We survived the ice storm on December 12th. Power was lost for only one day, Friday, (off at 1 a.m, and back on at 5 p.m.). We were lucky. The people in the back hills were out until Wednesday. The Austerlitz post office, which is close to Route 22 continued without power through Tuesday also, despite its proximity to us. Apparently, there were a number of trees and lines down on East Hill Road beyond the post office, and the switch for power to East Hill Road covers the post office. The same situation applied to the Fire House which sits off Route 22 on West Hill Road.
A key to survival for us was the wood stove in the kitchen. We fired it up at about 8 a.m., kept close to it all day, and cooked coffee,lunch and pop corn on it.
Being prepared for emergencies is an odd phrase. I think the best way to prepare is to have available options which are not too unusual, for instance, the wood stove. We use it at other times of the year just to conserve heat, or for spot heating. I have two kero-sun heaters in the garage, but I never thought of using them, because they are buried too deep in the garage, and I did not have any kerosene. I could give them a more prominent place in the garageand have them ready for emergency use every four or five years, but then the kerosene would probably have evaporated, and I would be out of luck in the emergency. there must be a better way to prepare for the heating part.
Water is another issue. I used to put a couple of milk jugs with tap water in them under the sink. By the time an emergency arose, they would taste like plastic, and were useful only for flushing the toilets, or washing hands. I have found that the water system itself, with the tanks that have a liner will provide several gallons of water before they stop producing water. For drinking, it makes sense to purchase pints of spring water ahead, using it for drinking while working around outside during the spring, summer, and fall, and replenishing it for the winter just in case.
And then there is lighting. Batteries are important to have around, and charged flashlights if available. Batteries power radios for communication with the outside world. Candles help to see each other in the dark. If there is reading to be done, do it in the daylight, and go to bed early after darkness.
We find it good to go out after the emergency is passed, sticking to the main roads. The car is so warm, and the contact with people who have gone through the experience is invaluable. It's fun exchanging "war" stories, and when you realize how little you have been inconvenienced compared to other neighbors, you count your blessings.
Now a new storm has appeared on our doorstep, with predictions of up to 14 inches, before it ends in the early morning hours tomorrow. The snow blower stands ready.
We will continue to get ready for Christmas, which will come after a third storm on Sunday, and perhaps a fourth storm on Christmas Eve. I think that spring will arrive early; after all, winter did.
