How to Survive a Snowstorm
How to Survive a Snowstorm I suppose that surviving a snowstorm on the farm is much like surviving one just about anywhere…except for a few added twists. Below is a short piece on how we survive a snowstorm on the farm.It has been snowing here for over 11 days, and survival it seems has become almost automatic. The lessons learned from spending nearly 4 decades in Northern New England will surely come in handy today. It is early morning, long before dawn and my cement laden eye lids open and close quickly. I search the room for any signs of light, but like me the sun refuses to shine. Like a hammer the alarm hits me over the head with its loud obnoxious ring. With a sigh I step onto the cold floor. First one foot then the other. Slipping on my fuzzy slippers I head downstairs knowing the day a head will be long and laborious.The TV loudly blares the monstrous list of cancellations. “Another whopper of a snowstorm,” the anchorman adds. I peer through an icy window into the darkness, and flick on the front light where white wisps of snow playfully dance around the single bulb. How is that something so soft and innocent looking be so deadly?I am comforted by fact that I am prepared to do battle with yet another snowstorm and survive. Preparation, I have learned, is paramount in surviving a snowstorm. The kids are still sleeping , no doubt dreaming about the snowmen and snow angels they will make. I carefully run down my list of preparations as the snow continues to dance outside my window.1.Extra food, especially non-perishables and foods that do not need to be heated in case the power goes out.2.Water for drinking,cleaning up and cooking . In the country loss of power also means loss of water. You would be surprised how necessary water is until you find yourself without any.3.Wood stacked safely inside. We use the fireplace as a back up heating source. Many here also have generators to help keep themselves warm in a snowstorm.4.Candles and flashlights come in handy too if you find yourself without power.5.Tools for digging out. Shovels, ice chippers and a tractor with a single blade. A path to the barn to care for the animals is just as necessary one to the house to care for your loved ones inside.6.Extra blankets for us, as well as ones for the animals outside who need something to snuggle into to keep warm.7.Extra warm clothes . Clothing that can be layered to keep the chill out, and to keep you from overheating while working in the snow. A set of ski pants and warm boots, hats, gloves and mittens are also necessary to keep the snow and cold at bay. Extra clothes may also come in handy if you find yourself without power. Conserving body heat is paramount for surviving in a snowstorm.Looks like I have it all. I am ready to venture outside to care for the animals on the farm. Taking the extra time to dress slowly I am reminded that dressing in layers is the best way to keep warm in a snowstorm. Bundled up and ready to brave the cold I see my shovel safely by the door. Many a winter we kept a shovel by the door just in case the drifting snow sealed our path to the outside world. I am relieved to see the drifts have settled farther away from the porch. I slowly shovel a path as I walk, being careful not to cover a stray cat walking in front of me. He knows he will be fed once we reach the safety of the barn.As I shovel yet another lesson comes to mind. Shovel slowly and carefully. Pacing yourself in a snowstorm is also important. It will not only save your back, but it could save your life. Year after year I read about people having a heart attack while shoveling snow. Steadily I go working my way to the big red barn.Opening the door to let the cat inside I hear the horses whining loudly letting me know they are sick of being in their stalls. I try to explain to them that a horse has no business being out in a snowstorm, and they respond by thumping loudly on their stalls. I don’t speak horse well I guess.After feeding and watering the animals I step back outside into the snow. The thumping has stopped as they are busy eating. We keep as many in as we can in a snowstorm knowing that an animal’s rate for survival not only depends on food and water but suitable shelter as well. The big red barn stays pretty full all winter long.Heading back inside the warm house I peel of my clothing layer by layer, and hang it in the basement to dry. There will be many trips outside today to care for the animals and clear the snow. I overhear the anchorman say, “this could be a record snowfall for the viewing area.” Well, at least I am prepared, or at least until I hear my kids fighting over the last Pop Tart. I knew I forgot something!
