Surviving the Snow

Baby, it’s cold outside. If this weather isn’t for you, you better live near the equator or stay inside your heated home and hope that the gas bill doesn’t break the bank. We are trudging through another relentlessly hostile cold front. Officials, coaches, and athletes alike must travel through snowstorms and freezing rain to get to their games. What sort of essentials should we bring on these long trips? Imagine getting halfway to your destination only to be caught in a snowstorm of astronomical proportions leaving you trapped in the middle of the freeway with no snacks, less than half a tank of gas, and the decision to leave your heat on or cuddle for warmth.On January 3rd, 2022, drivers were stranded on I-95 in Virginia for 24 hours after a snowstorm hit the state. Many struggled with low gas and no food. The devastating event left many wondering, “What would I do if this happened to me?” Officials, who sometimes do most of their traveling by car, can easily be subject to these conditions. What actions can we take before these long trips that prepare us for these dangerous situations?Bring a gallon of gas. This may seem like an overreaction, but it can be a lifesaver. You can buy gas gallons at Home Depot, Lowes, or your local hardware stores. Getting a few gallons of gas in your car can seem like enough for a several hour trip. What if you’re stuck somewhere for a day? Having that extra gallon or two in the trunk can be a huge help.Along with that gallon of gas, get a gallon of water. But don’t mix the two. Our bodies are made of 60% water. I feel like that number used to be higher when I was growing up, but I digress. It’s not soda or Arizona iced tea, so, no, it’s not as tasty. However, our bodies need water. If nothing else, you can keep the heat circulating from your head to your toes if you keep your body hydrated.Space heaters are not just for our rooms. They have ones for cars now!Google “car space heater.” Go ahead; I’ll wait. Crazy, right?! I didn’t know they had these! Let’s say your car runs out of gas, and you forgot to pack that extra gallon. Boom! Car space heater. They’re small enough to clip to the dashboard or to place right near your feet.Snacks on snacks on snacks. But not the gas station cupcakes. Yes, we all love our road trip gas station stops for some ranch-flavored Bugles and a pair of Hostess cupcakes. In the long run, what does that do for your body? Those high calories, no nutrients snacks will not hold you over for those trips. You’ll end up spending more money and never being completely satisfied. Try preparing for the journey ahead of time. Bring snacks that have enough nutritional value that’ll keep your stomach from yearning after Wendy’s drive-through on Route 22. Cliff Bars, Kind Bars, mixed nuts, unsalted crackers, and freeze-dried fruits are all long-lasting nutritious snacks that will hold you through the storm.We used to be sent to school with thermoses that would keep our soup warm. Now, there are portable Crock-Pots. Okay, Google one more thing: “portable Crock-Pot.” I have one of these, and let me tell you; it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my life. Sick of snacking? I don’t blame you. You’re craving a hot lunch on the road. Did you bring a can of ravioli? Smart. Pour that bad boy into your Crock-Pot, plug it in, and wait 30 minutes-1 hour. Steaming hot ravioli - or ABCs with meatballs if you’re into that sort of thing.Portable chargers for the win. I’m not talking about a charging port for your car. Maybe you have to preserve the car battery and gas. Invest in a portable charger. Best Buy and Amazon have ones ranging from slim fits that can fit in your pocket and last up to 24 hours, while others are the size of my thigh, lasting up to 24 days. They’re not just for phones, either. Find ones where you can charge your laptop, tablet, and power that Crock-Pot. In situations where you may be stranded or in need of any help, you need to make sure you have at least one way to get in contact with someone.Remember MapQuest? They could still help you out in 2022.Bringing along a paper map or printing out directions from MapQuest or Google Maps can help tremendously. Many of us have become acclimated to our phones or car dashboards telling us exactly where to turn and when to do so. In the event that power lines are down and signal can be difficult to come by, a paper map or printed out directions can help you in that jam. Don’t panic. Panic burns away your energy and affects our critical thinking. This is more of an abstract concept to bring on your trip. Hopelessness can dawn on us quickly and strip away any logical thinking. It’s essential to take things one step at a time. Preparing for the worst-case scenario can keep us alive and healthy throughout these devastating events. Often, we can make situations more challenging when we panic and neglect all the steps taken to prepare for the storms. Breath. Take a step back. Evaluate. Execute. You’ll get through this.