My goodness. What an ordeal! It sounds like you were creative enough to help your MIL survive this disaster. But I can only imagine the toll it took on your physical & emotional well being. It sounds like she's now situated somewhere a little warmer, and you're the one left with the cleanup. My thoughts & sympathies are with you.

Last winter we had a horrible storm (certainly nothing compared with what you went through) and were without power for almost a week. We had water but it was freezing. Our kitchen appliances & hot water heater were all electric and our heating system wouldn't work without electricity either. The only thing that helped us survive was a portable Honda gasoline generator. We were able to run the propane gas fireplace insert in our bedroom so at least we didn't freeze. We used a gas barbecue inside the garage (with its window open for ventilation) to heat up some food. But that was about it.

Because of my husband's health, we eventually put in a stand alone generator for future power outages. But I know there are larger sized portable generators available. The only problem is that you have to have some gasoline on hand to power them. We had to fill up at a gas station at least once, maybe twice, during the week. A storm like yours would make that difficult.

I wish you well in your cleanup endeavor. Keep us posted.

We knew ice was on it's way from the weather forcast. I stocked up on canned goods, water and made sure I had all her meds,depends, and baby wipes for at least two weeks. I had logs and two boxs of duraflames for the fireplace. The cell phones were charged, blankets and quilts were layed out and ready. The only thing we didn't have (and couldn't find anywhere) was a generator. We did get one after 5 days of this. We had fresh batteries, candles and flashlights. I dug out the battery powered radio. I thought I prepared as well as I could. I don't think anyone could have imagined how bad this got till it happened. It was like really cold (miserable) camping for us but for my MIL it was a health disaster. Within 2 days she really started to decline and I was terrified. I just kept thinking I couldn't even call for help cause all the phones (cells included) were out. I'm so thankful it's over and I have heat,and water now.
I've deceided insurance companies are a pain in the butt. When I was trying to make sure her meds were stocked up, her medical insurance balked because I was trying to fill a couple of them a week early. I had to pay full price for them. I wonder if her doctor can write the prescriptions in such a way that people can prepare and have plenty of meds on hand?

Oh my...what an experience you had. I am glad your MIL is safe and warm. As Shambo said, you were very creative. I don't know that you could have done any better with what you had. Isn't it wonderful how we are granted the ability to do what we must in horrible circumstances? You stayed strong and did all you could, but now that it is over, you've let down emotionally and physically. That is normal and necessary. Please try to get some rest as you deal with the aftermath. Don't try to do everything all at once. You must regain your strength and emotional health in order to do what is ahead.

I think shambo's idea of a generator is a good one. We have considered it here in Ohio since my Mom is with us. We lost power from an ice storm a couple years ago. Thankfully my brother's power was still on and he was only a few miles away. It was 40 degrees in our house. I think we may act on it since reading your story. We have a gas fireplace in our basement family room and could take Mom down there, but there is so much more to think about. Having plenty of food, water, batteries, medicine, etc is something we should all plan for at any time, especially when caring for the elderly and disabled.

Take care and here's a warm hug ...
Terri

Falldown, you're so right about never fully imaging how bad things can get.You really did a wonderful job of planning ahead. Just think what things would have been like without all your advance preparation!

And your struggle with the insurance and stocking up on much needed meds is ridiculous. I think it'd be a good thing to speak with the doctor about that situation and ask for some advice. It's not unrealistic to plan ahead for emergencies, etc. There should be a way to deal with the need for medications in special cases.

My mother was in her AL when the storms hit us last winter and I was really glad. I knew her facility had back-up generators so nothing much was affected as far as her care. I couldn't imagine having her still with us with the cold, dark, and the lack of hot water. I can only imagine how difficult and scary it was for you. You did a good job surviving the storms. Now comes surviving getting everything back to normal. Good luck!

You can ask the doctor to do a 90 days supply on the medicines. He or She may not understand, just tell them what you went through and your fears of not having what she needs. It can be a relief not having to fill them every month.
You'll need to see if the insurance pays for a 90 day supply.

I don't know what I would have done if I'd been in your shoes.

I'm glad thing's are looking better, ice clearing up and lights and water back on.