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We often think of planning as something we do for ideal days—productive weeks, smooth schedules, and weekends that go exactly as expected. But one of the most powerful uses of a planner is preparing for the days that don’t go as planned.
This weekend is a perfect example.
Here in Alabama, forecasts are calling for a winter storm beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with freezing rain, sleet, and snow possible. When cold temperatures combine with precipitation, ice can quickly build up on roads, trees, and power lines—bringing the potential for slick travel conditions, power outages, and schedule disruptions.
That makes today—the calm before the weather hits—the perfect time to use your planner as a real-life preparedness tool. Not just a place to record plans, but a way to think ahead, reduce stress, and protect your family’s time and safety.
1. Write a Weather Snapshot in Your Planner
Start by writing a brief weather note directly on your Friday and weekend pages. Keep it simple and practical.
- Expected cold temperatures Friday night
- Wintry mix possible through the weekend
- Potential for icy roads and limited travel
Underneath, add one short line: “What matters most?” That might be staying off the roads, keeping medications cold-safe, or preparing for a possible power outage. This helps focus your preparation.
2. Create a Before-the-Storm Checklist
Next, make a checklist titled “Before Friday Night”. Writing it down helps ensure nothing important gets missed.
- Charge phones, tablets, and power banks
- Check flashlights, batteries, and candles
- Gather easy food and drinking water
- Fill prescriptions and organize medications
- Fuel the car and park safely
- Run one final grocery errand for essentials
Once it’s written, work through it calmly and check it off. Planning once prevents scrambling later.
3. Keep Emergency Information in One Place
Designate a notes page in your planner as Emergency Information. This becomes invaluable if the power goes out or stress levels rise.
- Emergency and non-emergency phone numbers
- Power company outage number
- Key family and neighbor contacts
- Medication list and important medical notes
Your planner becomes a grab-and-go reference when you need it most.
4. Prepare Your Home with a Simple Checklist
Ice storms are about basics: warmth, safety, and prevention.
- Drip faucets if temperatures plunge
- Open cabinets under sinks
- Set aside blankets and warm layers
- Bring pets indoors
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Star the top two tasks that matter most for your home and do those first.
5. Create a Gentle Storm Weekend Plan
When winter weather hits, your planner gives you permission to slow down.
- Reschedule unnecessary driving
- Plan quiet at-home activities
- Write down what to do if the power goes out
Even a loose plan helps everyone feel calmer and more grounded.
6. Plan Easy Meals for Cold Weather
Use your planner to note simple meals that don’t require much effort.
- Breakfast: quick and warm
- Lunch: soup, broth, or simple sandwiches
- Dinner: one-pot meals or easy reheats
Adding “cook extra” to your notes can save you effort later if the weekend gets unpredictable.
7. Use Your Planner After the Storm
Once the weather passes, jot down a few notes:
- What supplies you used most
- What you wish you’d had on hand
- Any follow-up tasks or home issues
This turns your planner into a living system that improves every time you use it.
Free Planner Freebie: Ice Storm Prep Checklist
To make this even easier, I’ve created a free Ice Storm Preparedness Checklist you can print and keep in your planner. It covers supplies, home prep, meals, and emergency information—all in one place.
This is the kind of planner page you’ll be glad to have not just for this weekend, but for any unexpected winter weather in the future.
Download the free checklist here:
[Ice Storm Prepardness Checklist]
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