HoosierTV

Well, if the weather folks are right (and how often does that happen?!), then tomorrow is going to be messy in Central Indiana.  We’ve put together a “For Dummies” list (no we don’t think you are a dummy!) just in case you want to double-check your weather preparations.  If we all do get iced-in, remember that Hoosier TV is there for you with all the hilarious, helpful and informative programming you’ll need to pass the time!

1. Make sure to charge up your cell phones tonight. Ice often knocks down electrical wires, so power up now just in case.

2. Make sure to have flashlights and candles out and available. Lanterns that you don’t have to hold are invaluable. Locate your spare batteries now.

3. Put your cars in the garage, but make sure you know how to disconnect the electric garage door opener so you can manually open and close the garage door.

4. Get some cash to have on hand – ATM machines operate electrically and you may not be able to get cash for several days or process your debit cards. During the big wind storm that did so much damage in nearby Louisville, KY in the Fall of 2008, both ATMs and traffic lights were out for days.

5. If you lose power and heat, close off unused rooms. Conserve the heat you do have in your home.

6. Report the down wires immediately, because if things get bad, it could be days for repairs to occur.

7. If you were to lose power for more than two to three days your homes will get very cold. Think about alternative plans (e.g, finding someone who has power, go to a motel). Keep in touch with each other. If things do get bad, but you have power, invite your friends and family over who are without. You can watch Hoosier TV together and the more bodies in a location, the easier to heat the space!

8. Fill your gas tanks today if you can; gas pumps also operate electrically.

9. Buy a battery operated radio – you may find it a valuable source of information, although most all smartphones have a news and weather apps on them or available.

10. Go to the grocery store. It is sure to be a mad-house, but stock up on your perishable food items.

Please offer up any helpful tips you might have in the comments!

If you’ve been keeping up-to-date with the news or the Weather Channel, then you’re probably on your way to to your local Walmart/Meijer/whatever department store you’re a fan of right now to load up on bottled water, candles, matches, milk, bread…you know, that ‘survival’ stuff, in preparation of the ice storm of the century allegedly hitting Indy on Tuesday.

Well, if that’s really what you’re doing, we’ve put together a list of items you may possibly need if you’re going to be iced into your home…whether you’re alone or with someone else.

For you men out there:
1. Sports Illustrated – Swim Suit Edition (Ice, schmice. It’s 80 degrees somewhere)
2. Putter & a golf ball (drop a few coasters around the house and get your putt-putt on)
3. Deck of cards (start up a game with the neighbors, and play by candle light)
4. Cash (some guy with a snow plow is going to drive by, save your back and flag him down to take care of your drive way, OR take advantage of the neighborhood kids trying to save up for the newest Xbox game. After all, their more resilient than us…)
5. Beef Jerky (this is great to have on stash, all the time, but being snowed in gives you an excuse when your wife/girlfriend asks why you bought so much)
6. Beer (see jerky explanation)

For you women out there:
1. Video camera (this could be especially entertaining if you film your husband/boyfriend attempting to flag down a passing snow plower)
2. A stack of magazines (sit back, relax and drink hot cocoa while reading your favorite fashion/fitness/cooking magazine. It will be an even sweeter indulgence if you’re watching your man chip ice off the driveway for a few hours)
3. Cookie dough (Because cookies are awesome, but the dough is just as awesome if you can’t fire up the oven. If you’re not into cookies, grab some marshmallows…not only are they great with your hot cocoa, they’re perfect on the fire. You can always pop in your favorite workout video later…)
4. Ads (plan your weekend shopping by sifting through the upcoming sales)
5. Ear muffs (not necessarily for the cold, but to drown out the other people you’re trapped with. Maybe they’re not a life-saver, but could perhaps be a sanity-saver)
6. Wine (see #5 on this list and #4 on the men’s list)

Hope this list makes the storm more bearable, or at least gives you a couple more ideas than what you started with. Good luck de-icing, and remember, Hoosier TV is there to provide all the entertainment you’ll need until the ice and snow melt!