Texas Snowmageddon Lessons Learned

I thought I was prepared for the Texas winter storm. I typically keep plenty of water, food, and clean cloths in my home. However, I was not prepared to be without power for over 36 hours. Unlike the northern states, Texas is not equipped for such a winter storm. The Texas power grid could not withstand the storm and was forced to shut down millions of Texans’ power. Although this is suppose to be a “once in a lifetime” situation, I promise myself and my family that we will remain prepared in case it turns into a “twice in a lifetime” storm. These are my lessons learned.

Invest in a Backup Generator or Power Supply

A backup power source is worth its weight in gold during a blackout. If I had one, I would have been able to use my space heater to stay warm. Fortunately, the inside of our home only got as low as 30 degrees. I am definitely going to invest in a backup power source.

Disclaimer: Please follow all directions and guidelines when operating a gas generator or power source.

A Battery Operated Radio

When you’re without power, a battery operated radio may be your only access to the outside world. I was fortunate enough to have cell phone service during the blackout. I kept my phone turned off to conserve my battery when I wasn’t using it. When I did you my phone, I tried to stay alert to the local news.

Candles

Candles are not just for home decor. Make sure you have candles that you can use for light. As always, use caution with open flames. You should keep your candle at least 6 feet away from items that can catch on fire.

Lighter

Having plenty of candles can be useless without a lighter. Don’t forget to purchase a lighter. Try to avoid using matchings if you can. I personally like the long lighters instead of the pocket lighters.

RELATED POST: Disaster Preparedness

Plenty of Water

Water is a must for consumption and hygiene. Frozen and/or busted pipes are common during a winter storm. Always be prepared by having plenty of water. In the event you are without a water source in your home, you can use bottled water to drink, clean, and even flush the toilet.

Toilet Paper & Paper Towels

If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s to have as much toilet paper and paper towels as possible. You definitely do not want to run out of either of these items in the middle of a winter storm.

Powder or Canned Milk for Babies

If you have a baby or someone in your family who needs milk, be prepared powder or canned milk. During the Texas Snowmageddon 2021, I had a gallon of milk that spoiled due to no electricity for the refrigerator. Looking back, I could have put snow in a cooler to keep the milk or other items cool.

Cell Phone Power Bank

During the power outage, I turned my phone off to conserve battery life. A cell phone power bank would have came in handy. The small power banks that are the size of a lipstick tube is not good enough. Consider purchasing one with more power which can keep your phone fully charged.

Batteries For Your Flashlight

As soon as we lost our electricity, I reached for my flashlight. To my surprise, not only was the batteries in the flashlight were already corroded. Your flashlight is worthless without a batteries.

Clean Clothes and Blankets

Clean items are a must during a winter storm is worth its weight in gold. If you see a winter mix in your weather forecast, make sure you have clean clothes and blankets.

Non Perishable Foods

Always have food that does not require refrigeration or to be cooked. During a winter storm, you may not have gas or electricity. You need to be able to have food to eat.

I hope you found these lessons learned helpful. As mentioned, we are not prepared for the winter storm in Texas. If you have any suggestions or comments, please leave it in the comment section below.

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