When things fall apart, there’s a brief window where the world hasn’t yet sorted itself into predators and prey. Folks who lived through the Rodney King riots remember those first hours well. So do people who’ve watched towns unravel after hurricanes or blackouts. There’s a fog that sits over everything right after the blow hits. […]
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Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
A while back, I posted an article about 20 survival items to buy before winter arrives. That list was mainly about things you should keep in your vehicle during the winter, but this one is about winter survival items in general.
Every prepper worth their salt should be prepared to ride out an extended power outage. Doing this means stocking up on typical survival items like food, water, flashlights, medical supplies, and so forth. But preparing to do this in the winter requires an additional list. Below is a list of things you should add to your emergency supply for winter.
For splitting wood or chopping kindling will be needed. If you rely on your wood stove for heat, make sure you have wood chopped just in case you lose power.
Or gravel. They are similar to kitty litter. Throwing sand on icy patches or under a spinning tire will help give the tire the traction it needs. They're also a good idea for pickup trucks and cars that are rear wheel drive because the extra weight can help give you traction and keep you from fishtailing.
If the power goes out and you run out of batteries, candles can provide light for hours. Choose long-burning emergency candles, and always keep them in a safe spot away from flammable items.
If you're using propane or a wood stove indoors, you need one of these. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. A detector could save your life. Make sure it's battery-powered.
A necessity if you live in an area with trees. Heavy snow and ice often cause limbs to fall or become a serious safety hazard. You will need a chainsaw to cut up any trees that have fallen.
This may seem like an unnecessary item, but the cold wind and dry air will leave you with painfully chapped lips. Choose one that moisturizes and heals.
Although the idea that the majority of your body heat escapes through your head is a myth, certainly a lot of body heat escapes that way if you don't have a hat. Plus, you don't want to risk getting frostbite on your ears.
If you have a fireplace, it's even better than a propane heater because you can also use it to cook food. Keep an extra cord of firewood if possible. If there are locals who use their fireplaces throughout the winter, ask them how many cords they go through.
These are great to have in brutally cold weather. Frostbite is no picnic. It's also a good idea to keep your mouth covered to avoid breathing in the icy cold air, which can lead to respiratory problems.
Preferably winter gloves that will stay dry while you move through snow. Cloth gloves will get wet and your hands will get even colder. Instead, get some polyester gloves that allow you to move your fingers freely.
These are wonderful to have in the winter. Just open the package and they start warming up and will stay warm for several hours. You can hold them in your hands, or you can put them in your pockets to help keep your body warm.
This is even better than kitty litter for porches and sidewalks. Just spread the pellets around and it will start melting ice immediately.
A good backup if you run out of propane or don't have a wood stove. Kerosene heaters put out a lot of heat and many models are rated safe for indoor use—just crack a window for ventilation.
This can be very helpful when there's ice. Put it under tires for traction if your vehicle slides off the road or gets stuck. You could also keep it on the porch and throw some on the steps before walking down them.
If you’re relying on canned food during a winter power outage, don’t forget this simple tool. Electric can openers won’t do you any good when the power's out.
These take up almost no space and can reflect body heat back toward you. They're cheap, lightweight, and useful for both indoor and outdoor emergencies.
This is to cover the windows can make a big difference. It will keep your home warmer and lower your heating bill. You can buy window kits or use nails to cover the windows with plastic.
Your phone is still important in an emergency. Keep a power bank charged and ready so you can use your phone to communicate or check the weather even during an outage.
Another must-have item if you don't have a wood stove. Although there are other ways to heat your home, I like propane space heaters because they're safe to use indoors and they can keep the room nice and toasty. The downside is that you'll have to buy plenty of extra propane.
This may be needed to pull the snow off your home's roof as well as any outbuildings. You don't want a roof collapse. Choose a rake that has an extension handle that will reach the top of your roof.
If you're forced to drive during icy conditions, snow chains or tire socks can dramatically improve traction. They’re especially important if you live in a hilly or rural area.
Like insulated bib snow pants will help keep you dry when you're working in the snow. Make sure they're waterproof because if they're not, they should only be worn for short bursts or in dry weather.
These are a must if you need to clear your driveway or a make pathway to your car. Don't just use a standard snow shovel. Get one with a steel blade and avoid the flimsy plastic ones, otherwise, you might find yourself purchasing a new shovel every year.
These are necessary to prevent snow blindness. If you are driving or working in the snow you will need to protect your eyes from the glaring white.
Layering is key in extreme cold. A good set of thermal underwear traps heat close to your body, making a huge difference in how long you can stay warm.
A very handy tool. If you get stuck, you'll be able to use any passerby that helps. Many people don't carry chains and will not be able to help you, even if they have the perfect rig to do so.
These are important in case you need to leave in a hurry. There might not be time to turn on the heater and wait for the windshield to defrost. The kind with a brush on one side is best as it allows you to remove the snow without getting your hands cold.
These are important for keeping your feet warm. Don't risk getting wet or cold when you're gathering wood for the fire or doing other outdoor tasks.
Another must. Wool is better and warmer than cotton or fleece. If there's a power outage, you'll need to cover up with warm blankets.
Keep several extra pairs on hand. Wool stays warm even when wet, unlike cotton, and dry feet are essential if you're spending time outside.
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The post 30 Winter Survival Items to Get ASAP appeared first on Urban Survival Site.
This expanded guide dives deep into 50 essential pantry items I would stock today, including the why, how to store them, how to use them, and practical tips for keeping your pantry organized and functional.
If there’s anything the last few years have taught us, it’s that having a well-stocked pantry is more than convenience; it’s a form of preparedness, peace of mind, and smart home management. Whether you’re cooking daily meals, preparing for inflation and rising grocery prices, or wanting peace of mind during emergencies, a thoughtfully stocked pantry can save your family time, money, and stress.
Pantry-building is an old-fashioned skill that has stood the test of time for good reason. Generations before us relied on bulk staples to get through every season—hot summers, cold winters, lean times, and the busy days that come with raising a family. Today, our reasons may look slightly different, but the benefits remain:
Pantry ingredients are usually inexpensive, especially when purchased on sale, in bulk, or during seasonal markdowns. A stocked pantry reduces impulse buys and last-minute shopping trips, which often lead to overspending.
You don’t have to wonder what’s for dinner when you already have the building blocks for hundreds of meals.
Whether it’s a snowstorm, power outage, illness, or unexpected budget tightness, a full pantry gives you confidence that you can feed your family.
A well-planned pantry means you shop less often, saving time and reducing exposure to crowds during seasonal rushes.
Homemade meals are cheaper, healthier, and more customizable—and a stocked pantry makes them possible on even the busiest nights.
Below are 50 essential pantry items, each with:
This is a trustworthy long-form resource my readers can rely on.
These form the backbone of from-scratch cooking—bread, biscuits, muffins, pancakes, desserts, sauces, and more.
All-purpose flour is the workhorse of the baking world. It’s essential for biscuits, muffins, cookies, pancakes, thickening sauces, dredging meats, and more.
Shelf Life: 12–18 months (longer in the freezer)
Store in: Air-tight containers to prevent pests
Use for: Quick breads, tortillas, pie crusts, gravies
Budget Tip: Buy during holiday sales when flour is deeply discounted.
Bread flour has a higher protein content that helps the dough rise higher and develop a better structure.
Use for: Homemade sandwich bread, pizza crust, cinnamon rolls
Why It Matters: Gives homemade bread a bakery-style texture.
A staple in baking and necessary for balancing the acidity of foods like tomatoes and vinegar.
Use for: Baking, canning, sauces, sweetening oatmeal
Shelf Life: Indefinite when stored properly
Moist and rich, brown sugar is essential for cookies, marinades, BBQ rubs, and warm breakfast dishes.
Storage Tip: Add a slice of bread or a few marshmallows to the container to soften if it hardens.
Perfect for frostings, glazes, whipped cream, and dusting desserts.
Why It Matters: Enables you to elevate simple baked goods anytime.
A leavening agent used in cakes, biscuits, pancakes, and quick breads.
Shelf Life: 6–12 months
Tip: Test freshness by dropping a small amount into hot water. If it bubbles, it’s still good!
Essential for baking and also a natural cleaning agent.
Use for: Cookies, muffins, pancakes, deodorizing, cleaning
Shelf Life: Indefinite for cleaning; 2 years for baking
The backbone of homemade breadmaking.
Store in: Freezer for the longest life
Use for: Bread, pizza dough, dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls
Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for brownies, cakes, cookies, hot chocolate, and homemade sauces.
Use for: Baking, frostings, hot cocoa, mole sauce
Shelf Life: 2–3 years
This pantry staple can make cornbread, hushpuppies, corn pancakes, and can be used to dust pizza stones.
Tip: Store long-term in the freezer to prevent bug infestation.
Affordable, filling, and versatile—grains are the foundation of hundreds of meals.
One of the longest-lasting pantry staples.
Shelf Life: 20–30 years when stored properly
Use for: Stir-fries, casseroles, soups, rice bowls, burritos
Nutritious and fiber-rich.
Shelf Life: 6–12 months (higher oil content shortens life)
Tip: Freeze for longer-term storage
Use for: Rice bowls, pilaf, chicken dishes
A breakfast favorite with endless uses.
Use for: Oatmeal, granola, cookies, energy bites, bread filler
Budget Tip: Buy in bulk bags for the best price per pound.
High-protein, gluten-free, and cooks in just 15 minutes.
Use for: Bowl meals, salads, pilafs, or soups
Why It Matters: One of the healthiest grains you can store.
Stores for years, cooks quickly, and pairs with almost anything.
Keep on hand: Spaghetti, macaroni, penne, egg noodles
Use for: Casseroles, soups, salads, skillet meals
One of the fastest-cooking grains that is highly versatile
Use for: Quick sides, bowls, cold salads.
Perfect for: Fast meals when time is tight
Ideal for camping, emergencies, and quick dinners.
Why It Matters: Ready in minutes—great for busy families.
High in protein, nutrient-dense, affordable, and ideal for long-term storage.
A staple in Latin recipes, bowls, soups, and salads.
Use for: Black bean soup, burritos, casseroles.
Shelf Life: Canned: 2–5 years; dry: 20+ years
Perfect for chili and hearty stews.
Tip: Always cook thoroughly—red kidney bean toxins are neutralized by proper boiling.
Affordable, filling, and versatile.
Use for: Refried beans, chili, soups.
Budget Tip: Cook in bulk and freeze in portions.
A miracle pantry item—high protein and cooks in 20 minutes.
Use for: Soups, curries, salads, veggie burgers
Shelf Life: 3–4 years
One of the most versatile legumes.
Use for: Hummus, roasting, soups, salads, curries
Bonus: Aquafaba (the liquid) can replace eggs in baking.
A frugal classic.
Use for: Split pea soup or stews
Why It Matters: One of the cheapest and most filling foods available.
Reliable, affordable, and essential for power outages or quick meals.
Stock up on several varieties.
Types: Diced, crushed, stewed, paste, and sauce
Use for: Soups, chili, casseroles, pasta sauce, or stews.
Acts as a base for dozens of meals.
Use for: Pizza sauce, pasta, enchilada sauce, and slow cooker meals.
Reliable backup when fresh produce runs low.
Best varieties: Corn, peas, green beans, mixed veggies.
Use for: Soups, casseroles, quick sides
Great for snacks, baking, and emergencies.
Good options: Peaches, pears, pineapple, mandarin oranges
Use for: Smoothies, cottage cheese bowls, desserts
A protein source that requires no refrigeration.
Use for: Casseroles, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes
Shelf Life: 3–5 years
Cream soups are excellent for scratch cooking.
Stock: Cream of chicken, mushroom, tomato, vegetable beef
Use for: Casseroles, sauces, slow cooker meals
These ingredients enhance flavor and help transform basic staples into real meals.
Best for sautéing and roasting.
Use for: Vegetables, pasta, marinades, or bread dipping.
Great for frying and baking.
Why Keep It: Neutral flavor and long shelf life.
Shelf Life: 1–2 years
Stable at high heat and ideal for Asian dishes and baking.
Use for: Curries, stir-fries, or granola.
Bonus: Lasts longer than most oils
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar have endless uses.
Use for: Pickling, dressings, marinades, or cleaning.
Adds depth and umami.
Use for: Rice, stir-fries, or marinades.
Shelf Life: Several years
Enhances stews, gravies, marinades, and meat dishes.
Use for: Chili, burgers, roast beef, or soups.
Protein-rich and shelf-stable.
Use for: Sandwiches, baking, sauces, and snacks.
Emergency-Friendly: No cooking required
These are the keys to turning basic ingredients into restaurant-quality meals.
The foundation of flavor.
Keep: Iodized, kosher, and sea salt
Use for: Everything
Brightens and enhances nearly all savory dishes.
Essential for seasoning meat, veggies, soups, and casseroles.
Adds depth and aroma—especially when fresh onions aren’t available.
Perfect for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
Use for: Chili, tacos, beans, and casseroles
A blend that works for pasta, pizza, soups, and roasted veggies.
Great for sweet and savory dishes.
Use for: Oatmeal, desserts, curries, or homemade cider.
Adds color, mild heat, and smokiness.
Use for: Chicken, potatoes, soups, or stews.
Perfect for kids, fast snacks, and comfort during emergencies.
Shelf-stable and versatile.
Use for: Soup sides, dips, peanut butter spread, and cheese plates
Great for lunchboxes, emergencies, and grab-and-go snacks.
A kid-friendly staple that also works in baking.
Use for: Baking (can replace oil), snacks
Shelf Life: Long and reliable
One of the most affordable snacks you can buy.
Why It Matters: Lasts for years and costs pennies per serving
Nourishing ingredients that add flavor and variety.
A natural sweetener with an indefinite shelf life.
Use for: Tea, baking, granola, or marinades
Bonus: Never spoils
Great for more than just pancakes.
Use for: Glazes, oatmeal, baking, or yogurt bowls
Tip: Choose real maple syrup if your budget allows
Setting up your pantry is only the first step; maintaining it makes it worthwhile year-round.
Don’t buy food you “might” eat. Buy food you already eat.
You don’t need to spend hundreds at once.
Add 2–3 items per week.
Use older items before newer purchases.
Holiday baking seasons, case-lot sales, and end-of-summer canning seasons are the best times to stock up.
A simple list prevents duplicates and ensures you know what you truly need.
Food Storage Matters-We Must Be Self-Reliant
Foods with the Longest Shelf Life
A well-stocked pantry is one of the greatest gifts you can give your household. It saves money, reduces stress, and provides comfort no matter what life brings. These 50 essential pantry items offer flexibility for thousands of meals, from scratch cooking to emergency preparedness.
You don’t need to buy everything at once; start small and build consistently. Over time, you’ll create a pantry that supports your family every single day. May God bless this world, Linda
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