If you’re on the East Coast you have likely been affected in some way by winter storm Jonas, many are calling it Snowmaggedon 2016. You have been warned of the possible dangers of traveling and like the majority have decided to stay home and watch the snow fall and wait for it to pass, relying solely on their snow storm survival kit.

I woke up early this morning, I wanted to see what outside looked like after a night of snow and strong winds. Here’s how the streets looked in Harlem.

The results of the storm were not too crazy in Harlem first thing this morning, thank goodness. Although the strong gusts made it tough to walk, even to cross the street. As you can see, my neighbor is taking her time to cross the street carefully.  I tried to walk up a few blocks to capture a more dramatic shot of the storm, but it was impossible. Well, not impossible, but I certainly wasn’t going to fight against wind and snow and risk falling on my butt, or worse my camera, for a good shot. I’m a food blogger not a reporter!  

This not so happy chap shoveling the snow is doing his best to clear the snow outside a bodega. I stopped to greet him and wished him a good morning. He was not in good spirits, I can only hope he’s being paid handsomely for this work.

I retreated back to my apartment/ivory tower and made myself a mochaccino. I sipped on my hot creamy beverage while I captured what was going on in the streets – not much.

NYC dwellers just received an emergency alert instructing all non-emergency vehicles be off all roads in an hour.

The effect of a winter storm in NYC usually lasts a day or two, no more. The weather does its worst, and then the city gets to clearing the streets to allow travel so that everyone can continue with their lives.

My question to you is – while you wait for the city to return to business as usual, do you have your snow storm survival kit?  If no, I can’t help you now! But I can provide guidance for the next snow storm, and make sure you’re better prepared and less miserable than today. 

Snow Storm Survival Kit

1. Food

Basic provisions are important at a time like this. If you live in a city, it can be pretty easy to get your hands on eggs, milk, cheese, potatoes and bread at a moment’s notice, but for those of you without a store on the corner of your street, make sure you have these items. No matter what you have available to eat your fridge and pantry, these items will no doubt feature in some way.

You should also add some of your favorites to your shopping list to keep you happy. I bought the following:

• Pie crusts
• prosciutto
• Brie
• Minced Beef

Your shopping list may run to a few more items than mine. Being a food blogger means that I usually have a decent stock of food, so preparing for a few days tied to my home is a little easier for me. I have, raspberries, blueberries and gooseberries, left over from a breakfast pastries recipe. I also have two tins of albacore tuna, so I have the option of making a fruit tart or quiche with my pie crusts. I have crackers for my meat and cheese, and a ton of potatoes, so I might work on a cottage pie recipe with the minced beef this weekend. I’m all set!

2. Drink

You don’t need me to remind you to have a stock of water at home, but don’t forget to get your favorite libation, and check that you have enough of your favorite tea and/or coffee. If, like me, your favorite hot beverage isn’t readily available in stores, you should check your stock, and if you’re running low, order some or run to your specialty store pronto. If you’ve left it too late to replenish your depleted stock, try something new. You may as well.

How about something bubbly with your brunch? I know that there are some who suffer the sleepies after a mimosa. If after a couple you find yourself drifting back to slumberland, no matter, you’re stuck at home, you may as well catch some zzzzs.

3. Entertainment

Most of us have some type of device to watch our shows and movies that keep us entertained for hours, but in case you suffer a power outage, have a great book and perhaps some good old-fashioned magazines at hand. 

I hope you find my snow storm survival kit helpful, perhaps you were somewhat prepared but missed something that is on my list that you wish you had now. Remember

Mother Nature may be forgiving this year, or next year, but eventually she’s going to come around and whack you. You’ve got to be prepared.

―Geraldo Rivera