How to Deal With Being Snowed In

Stay warm and cheerful while snowed in.

It may feel like a dull, sluggish day when you are snowed in. The list of entertainment options shortens, and you may start to feel like a caged animal. However, if you look at being snowed in as an opportunity to relax and spend time with family, it can make the day seem like a heap of fun. Learn how to prevent restlessness and have a safe, delightful day.

Things You'll Need

• Microwaveable popcorn
• Movie
• Book
• Magazine
• Board game
• 1/2 gallon whole milk
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Activities

1. 

   Pass the time with a movie and scrumptious popcorn.

   Heat a package of popcorn in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the popcorn in a bowl, and eat it while watching a movie.

2. Do the laundry. Donate old clothing to a local charity, throw away tattered pieces and put away the rest.

3. 

   An intriguing book, magazine or online article will ease your mind.

   Read a book, magazine or online article.

4. Play a board game with your family.

5. Organize a junk drawer or a room. Discard anything that is broken or unusable, and put everything in its right place.

6. Teach children about snow and ice.

7. 

   Hot cocoa is a delectabledrink.

   Make hot cocoa by heating a half gallon of whole milk over the stove on medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips into the milk, and stir. Serve the hot cocoa in mugs to everyone.

Safety

1. Make an emergency kit that includes items like bottled water, rock salt, snow shovels, blankets, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries and non-perishable food.

2. Instruct everyone on how to handle being snowed in, places to meet if separated and emergency plans.

3. 

   Pevent water pipes from freezing and rupturing.

   Leave all water taps open, so they drip continuously.

4. Close drapes, stuff towels in door cracks and avoid opening doors to conserve heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Eat well-balanced meals and drink to help you stay warmer.

• Do not use charcoal grill, electric generator or gas grill indoors.

• Do not use wood stoves, fireplaces or any other combustion heater unless they are properly vented to the outside.

• Stay indoors during a winter storm, and avoid using a vehicle.

• If you have to use a vehicle, tell someone where you are going, drink plenty of fluids and keep the gas tank full.

• Wear a heavy coat, mittens, hat and scarf if you go outside.

• If the water pipes freeze, thaw them with an electric hair dryer.

• Never leave infants and children in a cold room.

References

• Apartment Therapy: 10 Things to Do Around the House When You're Snowed In
• WRAL; Snowed In? Here's Something To Do; Sarah Lindenfeld Hall; January 30, 2010
• Real Simple Recipes: Magic Cocoa
• Ready America: Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Winter Weather: Indoor Safety

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: Chicken Soup Recipes