5 things that should be on your pre-storm prep list

We know it's tough to get through the work week while worrying about what winter has in store for us on the weekend. Sure, there's the needed trip to the store to refresh staples in your emergency pantry.  But what else should be on your pre-storm to do list before the  winter "wake-up call" of 2016?

1. Make sure your phone is living up to its "smart" potential.
Reporting power outages has become as easy as a text message for JCP&L customers.  The utility also has an app to download, as does Atlantic City Electric. For PSE&G customers, reporting outages can be done online or on the phone. Another "must" download is the NJ101.5 app of course! (It's a shameless self plug that will really come in handy.)

2. Break out those chargers
Be sure to charge your phones and other gadgets the family will want to use.  It's a good time to dig out or buy an external battery for smartphones. A bunch of them cost under 20 bucks a piece, in stores or online.

3. Create a personal "flood file"

There's great concern for flooding with this storm. That means a familiar dread for Sandy survivors. This is the time to create a personal "flood file." Safeguard important documents and take a photo or video inventory of what's at stake.

4. Check your sump pumps
Make sure they're working correctly.  Do a once-over of shovels, salt melt and sand bag supplies, depending on how flood-prone your area is.

5. Get cooking
For many folks, weekend timing of a storm means a better chance to stay indoors. If you're lucky enough to keep your power- be ready with a couple easy recipes to make it more enjoyable. This might mean another trip to the store, but french bread pizzas are worth it, to keep the kids or "kids at heart" happy.  So are chicken and broccoli quesadillas.  To be on the safe side, fire up the crock pot within the next couple of days.  You can have something hearty at the ready, like this turkey chili.

So, take a few deep breaths and know we've got your back no matter how much, or how little, winter harshness comes this way.