As Bostonians and New Englanders at large prepare to ring in the New Year with friends, family, some bubbly, and festivities galore, it’s important to look ahead towards the impending weekend. Because with 2014 comes the first snowstorm of the season, an archetypal Nor’easter, which is expected to dump anywhere between six to 12 inches of snow accompanied by 25 to 50 mph wind gusts.

As there’s a likely chance you’ll be feeling hungover under the weather post-New Year’s Eve and unfit to prepare your homestead for the torrents of winter. So, why not get started ASAP and batten down the hatches?

The watchdogs over at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security have compiled a list of prep tips and tricks for surviving New England’s notoriously volatile weather and as they mention quite bluntly “preparedness, monitoring the Media and common sense can minimize the danger to you and your family.”

Here are some tips for surviving the first snowstorm of 2014:

  • Ensure your Emergency Kit is stocked with supplies to enable you to survive on your own for at least three to five days
  • Ensure that your Winter Emergency Car Kit is well stocked to keep you and your vehicle safe
  • Fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in advance of a power outage.
  • Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger
  • Ensure that your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries.  Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice
  • If you use in-home support services, Meals-on-Wheels, Life Alert or other support services, work with them to personalize emergency preparedness plans to meet your needs so you can keep in touch with them during and after an emergency

If you’re not a homeowner, also don’t hesitate to contact the Boston Inspectional Service Department which is responsible for maintaining and enforcing the likes of heating standards and structural safety in apartments.

Also, and this is just spitballing here, but feel free to stock up on hot toddy materials and drinking games to pass the time.

Should you heed to this advice, chances are you’ll make it through the first – and likely not the last – Nor’easter of 2014.

Happy New Year, Boston.

This looks pretty. But trust me, it''s not fun. Image via Shutterstock
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