Power has been restored, the temperatures have risen, and the ice is gone. However, many homes have severe damage while others have painfully experienced a major disaster. These were the news headlines from the historic Texas winter storm in 2021.
At least 57 deaths were a result of the storm with over a million severely impacted.
CEN has reviewed a number of Texas reports, including those who lived through the power outages and compiled some lessons learned from the severe storm and subsequent power outages. We need to keep in mind while the storms are not common severe weather does have a way of repeating, for example in 1887 a severe blizzard killed an estimated 90% of all cattle in many Western states. We are going to cover a number of specific areas with action steps which may be implemented in the future to prepare for many different types of crisis.
In Texas, while the difficult conditions were predicted the severity was not fully anticipated where pre-storm planning would have eased the burden for many by simply:
Making sure all vehicles are filled with fuel
Checking propane tanks to ensure their fall
Winterizing outside faucets including use of insulation
Purchasing food requires heating, grocery supplies are exhausted early
Acquiring more rather than less supplies, for your household and to share
Making sure medical prescriptions are filled well in advance preferably a three months supply
Many locations were unable to supply water or issued boiling notices to residents. Many individuals in Texas lacked water to flush toilets or properly boil water given that electricity was out. When water is scarce, acquire fruit drinks and non-caffeinated beverages to help keep you hydrated. Check out these Christian Emergency Network articles designed to assist in these situations:
Keeping the house warm during the unusual cold weather was a significant challenge in Texas. It was a major contributor to those who died. Aside from the tragedy of death many families suffered as they huddled together, and the freezing weather caused pipes to break in tens of thousands of homes. Some helpful feedback from Texas families included the importance of:
Storing enough firewood in advance, even if you don’t use a fireplace much
Checking your fireplace in advance to make sure there are no obstructions
Installing a fireplace insert with doors which will significantly increase heating efficiency of a wood-burning fireplace
Reading the Christian Emergency Network article on: Keeping Warm
Acquiring a Kerosene Heater as backup heat
Other lessons learned:
Obtain a simple ham radio, while you’re not permitted to broadcast without a license, you’re able to listen to reports from others
Keep extra cash available, during the storm many stores were unable to process debit or credit cards
Stock up on children’s needs such as diapers and baby food
Have games and other alternative sources of entertainment available
Include some comfort food or healthy treats to relieve some stress
Plan in advance for Emergency Cooking options
Most of us are not going to be in a position to emerge from a major crisis like the Texas deep-freeze and ice storms without some inconvenience. The advantage of preparing to the degree you are able will eliminate many of the challenges and life-threatening events that may be occurring around you. Plus, you will be in a position to reach out and minister to others during a crisis as a Ready Christian. For example, if you have good alternative heat in your home, you may be able to invite some neighbors over so they don’t freeze. They’ll be grateful and surely ask you why you cared so much to help them, which will open doors to sharing the Hope of Christ.
Disasters large and small will occur throughout the United States, and often when we least expect them. While we pray our homes will not be struck by natural or man-made disasters, consider King Solomon’s words, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 27:12)
When the Lord spoke to Noah about building an ark, the rain would not arrive for over 100 years but he did not wait until the rain started. Rather, he followed God’s direction or he and his family would’ve also been swept up in the flood.
Take the steps of becoming a Ready Christian and be prepared to minister in and through disasters, large and small.
Very prudent advice here indeed. Another alternative heating convention would be a catalytic heater that runs on propane. These are VERY easy to setup and many find them very handy. Always remember when using any alternative heat device that runs on fuel, you do need to vent the area for fresh air. While that may seem a bad idea because the outside air is so cold, you want to be sure you do not inadvertently cause asphyxiation.
ReplyDelete