It's the middle of winter and the Salt Lake Valley residents have just received a weather forecast, warning of a severe storm approaching the area.

  It is predicted that there will likely be power outages as well as other disruptions.  These disruptions can become a  psychological nightmare for you and your family if you're not prepared to react and recover.  Conversely, if you've been planning and preparing ahead of time, it will make a world of difference!

1.  Every home should have an emergency plan that includes information about communications, evacuation,       emergency supplies, and an out of state contact.
2.  In this scenario, you still have running water.  If you have enough water, you can live on half your normal
     food intake.  Make sure to store at least one gallon of water per person per day.  Store enough to last 2 weeks and rotate your water supply every 6 months. Allow faucets to drip a little to avoid freezing.
3.  Food:  Store at least a three-to-five day supply of non-perishable food in a dry place where the

                                                                                                                                            temperature is not above 70 degrees.  Select foods that require little or no preparation, water, or refrigeration.   
     They should be high in calories, nutritious, compact and lightweight.  Make sure to include food and
     snacks that are appealing to the family members.  Don't forget to have a hand can opener on hand, if
     the power is out.  No-Bake cookies are nutritional, high energy snacks that are not only delicious, but
     can be a fun activity for kids to do while passing the time:  Mix together 1 cup peanut butter, one half cup
     cocoa, 2 cups oatmeal, and coconut (optional).  Drop by spoonful on waxed paper, let set up briefly, and
      enjoy. Also, the indoor cooking suggestions from Day 3 are excellent!

Brownie Batter Dip

March 19, 2012 ᛫filed under: appetizer, brownies, chocolate, dessert, dip, sweet, treat᛫ by: Chef in Training34

My Happy Place! This dip is the closest thing to real brownie batter and you don’t need to worry about raw eggs… how Perfect is that?!

Brownie Batter Dip

INGREDIENTS

 Print This Recipe

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 5 Tbsp. All Purpose Flour
• 5 Tbsp. Cocoa
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 Tbsp. milk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a stand mixer, whisk together the cream cheese and the butter.
2. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and 1 tbsp. milk.
3. Add the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla, brown sugar, and 1 more tbsp. of milk if needed. Whisk until all smooth.
4. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk alternately until dip reaches your desired consistency.

4.   Light Sources:  Make sure you have flashlights with batteries, candles, and matches.  Headlamps are great for hands-free tasks,

Lego headlamp
 $8.99 at toys r us!

 and battery-operated lanterns or even better a solar powered lantern. They are great for larger areas and now they have several other options like recharging cellphone!
5.  Communications:  Obviously, you can use your cell phones as long as they hold out, but it's a good idea

Eton ARCPT200W American Red Cross Rover Self-Powered Weather Radio with Flashlight and USB Cell Phone Charger

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To have a  a battery-operated radio to tune in to current weather conditions, and other information. 

 6.  Keeping warm:  Layer warm clothing (even hats, gloves, and coats if need be) to keep everyone warm

     and comfortable. Hand warmers would be useful also.
7.  Helping Children Cope:  If parents are calm in any emergency situation, children will calm down more
     quickly.  Here is how to minimize children's fears:

     a.  Prepare them beforehand.

     b.  Keep the family together.

     c.  Games, books, toys, coloring, etc. will keep their minds off the situation.

     d.  Calmly and firmly explain the situation and your plans.

     e.  Talk to your children at eye level.

     f.  Encourage them to ask questions.

     g.  Give them chores that will help them feel like they are helping.

     h.   Hold your children and spend more time with them;  sympathize with them to resolve anxieties.

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