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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:

  1. Squat to Reach
    • Start in a deep squat, reach arms overhead as you stand
    • Total-body burn, wake up those legs and shoulders
  2. Push-Up to Shoulder Tap
    • Push-up (on knees or toes), then tap opposite shoulder
    • Stabilize your core, fire up chest + arms
  3. Reverse Lunge with Knee Drive
    • Step back, drive the back knee forward as you stand
    • Switch legs each round or alternate
  4. Bear Crawl Hold with Toe Tap
    • Hands under shoulders, knees 1" off floor
    • Tap one foot back, then return—small but mighty
  5. 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.

🔟 Easy Ways to Prep Food Before the Storm Hits

  1. Cook & freeze 2 full meals – Chili, pasta, soup—something hearty that can be reheated on a stove or BBQ.
  2. Hard-boil a dozen eggs – Protein-packed, no power needed.
  3. Stock up on peanut butter, wraps, and crackers – Long shelf life, easy to build meals.
  4. Fill water jugs & make ice packs – Stay hydrated and preserve cold.
  5. Pre-slice fruit & store in jars – Grab-and-go energy.
  6. Freeze some milk or dairy alternatives – Bonus: helps keep freezer colder longer.
  7. Make a batch of overnight oats – No cooking needed.
  8. Pre-cook rice or quinoa – Add beans or tuna = instant meal.
  9. Vacuum seal leftovers or portion meals – Keeps food fresh in coolers.
  10. 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:

  1. Fridge/Freezer – Save your food investment
  2. WiFi Router – Stay connected
  3. Phone Charger/Station – Communication = safety
  4. Space Heater – For warmth, not luxury
  5. 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

  1. Don’t BBQ indoors
  2. Don’t leave candles unattended
  3. Don’t open fridge/freezer often
  4. Don’t drive unless needed
  5. Don’t assume your phone battery will last
  6. Don’t run generators indoors
  7. Don’t forget to turn off big appliances
  8. Don’t wait until last minute for supplies
  9. Don’t ignore carbon monoxide risks
  10. Don’t panic—breathe, assess, act

🔧 No Generator? No Problem. 6 Things to Use Instead:

  1. Battery-powered lanterns or headlamps – Hands-free light = safety
  2. Portable power banks – Charge your essentials
  3. Your car – Heat and charge (outside only!)
  4. Sterno fuel or butane burner – Great for heating food or boiling water safely
  5. Hot water bottles & thermal blankets – Old school, still brilliant

🎧 3 Podcasts to Build Resilience

  1. The Mel Robbins Podcast – Real talk. Actionable tools.
  2. The Art of Manliness – Survival mindset + life grit
  3. The Rich Roll Podcast – Endurance, discipline, and heart

📚 3 Books to Toughen You Up (Soulfully)

  1. Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins – Mental toughness on fire
  2. Deep Survival – Laurence Gonzales – The psychology of survival
  3. 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.

That’s resilience. That’s power. That’s you.

And remember, movement can still happen!

Fyonna Vanderwerf | MAR 31, 2025

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