Depending where you live, you’re going to see a lot of snow this weekend. It’s coming down heavy. There will be high winds and low enough temperatures to ensure the roads will be impassable for some time. There are standard rules of thumb to follow. Have batteries, a radio which takes them, enough food, and a gallon of water per person per day. Typical preparation is for three days. We have our kids to think about, though, and they can require a little extra preparation.

Check your supplies. Make sure you have enough formula to last you through the weekend. Verify you have a spare of whatever might need replacing in the case of an emergency. Expect the power to go out. It’s probably too late to get a generator now, but if you need uninterrupted power for medical equipment, make plans with your admitting physician ahead of time to have a direct admission in the event of an outage. Don’t forget the gas for the generator.

If you have backup batteries for your medical devices — feeding pump, for example — charge them and make sure they’re ready to go. Pack additional ice into bags from your ice maker for formula refrigeration if the power is off for a while. It’ll be too cold to store refrigerated items outside but you can make room for ice by leaving things outside that won’t be bothered if they freeze.

Please please please stay off the road unless necessary. Plows will help the ambulances get where they need to go. Unfortunately, they can’t plow through abandoned cars.

Be safe and keep warm.