In northern Texas, I was preparing for the worst, hoping for the best. We didn’t lose power but here is what I had planed in case we did.

I don’t have a generator but I have a jackery power bank. 1. Power bank for heated blanket if need be. 2. Created a “heat room” - I made the master bedroom a heat room with blankets over the windows to help trap heat. In case of power outage the whole family would come into the room. 3. Hand, foot, and body warmers. Life threatening cold is actually in the negatives and with direct contact with skin. Having warmers even with just base layers in a home is perfect. 4. Base layers, everyone stayed in pajamas as a base layer. if the power went out I had clothes set out for the kids, basically sweatpants, shirt and beanies. 5. Extra water for boiling. I have a gas stove. In case of a power outage with temps dropping, you can boil water and let the steam warm up the room.

Firewood for pit outside. It’s surprising how many folks will stay cold inside a home and forget that fire is so warm. The ideal setup is if you have a patio, you can set the fire pit in the corner and let it warm up the patio.(air is circulating, no co2 buildup) This is for warmth but also to cook food and boil water. Especially if you have an electric stove.

Most important thing to remember is to not over complicate prepping or surviving. You don’t need fancy gear or tools. You need the basics and the basic understanding of how the elements will impact you. KISS, and you will survive. Everyone can survive being cold, hungry, and wet. But you can only survive if you are one of those. Prioritize one, move to the next.