President's Point: March 2018

March is here and although winter seems to be gone, an ice storm or even late blizzard can still hit us. This point is made not to further depress those who are looking forward to spring, merely to caution all from putting away the winter survival equipment. Items you may have at home and at the ready in the event of a power loss should include: a flashlight, spare, charged batteries, candles with matches, at least three gallons of drinking water and at least three days of ready-to-eat foodstuff. Examples of these foodstuffs would be canned tuna, canned fruit, sandwich meat, peanut butter, cheese, bread, beef jerky, nuts, raisins, even dried food packages or meals ready to eat, known as MREs.

Another commonality of March experienced in North Dakota is rapid snow melt and blocked or still frozen drains, rivers, ditch culverts, etc. If you have experienced water in your basement in years past, there is a good chance you might experience water on the floor again this year. Thus, there are things home owners can do to prevent damage. Ensure the sump pump is operational, if your home has one, or ensure floor drains are not obstructed by boxes, covered by carpet, plugged by dirt, etc. You can put all items that are susceptible to water damage on blocks of wood that are at least two inches high. The best example of these items are cardboard boxes used to store Christmas decorations, etc. If you have a wet-dry vacuum, ensure it is operable and accessible.

Also, you probably do not want to remove the emergency survival kit in the car just yet. Here is hoping for a speedy spring!