There is a beautifully written, anonymous poem that speaks to how we often live and learn, rather than learn and then live. It suggests that experience itself is our greatest teacher, offering lessons no classroom ever could. That truth rang especially clear after the mid-December windstorm and power outage, when even the most seasoned foothills residents found themselves learning a thing or two about preparation and adaptability. Mother Nature—at times gentle, at times fierce—reminds us how little control we truly have, while also underscoring the one thing we always do have: the choice of how we respond to challenges and to one another. So, if we take the stance that we are individually responsible for ourselves, we can prepare for all the seasons while enjoying our mountain lifestyle.

The Winter/Spring List

Shovels: A good rule of thumb is one shovel for every person in the household plus two more (because they do break and some are better on dirt vs. deck material). You never know when your plow truck/atv will break down and everyone in the house has to shovel the driveway.

New Vehicle Tires: Good tires with tread may be just as impactful as AWD or 4WD.

ATV: A regularly maintained ATV with plow is a game-changer with long driveways.

Driveway: Don’t drive on the driveway until the snow has been plowed/shoveled. Packing down the driveway can make it slippery and a challenge to maintain from that point forward.

Flashlights and Headlamps: These were so useful in the last power outage and for the long winter nights.

Batteries: Have plenty on hand for all the flashlights and headlamps.

Water: A must-have for drinking, heating on the gas stove and flushing toilets.

Gas- or Wood-burning Stove: Consider installing one of these stoves if you don’t already have one.

Chainsaw: Maintain this every year. We had a tree fall on the driveway and our chainsaw, as well as two other neighbors’, wouldn’t start.

Deck: Shovel off the deck to extend the life of the decking material and house siding.

De-icer: Use gravel/ash/pet-friendly ice melt on walkways and driveways.

Trash: Keep trash/recycling secure at all times, especially once the bears wake up.

Coolers: Use your coolers to save refrigerated and frozen food during a power outage.

Generator: Consult with your local generator installer about a permanent or portable generator that will serve you best in an emergency.

Fire Extinguishers: You should have one on every floor of your house and one in the garage.

Service providers to consider having a direct contact for: arborist, roofer, window contractor, electrician and plumber. Your local Chamber directory has reliable and local providers to assist you with your home maintenance needs. You can also reach out to your preferred realtor; they have established these relationships and can offer a good referral.

Lastly—and perhaps most importantly—look out for one another. Check in on neighbors who may be elderly, living alone, or in more remote areas. Extend patience and appreciation to our utility and emergency service providers—the true “boots on the ground”—who work around the clock and are often members of our own community. In moments like these, a single act of kindness can turn a difficult situation into a challenge we overcome together.

“Check in on neighbors who may be elderly, living alone, or in more remote areas.”