone, the PDA, and your iPod. Start recharging all your camera AA batteries, too. You may need them for your radio.
3. If you have one of those gas fireplaces that are turned on by a switch on the wall, turn it on now. It won't fire up if the electricity isn't working.
4. Get all the extra blankets and sleeping bags out of the basement, too, while you can still see around.
5. If you're low on food, go to the store as early as possible. Stock up on staples and batteries. Find things that you can eat cold, like cheese and crackers or sardines in a can. Heck, buy some trashy mags, too. Finally, gas up the car while you're out.
6. If you're venturing out to the store, go with a friend if possible. Leave the kids home with a neighbor and offer to go to the store for them. Bundle up and wear your snowboots. And bring back packs. If you get stuck, you may need to walk home carrying all your groceries.
7. Bring the dogs in. With the snow drifts, they may be able to jump the fence.
8. Start cooking as early as possible. Use the crock pot. Bake cookies. Cooking will heat up the house, too.
9. Turn up the thermostat a notch. When the power goes down, your house will take a little longer to cool down.
10. Stay home. Don't go to the mall, for goodness sake. Get out some books, crafts, and board games. You may be without the TV for awhile.
11. If you use the computer to work from home, get your most vital work done now. Email any clients about the weather conditions, and warn them that you may have a power outage and won't be able to work.
12. Charge up your laptop. Your wireless connection won't work if the power goes down, but at least you can brain storm and write some notes. Don't forget old fashioned pen and paper works in a pinch.
13. Shower now. There's nothing worse than coming out of a warm shower into a freezing cold room.
14. If you have laundry to do, get it done as early as possible.
15. Keep the radio or TV on and stayed tuned to the local storm coverage.
16. Do your billing or banking online? Get it out of the way. You may not have electricity for a few days and don't need any late charges (though I'm sure most vendors would waive them under the circumstances).
17. Find where you hid the long johns. Is it with the ski or hunting equipment in the basement? Put it where you can easily get to it. Same with the snow shovels.
18. Prepare the kids. The last time we had a big snowstorm and the power went out, Monkey Boy was three. He had no idea what was going on and completely freaked out. Instead, make it fun. Put sleeping bags in front of the fire. Tell stories. Play board games.
19. You may want to park the cars outside. It's usually pretty easy to open the garage without power, but it maybe easier to drive out if the cars are outside. If you have a long driveway, you may want to park them closer to the street.
20. Keep in touch. Are you cell phones charged? Your portable phones may not work. Make sure your neighbors are o.k. and let your family know you're fine.

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