Rhode Island snowstorms can be magical for kids, and stressful for parents. Between power outages, cabin fever, and slippery conditions, the goal is simple: keep children safe, warm, fed, and happily busy. Here’s a practical guide you can use before, during, and after the storm.

I have lived here in Southern RI my entire life, and with that, I have been through hurricanes and snowstorms that I have learned lessons from.  Having children ranging in ages of 12-31, I have momm'ed a long, long time, but I still am learning new tricks.  I'd like to share a few things I have learned to do with my family.  Remember, this is just this mom's view and tips on how I have "weathered" the storms.

💙Remember, your children see how you react to everything, and we all know they feed off our energy!  So try to keep it upbeat and simple

🍪I ask my children what foods they would like me to pick up.  Gather a list of food that will NOT require a stove, just in case we lose power (which in RI we know happens). We have a baking party the night before, making cookies, cupcakes, and any other treats that are "grab and go's!"  For my house, this is a win win, as when we wake up the next day, the house still smells soooooo good!  

🔦We make water bottle lights for the bathrooms. This is a way to give them control when the lights go out.  I fill a disposable water bottle with water, place it in front of a mirror, and shine a flashlight into the water bottle.  This will provide a burst of light, making those dark places not so scary!  It also provides a bit of silly fun in the bathroom mirror!

💧We freeze a lot of little disposable water bottles!  If the power goes out, we place the frozen water bottles in the fridge. This (along with keeping the fridge door shut) will help keep whatever is in the fridge colder longer.  But during a snowstorm, you can ALWAYS use nature's gift of snow to make a cooler outside!

📺If we have power, we have a movie marathon!  We used to set up blanket forts, but as the kiddos grew bigger, we just have major couch and pillow lounging!  Gathering up those cookies we made before, to settle in and stay cozy!

♟️If we do not have power, we have game time.  We enjoy Monopoly and UNO Marathons!  But find games your family enjoys, and RUN with that!  

⛺Make it a camp in!  Yup, we have made the living room a camp site.  Some children (and adults) do not like to sleep alone, and claiming the best spot in the living room to camp in was a highlight to us!  Pillows, blankets and cozy "together" time HELPS!  

👉Remember, keep it light, fun, and simple with the children.  

Here is a breakdown of getting through the storm

Before the storm (30-minute prep)

• Charge phones/tablets and power banks; download a movie or two.
• Stock easy kid food: snacks, soup/oatmeal, hot cocoa.
• Set out a “storm bin”: coloring, stickers, cards/board game, Play-Doh, books.
• Lay out gear and backups: waterproof mittens, warm socks, hats (wet; change immediately).
• Review simple rules: stay where I can see you, away from roads/driveways, no eating snow.

During the storm (keep it calm and structured)

• Do a simple rhythm: active play, quiet time, lunch, movie/game, early dinner.
• If power goes out: flashlights/glow sticks, blanket fort “camping,” stories, I-Spy.
• Heater safety: no grills/ovens indoors; generators stay outside; keep CO/smoke detectors working.
• Shoveling/snowblower safety: kids stay inside or in a clearly safe zone you can see.

Easy entertainment that works

• Tape obstacle course, dance party/freeze dance, balloon volleyball.
• Scavenger hunt (“find something soft/blue/round”), read-aloud marathon, puzzles/Legos.
• Paper snowflakes, cotton-ball snow scenes, “design a mitten” coloring page.
• Snack mix or hot cocoa bar.

If you go outside (short and supervised)

• 20–30 minutes max, then warm up: dry clothes, warm drinks.
• Snow painting (spray bottle + food coloring), snow creature contest, animal track making games.

After the storm

• Clear exits and vents first; avoid downed wires/branches.
• Ice safety: salt/sand walkways.
• Reset: dry gear, restock the storm bin.

Information from State and local municipalities.

Warming Centers

Winter Storm Prep

Classes and events are subject to change or cancel without notice.
Contact the venue prior to attending to check on the status of the event or class.

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