How To Prep for a Rainy (or Snowy) Day
Over the past decade, I’ve enjoyed the simpler and more fulfilling lifestyle of a minimalist (from originally being very much a maximalist). To this day, I still believe in focusing on quality over quantity and finding ways to experience small moments of joy daily, which is also very much integrated into Henné Organics and our ethos.
With that being said, COVID and the shutdown in March 2020 didn’t exactly turn me into a maximalist, but it did make me realize the importance of prepping for a rainy day (or month). Only a couple of days into the shutdown, and shelves were empty in almost every grocery or convenience store in Vegas. The remaining ones with items left had insane lines outside with several hundred (and sometimes thousands) of people anxiously waiting. Fortunately I had started prepping a few weeks before so I had adequate levels of the main necessities, but I could have easily been one of the unlucky ones if I hadn’t decided to start prepping in February.
What are some other situations where prepping comes in handy? It could be during a week when grocery shelves are emptier than usual, when inclement weather hits (snow, ice, hurricane, etc) and you need to hunker down somewhere, when you get sick and can’t leave the house for awhile. It’s not all doom and gloom with prepping though. It could also be for happier events, such as your kids coming home to visit unexpectedly and you having plenty of their favorite snacks and drinks ready, or a cozy long weekend indoors when it’s freezing outside and you don’t need to venture outdoors for anything. Simply put, knowing that you're prepared for whatever's around the corner (so next Thursday's Number 2 isn’t dependent on your local store having toilet paper) will add a sense of calm and control to your life.
So what should you add to your prep list? The possibilities are endless, and it’ll vary greatly from person to person. Since this is obviously a blog post and not a 200 page book, I’ve compiled a list of basic prepping items as well as some things that you might not have thought of but should consider getting.
Water & Food
LOTS OF H2O
In a perfect world, we’d all live near a natural water source and have quick and easy access anytime, but that’s not the reality for most of us. There are still ways to ensure that you have an adequate amount of clean water available. For smaller amounts, you can always buy bottled water (choose brands that have BPA-free plastic). Another method is buying a water filter and some larger water containers so you can filter and store larger amounts. Even if you have a water filter, you should still consider having some bottled water at home as an extra back-up. It’s mainly in case there are any water issues in the house.
FOODS WITH A LONG SHELF LIFE
While fresh produce is great and you can freeze dry and store a lot of things in the freezer, it’s also good to stock up on foods that don’t require refrigeration (especially in case of an extended power outage). Some foods that I personally stock at home are oatmeal, jasmine rice, pasta, canned soups, canned vegetables, coffee, tea, protein bars, salt and herbs/spices, etc. How long should the food last you? It really depends on what you’re comfortable with. I’m a planner and find prepping fun, so I have about 6 months’ worth at home and while that might be too much for most, I’d still recommend one month at the very least.
FUR BABIES <3
Let’s not forget the beloved fur babies! Stock up on their foods as well as any items they need on a regular basis (e.g. cat litter).
PORTABLE BUTANE STOVE
This is an area that a lot of people don’t think of but could be a crucial item to have at home, especially if you don’t have a generator or the building you live in doesn’t have one. A portable butane stove can cook those nonperishable foods without the need for electricity. Just make sure you purchase extra fuel canisters for the stove. Outside of prepping, the butane stove can also come in handy for a camping trip or road trip.
FIREWOOD
If you have a fireplace at home or a backyard, it’s a great idea to stock up on a bit of firewood. The firewood can be used to heat up your home or for a fire pit outside to cook food.
Non-Negotiables
FIRST AID KIT
Having a proper first aid kit is an absolute must that everyone should have at home. Try to find one that contains some type of wound glue/adhesive or buy one separately.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
If you don’t already have a fire extinguisher at home, let this be a friendly reminder to get one STAT. Better safe than sorry.
DON’T GET LEFT IN THE DARK
Power outages are something that all of us have experienced at some point in life, even if only briefly. Consider purchasing a reliable handheld flashlight as well as a headband one for tasks when you need both hands. Candles are also a great option. Purchase chic and beautifully scented ones and they can serve the dual purpose of emergency lighting and elevating your interior decor.
BATTERIES & MATCHES/LIGHTERS
A lot of things around the house (such as flashlights and candles) require batteries and flames, so make sure you have extras of all the different types of batteries you use at home and plenty of matches/lighters.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
For those of you that take any kind of prescription medication, most seem to recommend having at least a one month supply of prescription medication. Some prescriptions only allow one month at a time, but if it’s possible to order more at once, try to get 2 or 3 months’ worth.
TOOLS
This is regarding tools most of you probably already have around the house. If not, aim to get some or all of the core essentials. Examples: can opener, multi-purpose knife, duct tape, wrench, hammer, screwdriver, etc.
More Prep List Items
VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS
This is a non-negotiable for me, but I know it isn't for everyone, so I've added it to this section instead. If you take a lot of different ones like I do, I'd recommend jotting down all the ones you take and then also have a designated cupboard or area where you store everything. Then use that list to check what you're well stocked on and what you're running low on.
PAPER PLATES & UTENSILS
I don’t think it’s necessary to stockpile disposable plates and utensils, but it’s good to have a set just in case. There are plenty of cute and eco-friendly options, so these could definitely be used for other occasions as well, such as a picnic or when you run out of utensils when guests are over.
PORTABLE AC AND/OR HEATER
Depending on where you live, a portable AC or heater (or both) could be a lifesaver if there’s no electricity in the winter or summer (think 120F desert temps).
PORTABLE GENERATOR
Moving from the Vegas desert to an adorable coastal city with gorgeous beaches and what feels like an endless amount of ocean views has mostly so many benefits. But that same marvelous ocean can also cause terrifying and severe weather, such as hurricanes. If you live in an area prone to temperamental weather and you have a standalone house (and the budget for it), a built-in generator could be worth the investment, or alternatively a large portable generator. If you live in an apartment or condo, there are a lot of portable indoor generators on the market that are strong enough to power essential electronics and small appliances.
EMERGENCY BLANKETS
Emergency blankets are a practical and affordable prep item to have both at home and in your car. They can shield your body from extreme heat or cold. I bought a 10-pack on Amazon and have one in each car, at home and at the Henné HQ. They’re compact and fold into a thin square, so you could even bring one in your handbag or backpack as back-up if you plan to go hiking or another kind of excursion where you’ll be outside for several hours.
GASOLINE
I don’t know why I didn’t think of doing this earlier, but up until 2020, I never had any back-up gasoline at home. Shortly after moving to Wilmington though, locals told us that having gas reserves was a must because whenever there’s inclement weather, it can be almost impossible to find gas. I’m so glad we did that, as there was a temporary gas shortage here last fall (and various other parts in the U.S.), and it was comforting to know that we had enough gas stored to fill both cars. You can usually find gas cans at stores like Home Depot or Lowes. Gasoline typically has a shelf life of 3-6 months, so either use the stored gas every 3-6 months and refill the cans or add a fuel stabilizer to make it last longer. It should be common sense, but be sure to store the gasoline in a safe manner and place (e.g. far away from children).
TOILET PAPER, PAPER TOWELS, FEMININE PRODUCTS
While you should stock up on some toilet paper and paper towels, also remember that you don’t need to buy every roll in sight. The same goes for tampons and pads, although I have to admit that I’m a bit of a hypocrite in this category, as I probably have enough pads right now to last me a year (I blame it on the heavy Aunt Flo).
PERSONAL HYGIENE ESSENTIALS
Whether it’s for a rainy day or just every day, having an extra of anything you use regularly is highly recommended. If the power goes out, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have enough toothpaste to brush your teeth…or enough Henné balm for dry lips (shameless quick plug right there; sorry :D).
PORTABLE LOO
This is by no means glamorous, but if you have the space for it (trust me, you won’t want to showcase this front and center in your living room), you might want to think about getting a portable toilet in case of a water main break. I don’t own this item personally at the moment, but I have one called Luggable Loo in my shopping cart that I plan to order soon. And after I receive it, I’m definitely hiding it in the garage or attic.
WINDSHIELD SCRAPER
If you live in an area where it snows, a windshield scraper is a must-have. For those of you (like myself) who live in warmer areas, unless it hasn’t snowed in decades, you may still want to consider purchasing one. For example, it rained here on Friday while we were at work and temps dropped throughout the day. By the end of the work day, all of our windshields had a layer of ice on them. Fortunately a few of us had scrapers on hand, so it only took a few extra minutes per windshield and then we were on our way home!
CASH
Our grandparents’ generation were known to stash cash and other valuables away under the mattress, in the couch and in a bunch of other (and oftentimes bizarre) locations. While you don’t necessarily have to start hiding cash all over the house, having some cash at home is still highly recommended. In case the ATMs are down or your card stops working (which has happened to me multiple times, often when I’m abroad), cash can help you out in a crunch.
That’s it for now when it comes to the prep list! It’s not an extremely extensive one and of course there are plenty of things that could be added, but I think it’s a basic yet fairly comprehensive starter list. And hopefully by reading this, it will get those wheels turning and inspire you to brainstorm and add items to your prepping kit that you (and I) haven’t thought of before. Remember, even if you can’t get everything at once, just starting with a few essentials will make a world of difference for any potential future rainy day and will give you greater peace of mind, which is priceless.
With that being said, COVID and the shutdown in March 2020 didn’t exactly turn me into a maximalist, but it did make me realize the importance of prepping for a rainy day (or month). Only a couple of days into the shutdown, and shelves were empty in almost every grocery or convenience store in Vegas. The remaining ones with items left had insane lines outside with several hundred (and sometimes thousands) of people anxiously waiting. Fortunately I had started prepping a few weeks before so I had adequate levels of the main necessities, but I could have easily been one of the unlucky ones if I hadn’t decided to start prepping in February.
What are some other situations where prepping comes in handy? It could be during a week when grocery shelves are emptier than usual, when inclement weather hits (snow, ice, hurricane, etc) and you need to hunker down somewhere, when you get sick and can’t leave the house for awhile. It’s not all doom and gloom with prepping though. It could also be for happier events, such as your kids coming home to visit unexpectedly and you having plenty of their favorite snacks and drinks ready, or a cozy long weekend indoors when it’s freezing outside and you don’t need to venture outdoors for anything. Simply put, knowing that you're prepared for whatever's around the corner (so next Thursday's Number 2 isn’t dependent on your local store having toilet paper) will add a sense of calm and control to your life.
So what should you add to your prep list? The possibilities are endless, and it’ll vary greatly from person to person. Since this is obviously a blog post and not a 200 page book, I’ve compiled a list of basic prepping items as well as some things that you might not have thought of but should consider getting.
Water & Food
LOTS OF H2O
In a perfect world, we’d all live near a natural water source and have quick and easy access anytime, but that’s not the reality for most of us. There are still ways to ensure that you have an adequate amount of clean water available. For smaller amounts, you can always buy bottled water (choose brands that have BPA-free plastic). Another method is buying a water filter and some larger water containers so you can filter and store larger amounts. Even if you have a water filter, you should still consider having some bottled water at home as an extra back-up. It’s mainly in case there are any water issues in the house.
FOODS WITH A LONG SHELF LIFE
While fresh produce is great and you can freeze dry and store a lot of things in the freezer, it’s also good to stock up on foods that don’t require refrigeration (especially in case of an extended power outage). Some foods that I personally stock at home are oatmeal, jasmine rice, pasta, canned soups, canned vegetables, coffee, tea, protein bars, salt and herbs/spices, etc. How long should the food last you? It really depends on what you’re comfortable with. I’m a planner and find prepping fun, so I have about 6 months’ worth at home and while that might be too much for most, I’d still recommend one month at the very least.
FUR BABIES <3
Let’s not forget the beloved fur babies! Stock up on their foods as well as any items they need on a regular basis (e.g. cat litter).
PORTABLE BUTANE STOVE
This is an area that a lot of people don’t think of but could be a crucial item to have at home, especially if you don’t have a generator or the building you live in doesn’t have one. A portable butane stove can cook those nonperishable foods without the need for electricity. Just make sure you purchase extra fuel canisters for the stove. Outside of prepping, the butane stove can also come in handy for a camping trip or road trip.
FIREWOOD
If you have a fireplace at home or a backyard, it’s a great idea to stock up on a bit of firewood. The firewood can be used to heat up your home or for a fire pit outside to cook food.
Non-Negotiables
FIRST AID KIT
Having a proper first aid kit is an absolute must that everyone should have at home. Try to find one that contains some type of wound glue/adhesive or buy one separately.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
If you don’t already have a fire extinguisher at home, let this be a friendly reminder to get one STAT. Better safe than sorry.
DON’T GET LEFT IN THE DARK
Power outages are something that all of us have experienced at some point in life, even if only briefly. Consider purchasing a reliable handheld flashlight as well as a headband one for tasks when you need both hands. Candles are also a great option. Purchase chic and beautifully scented ones and they can serve the dual purpose of emergency lighting and elevating your interior decor.
BATTERIES & MATCHES/LIGHTERS
A lot of things around the house (such as flashlights and candles) require batteries and flames, so make sure you have extras of all the different types of batteries you use at home and plenty of matches/lighters.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
For those of you that take any kind of prescription medication, most seem to recommend having at least a one month supply of prescription medication. Some prescriptions only allow one month at a time, but if it’s possible to order more at once, try to get 2 or 3 months’ worth.
TOOLS
This is regarding tools most of you probably already have around the house. If not, aim to get some or all of the core essentials. Examples: can opener, multi-purpose knife, duct tape, wrench, hammer, screwdriver, etc.
More Prep List Items
VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS
This is a non-negotiable for me, but I know it isn't for everyone, so I've added it to this section instead. If you take a lot of different ones like I do, I'd recommend jotting down all the ones you take and then also have a designated cupboard or area where you store everything. Then use that list to check what you're well stocked on and what you're running low on.
PAPER PLATES & UTENSILS
I don’t think it’s necessary to stockpile disposable plates and utensils, but it’s good to have a set just in case. There are plenty of cute and eco-friendly options, so these could definitely be used for other occasions as well, such as a picnic or when you run out of utensils when guests are over.
PORTABLE AC AND/OR HEATER
Depending on where you live, a portable AC or heater (or both) could be a lifesaver if there’s no electricity in the winter or summer (think 120F desert temps).
PORTABLE GENERATOR
Moving from the Vegas desert to an adorable coastal city with gorgeous beaches and what feels like an endless amount of ocean views has mostly so many benefits. But that same marvelous ocean can also cause terrifying and severe weather, such as hurricanes. If you live in an area prone to temperamental weather and you have a standalone house (and the budget for it), a built-in generator could be worth the investment, or alternatively a large portable generator. If you live in an apartment or condo, there are a lot of portable indoor generators on the market that are strong enough to power essential electronics and small appliances.
EMERGENCY BLANKETS
Emergency blankets are a practical and affordable prep item to have both at home and in your car. They can shield your body from extreme heat or cold. I bought a 10-pack on Amazon and have one in each car, at home and at the Henné HQ. They’re compact and fold into a thin square, so you could even bring one in your handbag or backpack as back-up if you plan to go hiking or another kind of excursion where you’ll be outside for several hours.
GASOLINE
I don’t know why I didn’t think of doing this earlier, but up until 2020, I never had any back-up gasoline at home. Shortly after moving to Wilmington though, locals told us that having gas reserves was a must because whenever there’s inclement weather, it can be almost impossible to find gas. I’m so glad we did that, as there was a temporary gas shortage here last fall (and various other parts in the U.S.), and it was comforting to know that we had enough gas stored to fill both cars. You can usually find gas cans at stores like Home Depot or Lowes. Gasoline typically has a shelf life of 3-6 months, so either use the stored gas every 3-6 months and refill the cans or add a fuel stabilizer to make it last longer. It should be common sense, but be sure to store the gasoline in a safe manner and place (e.g. far away from children).
TOILET PAPER, PAPER TOWELS, FEMININE PRODUCTS
While you should stock up on some toilet paper and paper towels, also remember that you don’t need to buy every roll in sight. The same goes for tampons and pads, although I have to admit that I’m a bit of a hypocrite in this category, as I probably have enough pads right now to last me a year (I blame it on the heavy Aunt Flo).
PERSONAL HYGIENE ESSENTIALS
Whether it’s for a rainy day or just every day, having an extra of anything you use regularly is highly recommended. If the power goes out, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have enough toothpaste to brush your teeth…or enough Henné balm for dry lips (shameless quick plug right there; sorry :D).
PORTABLE LOO
This is by no means glamorous, but if you have the space for it (trust me, you won’t want to showcase this front and center in your living room), you might want to think about getting a portable toilet in case of a water main break. I don’t own this item personally at the moment, but I have one called Luggable Loo in my shopping cart that I plan to order soon. And after I receive it, I’m definitely hiding it in the garage or attic.
WINDSHIELD SCRAPER
If you live in an area where it snows, a windshield scraper is a must-have. For those of you (like myself) who live in warmer areas, unless it hasn’t snowed in decades, you may still want to consider purchasing one. For example, it rained here on Friday while we were at work and temps dropped throughout the day. By the end of the work day, all of our windshields had a layer of ice on them. Fortunately a few of us had scrapers on hand, so it only took a few extra minutes per windshield and then we were on our way home!
CASH
Our grandparents’ generation were known to stash cash and other valuables away under the mattress, in the couch and in a bunch of other (and oftentimes bizarre) locations. While you don’t necessarily have to start hiding cash all over the house, having some cash at home is still highly recommended. In case the ATMs are down or your card stops working (which has happened to me multiple times, often when I’m abroad), cash can help you out in a crunch.
That’s it for now when it comes to the prep list! It’s not an extremely extensive one and of course there are plenty of things that could be added, but I think it’s a basic yet fairly comprehensive starter list. And hopefully by reading this, it will get those wheels turning and inspire you to brainstorm and add items to your prepping kit that you (and I) haven’t thought of before. Remember, even if you can’t get everything at once, just starting with a few essentials will make a world of difference for any potential future rainy day and will give you greater peace of mind, which is priceless.
