Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Severe Winter Weather Day 26: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

By Suzanne Wiley   November 19, 2013

I don’t want to sound like an alarmist, but carbon monoxide really is a silent killer. You can’t smell it, taste it or see it. In fact, you might not even believe you feel it. You may disregard symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and nausea as a cold or flu. However, carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous—even mild cases can cause permanent brain damage. Carbon monoxide poisoning happens all year round, however, cases increases in winter—particularly in December and January. One of the best ways to prevent CO poisoning is to buy a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector. It works just like your smoke alarm and will sound a loud alarm when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present. There are other ways to prevent CO poisoning, as well:

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Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Severe Winter Weather Day 25: Curing Cabin Fever

By Suzanne Wiley   November 18, 2013

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Though not a diagnosable condition, cabin fever is commonly used to describe the feelings of boredom, irritably, restlessness and claustrophobia one gets when cooped up inside for too long. Cabin fever may also come about if you spend too long in an isolated place—even you if you venture outside daily. It can also cause anxiety, excessive sleeping, anger, forgetfulness, anxiety, impatience, and stress. Severe winter weather can keep you from leaving the house. I will tell you that you need to add entertainment to your preparations to prevent and cure cabin fever.

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Gear, Parts and Accessories

30 Days of Preparing for Severe Winter Weather Day 24: Winter Prep Overkill

By Suzanne Wiley   November 17, 2013

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There are quite a lot of adventurers out there—many who brave extreme temperatures to have an adventure of a lifetime. Like the 2,000 plus people who have successfully climbed Mount Everest. Others live in far Northern places— I’m looking at you, Alaska — where no one blinks an eye at minus freezing temperatures. When weather is going to be really nasty, for a while, wouldn’t you prefer to have the best winter-rated gear? Call it overkill or call it more comfortable, the following five products don’t come cheap, but you will be much better off than your neighbors.

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Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Severe Winter Weather Day 23: 15 Last Minute Items to Get Before Everyone Else Does

By Suzanne Wiley   November 16, 2013

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Ice storms, blizzards and other severe winter weather can force you to stay inside your home. Before the storm hits, be prepared to go without electricity for at least three days. You should not wait until the day before weathermen predict a severe winter storm. Get last minute emergency gear now, while it is still in stock. Following is a list of 15 items to get now.

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Camping & Survival

Quick Prepper Tip: An Emergency Plan for Your Emergency Plan

By Lisa Metheny   November 16, 2013

Emergency management officials always tell you to have a Plan “A” in place in case of an emergency, and this is sound advice. However, you should also take that a step further and have a Plan “B.”

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Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Severe Winter Weather Day 22: The Best Hot Chocolate Recipe

By Suzanne Wiley   November 15, 2013

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Hot chocolate is not only yummy and comforting; it actually warms your up. You don’t have to forgo this delicious treat when the power goes out—severe winter weather is the perfect time to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate using a few ingredients from your long-term food storage and a gel fuel camp or survival stove. I whipped up my own ultra chocolaty version in about 20 minutes. Here is my favorite single-serving hot chocolate recipe using a Swiss military surplus gel fuel M1 stove kit.

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Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Severe Winter Weather Day 21: 10 Safety Rules for Spending a Night in Your Car

By Suzanne Wiley   November 14, 2013

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A whiteout or blizzard can make driving conditions so hazardous that you voluntarily pull over to wait out the storm. The first thing you need to do is call for help if you find yourself trapped on the road during severe winter weather. Until help arrives, you will need to focus on staying safe, hydrated and warm. Pull your emergency vehicle kit out of the trunk or back seat and follow these 10 rules:

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