Horses, dogs, children – all “catch” behavior and expectations from the humans around them – a calm demeanor steadies each and inspires confidence.

While a massive regional storm swirls to slam the east coast, consider this – the approach of the whirlwind led to a discovery.

Storms are part of life – get ready, get set, stay calm. Because when young humans are exposed to people with patience and determination – that experience can stay with them for a lifetime.

Years ago, my mother made any loss of power something special by baking apples on top of an old woodstove in the cellar. With a tribe of children in a constant chattering commotion around her, she appeared to stay serene despite the chaos.

But get this – when talking with her about hurricanes and severe weather in days gone by, she admitted to fear tying her stomach “in knots.” Sure fooled me.

As storms blasted outdoors, we were cozy. She'd stoke the fire, adjust the damper as we continued with coring the apples, spooning in sugar and anticipating the results. The cinnamon-apple scent was memorable. When at last the glass dish full of gooey apples was taken from the stove, it still had to cool.

Guess that's all rather old fashioned these days, but apples are still on my must-have list.

After all these years, because of “Sandy” – the real story about weathering storms of life was revealed.

There's much to be said about having respect for the power of natural forces. Common sense, but maybe not so common anymore.

Having listened to first-hand accounts from people who lived through the 1938 hurricane (and seen pages of albums with photographs of the damage, flooding and downed trees), here are a few resources that may be helpful – even for the winter ahead.

NOAA's National Weather Service provides real-time data for tracking an event – the agency even has a Facebook page that is an experimental method for delivering information in a digital world. (Have a battery-operated radio if all else fails, though.)

General preparedness includes making a list of important phone numbers ahead of time in order to make calls to check in afterwards. Include your insurance agent plus family members and an extended network, including cell phones and alternatives ways to reach people. Car chargers with a USB port are a plus, but make sure they fit each device.

For livestock and companion animals, add the numbers for your veterinarian, town emergency management personnel, a county extension agent and county farm service agency.

A complete list of recommended items for an emergency kit can be found at Ready.gov, provided by FEMA.

And should you ever get the opportunity to attend a plow or draft horse event (held various times year-round) be sure to observe the invisible communication in action. Steady hands and a quiet attitude – so much is said without any words. There's trust and willingness between human and equine to move forward even when facing a new challenge, wind, or something fluttering nearby.

Kind of like baking apples when there's a powerful storm brewing out there and you're scared.

(Remember, this too shall pass – and the sun will shine again.)