Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Rethinking The Day After Tomorrow.

I recall watching the movie, The Day After Tomorrow, and thinking how ridiculous the whole thing was and that something like that would NEVER happen. I muddled through the movie because I like Dennis Quaid. After the displays Mother Nature has given in the past week, I've got to say I stand in awe, and not a little fear, of the types of weather changes we're seeing. Yesterday, Oregon had a freakish tornado and for the second time in one month, motorists have been stranded overnight in their cars in Buffalo, and now Sarnia, Ontario, because of snow and ice storms. Neither of those snowed in cities are far from me as the crow flies and I can reach Sarnia in less than an hour by car. What stands between us are large bodies of water and during this storm, I just happened to be on the right side of the water to avoid overwhelming lake effect storms.

Because my work sends me out on the road, I'm seriously considering putting together a box of survival supplies to keep in the car. I already carry things like a giant Maglite flashlight, hand sanitizer, diapers, bandages and bedpans, but I need other things that will keep me warm and safe. I need something to snack on, a cell phone charger (I avoid these because they destroy battery life on phones), small shovel to dig out snow that covers the tail pipe, road salt, a warm blanket or sleeping bag and portable knitting.

Did I forget anything?

16 comments:

Stephanie V said...

Maybe some of those handwarmer things to put in your mittens while you knit and wait. I can't imagine being stranded for days in my vehicle like that. I guess diapers and a bedpan could come in handy, too.

Anonymous said...

You are terribly organised! People were stranded for a long time in Glasgow last week and it was a nightmare. I'm sure they have learnt a valuable lesson.

CJ xx

Devon said...

Chocolate.

The Bug said...

Oh yes, as Devon says - chocolate!

I love disaster movies. I remember watching this one with my mother while she was dying of cancer. We both thought it was great. Of course, that could have been the Quaid factor :) Also, I don't require my disaster movies to be based on reality, so that helped.

Unknown said...

When I lived in Rochester, you couldn't pay me enough money to get on the Thruway if a storm were coming.

Extra clothes or a change of clothes because after you dig out whatever you'll be wet.

Celia said...

Some sort of food?

Dawn-Rene said...

what about one of those lightweight blankets that fold up to the size of a pack of cards? They help hold in body heat which may be useful. And chocolate like Devon said.

Ruth said...

you have knitting you will be right.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

bottled water? kitty litter to put under the wheels if you are stuck?

stay safe honey!

smiles, bee
xxoxoxoxoxo

Brenda said...

We had a supply of essentials to last for one week in our closet several years ago because of the New Madrid fault earthquake that was predicted to hit on a certain day. They did not even have schools open during that time. I wish I still had that list and all of the stuff. I think we should always be prepared for emergencies. The weather has been strange the past few years and is getter stranger.

Gail said...

Water! Extra layers of clothing and kitty litter to enable your tires to grip the ice.

Stay safe.

Finding Pam said...

I would include a dry set of clothes and a gallon of water. I would just keep you a bag packed in the trunk of your car.

My oldest son keeps a survival bag in their car since they live in a snow area.

You will be able to keep yourself entertained with the knitting. I would add some flares.

peggyln said...

I've kept an earthquake kit in my car for years. Luckly they expire before needed. Can always check ready.gov for more ideas. Hope you are feeling better. Stay warm!

Rositta said...

You absolutely need a survival kit in your car especially where you live. I have a friend in Sarnia and they simply didn't go out on the road at all. She told me the number of people who did not heed the warnings are probably feeling very sorry right now. Of course there are always a few who complain that they didn't get rescued fast enough. I too thought of that movie when I saw the scenes on the news. I've had a survival kit in my car for years and I have snow tires. I used to live in Montreal where scenes like Sarnia were not infrequent. Keep warm...ciao

Unknown said...

too much of snow if i could have been there i will enjoy alot
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sandy said...

I have been watching the weather reports and can't believe even the south is being blasted. I watch solar cycles as a hobby and read lots about the sun. If climate change is happening it is due to that in my opinion...We have been having some impressive action (CME's, solar flares, etc), some earth directed. When that happens bam.....serious problems - but then the gulf stream is acting up too..

I pray your area doesn't get hit like that...