Were you ready for the blizzard? 03/10/10

Story last updated at 9:12 PM on Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Were you ready for the blizzard?

If, by some chance, southern Kenai Peninsula residents had forgotten they lived in Alaska, we were reminded during the past week (again and again) that this charming place we call home isn't the tropics. February may have teased that spring was right around the corner, but March let it be known with absolute certainty that winter will linger.

Photo by McKibben Jackinsky

Tuesday's blizzard blankets Homer's Old Town.

Maybe we're tired of shoveling, but isn't it beautiful? Admit it: You liked the slower pace the big blizzard forced on us, didn't you? There's nothing like a good snowstorm (or any other disaster for that matter) to clear your calendar — and your head. Amazing how the things that needed to get done still got done and everything else got relegated to the bottom of the list.

With the forecast calling for more sun than snow today, it will be easy to forget the important lesson of the big blizzard — until the next time the unexpected hits. So while our muscles are still sore from shoveling, let's make a commitment to be prepared for the unexpected.

The need for personal preparation in the event of a weather emergency or other natural disaster cannot be overstated. It could be just the thing that saves lives or keeps us all just a tad more comfortable in a trying situation.

Each of your family's vehicles should have the following: a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit and manual, tire repair kit and pump, jumper cables, flares, bottled water, non-perishable food such as granola bars, a blanket or sleeping bag, shovel, sand, windshield scraper and fire extinguisher.

For your home, the following is recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross: A supply of water (one gallon per person per day, with a three-day minimum supply); a supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener; a change of clothing, rain gear; sturdy shoes; blankets or sleeping bags; a first aid kit and prescription medications; an extra pair of glasses; a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, credit cards and cash; an extra set of car keys; a list of family physicians and phone numbers; a list of important family information — for example, the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers; special items for infants, the elderly and disabled family members. Things like games, snacks and gadgets can help ease the stress of a bad situation. And don't forget supplies for the family pets.

In the midst of an emergency, listen to officials. Their warnings and advice could help save you from yourself. Do you really need to get out on the road?

Mother Nature can't be controlled, but the effects of a weather emergency — or some other disaster (earthquake, volcano, fire) — can be minimized when individuals, families and businesses prepare for the worst.

It's wise to believe emergency officials when they tell us: "It's not a matter of if, but when" a major disaster will strike.

You get the drift. Let's turn the tables on those unexpected events by being prepared for them.

Homer Alaska - Opinion