When the Lights Go Out: How to Handle a Winter Storm Like a Boss
Fyonna Vanderwerf | MAR 31, 2025
10 Food Prep Tips • BBQ Hacks • Workout Grooves and Generator Wisdom • 10 Things Not to Do • And the Magic of Being a Good Human
Let’s get one thing straight: a bad winter storm and a multi-day power outage aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a full-on test of your planning, your mindset, and your ability to adapt. And you, my friend, are absolutely capable of meeting it head-on.
Here’s how to prepare, move through, and rise above it, yee haw cowboy!!!!!!!
💪 Power Outage Sprint Circuit (No Equipment Needed)
Format:
5 exercises
30 seconds work / 15 seconds rest
After each round: 30-second sprint interval (indoor sprint, high knees, or outdoor burst)
Repeat 3–5 rounds depending on time and energy
🔥 The 5 Moves:
Squat to Reach
Start in a deep squat, reach arms overhead as you stand
Total-body burn, wake up those legs and shoulders
Push-Up to Shoulder Tap
Push-up (on knees or toes), then tap opposite shoulder
Stabilize your core, fire up chest + arms
Reverse Lunge with Knee Drive
Step back, drive the back knee forward as you stand
Switch legs each round or alternate
Bear Crawl Hold with Toe Tap
Hands under shoulders, knees 1" off floor
Tap one foot back, then return—small but mighty
Plank Jack
From forearm or high plank, jump feet in/out
Modification: step feet side to side
🏃 Sprint Interval Options:
Indoor: High knees, sprint in place, mountain climbers (max effort!)
Outdoor: 30-second run, hill sprint, or driveway dash
Low Impact Option: Fast march + power arms
💡 Tip:
Play your favorite power anthem on full blast, and imagine you're melting snow with your intensity. 15–20 minutes of this = a full-body reset, even when everything else is shut down.
Cook & freeze 2 full meals – Chili, pasta, soup—something hearty that can be reheated on a stove or BBQ.
Hard-boil a dozen eggs – Protein-packed, no power needed.
Stock up on peanut butter, wraps, and crackers – Long shelf life, easy to build meals.
Fill water jugs & make ice packs – Stay hydrated and preserve cold.
Pre-slice fruit & store in jars – Grab-and-go energy.
Freeze some milk or dairy alternatives – Bonus: helps keep freezer colder longer.
Make a batch of overnight oats – No cooking needed.
Pre-cook rice or quinoa – Add beans or tuna = instant meal.
Vacuum seal leftovers or portion meals – Keeps food fresh in coolers.
Get snacks that don’t require cooking – Trail mix, bars, dried fruit.
🔥 BBQ It Like a Boss
If it’s safe to BBQ outside, here’s how to level up:
Heat soups, chili, or canned meals
Grill pre-cooked meats and veggies
Boil water in a metal pot
Toast sandwiches in foil packs
🚨 Safety note: Never BBQ indoors or in a garage.
🔌 Top 5 Things to Plug In
If you’ve got a generator or limited power access:
Fridge/Freezer – Save your food investment
WiFi Router – Stay connected
Phone Charger/Station – Communication = safety
Space Heater – For warmth, not luxury
Electric Kettle/Single Burner – A warm drink is a morale booster
⚡ Why a Generator Is a Game-Changer
A generator doesn’t just power your home—it powers your confidence. It protects your food, keeps you warm, and lets you charge what matters. In storm-prone areas, it’s not a luxury—it’s smart planning.
💛 The Hidden Kindness in a Storm
Bad weather reveals who we really are. Choose to:
Check on elderly neighbors
Text friends who live alone
Offer hot water or freezer space
Drop off soup or flashlights
Kindness is free. Give it generously.
🚫 10 Things Not to Do in a Power Outage
Don’t BBQ indoors
Don’t leave candles unattended
Don’t open fridge/freezer often
Don’t drive unless needed
Don’t assume your phone battery will last
Don’t run generators indoors
Don’t forget to turn off big appliances
Don’t wait until last minute for supplies
Don’t ignore carbon monoxide risks
Don’t panic—breathe, assess, act
🔧 No Generator? No Problem. 6 Things to Use Instead:
Battery-powered lanterns or headlamps – Hands-free light = safety
Portable power banks – Charge your essentials
Your car – Heat and charge (outside only!)
Sterno fuel or butane burner – Great for heating food or boiling water safely
Hot water bottles & thermal blankets – Old school, still brilliant
🎧 3 Podcasts to Build Resilience
The Mel Robbins Podcast – Real talk. Actionable tools.
The Art of Manliness – Survival mindset + life grit
The Rich Roll Podcast – Endurance, discipline, and heart
📚 3 Books to Toughen You Up (Soulfully)
Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins – Mental toughness on fire
Deep Survival – Laurence Gonzales – The psychology of survival
The Comfort Crisis – Michael Easter – Growth begins where comfort ends
Final Thought:
You don’t just survive storms. You lead through them. You plan ahead, you protect what matters, and you check on others.