Photo thanks to Debbie Rolen at PichaGlobal
In our “Get Prepared” Series, we’ve been learning to plan ahead for a 2-4 week power outage. We’ve talked about laundry and water . . . but what clothes would make the duration more comfortable? Plan to store some clothes for each member of the family, and keep the sizes updated. And Go Large. It is easier to layer with clothes that are on the big side.
Keeping Clothing for Long Term Emergencies
• You will not have air conditioning/heat in the house. What clothing will be the most comfortable?
• You may be forced outside for work and/or play. What clothing will be the most comfortable?
• Do not invest in this supply. Keep old clothing like sweatshirts and t-shirts rather than give them away. Watch for good buys at yard sales. This supply of clothes does not have to fit, be necessarily gender specific, match or look good. You are looking for warmth (or cool) and comfort.
• How will you wash these clothes? Wearing a t-shirt under a sweatshirt will stall the need to wash the sweatshirt as frequently. Remember, this hypothetical situation will preclude sensitivity to cleanliness and odors!
• What sizes may you need within the coming year? Plan sizes ahead.
• Stock up on socks!!
Winter Clothes
If your area has a winter, or even a cool season, plan to store some warm clothes, focusing on layers. T-shirts under sweatshirts under hoodies would be very versatile, even if the house is cold. Think about clothing that dries easily, in case your family will play in the snow. Think about clothing that is comfortable for labor – such as splitting firewood or hauling water to the house. Snowmobile ‘bib overall’ pants are terrific! Pajamas can be less of an issue by doubling up – putting more people in each bed. Body heat is the best heat source there is for warmth while sleeping. Might you need a boxful of hats and mittens? Might you need to have more socks on hand?
Summer Clothing
If your area has very hot summers, plan to store some cool clothes. Target light colored clothing – it reflects heat. There is a reason Desert Dwellers wear light colored, flowing robes. When my husband spent two years working as a civilian he was most comfortable in very large long-sleeved cotton t-shirts. I was able to find them at Land’s End – for storage purposes I would just keep my eye out at yard sales. You might want to have hats on hand to keep heat off the head. You will be tempted to keep sandals on hand but keep in mind you may have to be outside more than usual, and may be working outside in a power outage situation. Therefore, you will want socks and appropriate shoes, even in hot weather. If you live near a creek or other water, you might want to have a pair of worn out tennis shoes for each person to make creek play safer! If you are in a situation where you cannot get to medical help immediately, it is important to prevent injuries as much as possible.
Spring and Fall Clothes
Whether or not your area has four seasons, springs and falls are usually fairly mild. If you focus on storing layers, you will be covered – no pun intended! – for all four seasons. And stock up on socks!
Work Shoes
You may find yourself in a situation where you must walk and work outside more than usual. If you live in the woods like I do, sometimes tennis shoes are not sufficient. Depending on your habitat, each household member should have a sturdy pair of working/walking shoes – like hiking boots with appropriate socks. They are quite uncomfortable and stiff at first, so as part of your preparation plan, plan activities where the family is wearing the boots in order to break them in. Don’t forget the socks!
You absolutely WILL experience a power outage. Hopefully it will not be more than a few hours, but plan as if it will be a few weeks. With some planning, a significant inconvenience can be made as comfortable as possible.
Great article! Everybody ought to have a good pair of hiking boots, even if they never hike. A decent pair of insulated winter boots: 1000 grams of insulation, or rated to -40 degrees (at least for women, who have “colder feet” than men).
Also, wool is preferred to cotton and most synthetics because it is warmer, lighter and dries easily. Wool sweaters are usually pretty easy to find in thrift stores. I have one I accidently shrank but I keep it to wear as a base-layer (over a longsleeve T but under a hoodie or larger sweater).
Okay… I’m a shoe horse. Not in an extravagant way, but I have specific shoes or boots for different things. No, I don’t have a closet full of heels or dressy shoes, just comfortable shoes that suit the need. Waterproof muck boots for rainy stable days, cowboy boots for everything else, everyday shoes or sandals-Reefs with a good sole and support, others that cover my toes. I found a pair of sturdy leather Uggs I’ve had for 10 years now, replaced the insole once. They keep my feet warm no matter what and they are nearly as good as steel toe boots for protection.. horse stepped on my foot one day and no broken toes! Sheepskin lined boots are awesome in the cold, something I appreciate because I have cold-sensitive feet. Everyone in the family needs to have a selection and Aili, you were spot on about socks. Wool socks are the best! Scratchy? Get Merino or SmartWool.
The advice Lt Dan gave Forrest Gump was correct…. take care of your feet! You need them!