A winter storm came through Southern Ontario and the Eastern USA yesterday.  We were just on the edge of it.  For most of the day we had pretty steady snow and as the day went on stronger and stronger winds.  All night we could hear the winds howling.  Compared to many we are very lucky.  We simply had a driveway to blow out as it had drifted in badly.  Over a million people lost power in the USA from the storm, close to 5000 in Ontario.  The news is reporting that not one highway in the Toronto area was accident free.  Mainly from people not driving to conditions.  We have had such a mild winter here and people seem slow to remember you need to slow down when the weather is bad.

Snow fall in Dutchess County New York

New York had 40cm of snow and for the 2nd time in a month (4th time in 6 years) had to close schools.

I do sit and wonder when I read the news how many people are really prepared for emergencies?

Especially in the Eastern USA that rarely gets heavy snow storms.  They certainly have been hit hard this year.  I have seen photos showing empty store shelves when heavy storms are predicted.  If  that is any indication, it is obvious that most people are not prepared for emergencies.

How many people wake up to no power and have no way to heat their homes?  Or no food on hand that can be prepared easily?  Many people don’t even own a manual can opener.  It is so important to have our family’s prepared for emergencies.  I honestly can’t count how many times having a well stocked pantry has helped our family.  When a sudden job loss, storm, or blackout hits you don’t have to worry about how or what to cook.

Hubby took this vid this morning, having some fun blowing out our long driveway.  The second video was shot last year.  You can really see how much more snow we had then!