When the Cold Creeps In, Are We Ready?🥶

The thermostat shows 43 degrees. My hands, toes, and the rest of my body say it’s a lot colder—more like 20-ish degrees.

I’m hearing reports of big storms—ice and snow. Unsure if they will come separately or together.

Are we ready?

I think we are good for a few days. I think…🤔

But are we really? Are we ready if the storm were to last longer? Or what if there was a catastrophe of some sort?

That, I know, we are not ready for—at all.

One of my ex-boyfriends (like 26 years ago) was a prepper of sorts. He was ready for things to go crazy and everything to shut down when the New Year’s clock struck 2000. He had big drums filled with MREs, ammo, guns, blankets, some clothes and shoes, money, and water—with bleach drops in it to help it last longer (that’s what he said). Personally, I was not going to drink it, but had there been a disaster, who knows… I might not have had a choice.

He had buried the drums in a vacant field in the mountains.

Anyway, he was prepared. But after January 2000 came and went, he dug everything up. We had moved and split up by then, so I’m not sure what he did with it. Had things gone bad, I would have been in trouble.

What I’m getting at is this: he had a cool idea. Maybe a bit early—but still a good one.

Now, here in 2026, there are quite a few people doing the preparation thing. Although most are just hurrying for storm time and are nowhere near ready for anything bigger—like a major weather event, a U.S. invasion, or aliens. You never know.🤷‍♀️

Which makes me wonder… should we be preparing for something more? Things are changing, especially in this country. Would it hurt for us to be a little ready for anything that might come along?

Weather can be fickle, so wouldn’t it be good to have some staples on hand?🥚🥕🍲

I had a well-known AI bud give me a basic list in case of bad weather that lasts 3 to 7 days.

All of that got me thinking less about fear—and more about peace of mind. So, I hope this gives you some ideas—and if you are in the path of the storm, PLEASE BE SAFE!

Here is the list:

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⛈️ BASIC STORM PREP (3–7 DAYS)

🥤 Water

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Refillable bottles (filled before the storm hits)

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🥫 Food (No Cooking or Minimal)

• Canned soups, beans, veggies
• Peanut butter or a safe alternative
• Crackers, granola bars, protein bars
• Shelf-stable milk or juice
• Comfort snacks

Don’t forget: Manual can opener

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🔦 Light & Power

• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Phone power bank (fully charged)
• Candles or lantern (use safely)

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🩺 Health & First Aid

• Regular medications (at least 7 days)
• Basic first aid kit
• Pain reliever
• Electrolyte packets

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🧼 Hygiene

• Toilet paper
• Baby wipes / wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Trash bags

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📻 Info & Safety

• Battery or hand-crank weather radio
• Emergency contacts (written down)
• Cash (small bills)

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👕 Comfort & Warmth

• Blankets
• Extra socks
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Pillow or favorite comfort item

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🐾 If You Have Pets

• Pet food & water
• Leash / litter supplies
• Comfort item for them, too

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🌿 Before the Storm Hits

• Charge all devices
• Do laundry
• Fill tubs or sinks with water (for flushing)
• Set fridge/freezer to the coldest setting
• Bring outdoor items inside

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🕯️ Storm mindset reminder:
You’re not “over-preparing”—you’re taking care of yourself. Even a simple kit brings peace.

Take care of yourselves and remember to keep your pets inside during the cold and bad weather. Also, check in on neighbors, friends, and family (especially seniors and those who are handicapped). Let’s take care of each other.

Stay warm and goodnight!😴
Fill your moments with hugs, love, laughter, and blessings.💖