After several winters of less than average snowfall in Colorado, we were "blessed" with a years worth of snow in two days. This blizzard had extremely heavy, nearly immovable snow virtually shutting down the city for two days and leaving many people stranded in their homes for nearly a week because snowplows could not get to their neighborhood.

I know most of you could care less, but as with any difficult circumstance, we can learn for the future. With that said, there are a few preparations everyone can take to making being stranded at home less taxing. This kind of thin can happen to anyone anywhere thanks to Mother Nature.

Food -- keep plenty of canned goods, dry-milk and non-perishable food on hand,

Batteries -- natural disasters usually are accompanied by power outages and without batteries; it can be a dark world.

Tools -- depending on where you live you may need anything from snow shovels to boards for your windows. Moreover, do not try to buy them after the fact. Everyone else has the same idea.

Vices -- stock up on those items you consider essential. The saddest phone call I received while stranded was from a chain-smoking neighbor looking for cigarettes. Even if I did have any, the walk probably would have killed him. Going through withdrawal just adds insult to injury during a crisis.