Preptember, also known as National Preparedness Month (September) in the US, is here!
The autumn air is peaking its way in and the leaves are just barely starting to turn. It’s this time of year that the midwest preppers, like those in Wisconsin, start to shift their focus toward winter preparations.
Whether you identify as an emergency prepper, rotating pantry enthusiast, or a more niche category like bioprepper or community prepper, winter demands a special kind of readiness.
Let’s dive into the essentials of prepping for the cold months ahead, with a particular focus on emergency and rotating pantry preppers.
Different Types of Preppers
Here’s a basic rundown of the various types of preppers to help you tailor your winter readiness plan:
- Emergency Preppers: Focus on immediate survival needs, often stockpiling food, water, and medical supplies for short-term emergencies.
- Rotating Pantry Preppers: (👈 this is ME!) Prioritize long-term food storage with a system for using and replacing items to prevent waste. <Read more about what a rotating pantry is and how to organize it.>
- Doomsday Preppers: Prepare for worst-case scenarios, often stockpiling large quantities of supplies.
- Off-Grid Preppers: Live self-sufficiently, relying on renewable resources and often growing their own food.
- Bug-Out Preppers: Have plans in place to leave quickly if necessary, with a focus on portable supplies.
- Bug-In Preppers: Prepare their homes to be self-sufficient, focusing on supplies to endure long periods indoors.
- Community Preppers: Build networks with neighbors for shared resources and skills.
- Modern Preppers: Incorporate technology and innovative solutions into their prep plans.
- Biopreppers: Focus on sustainable living, emphasizing gardening, permaculture, and alternative medicine.
Below, I’m going to concentrate on emergency and rotating pantry preppers, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the winter months.
Read “What is a Rotating Pantry & How To Create One In Your Home“
Stocking Up on Essentials Before Winter
For preppers, ensuring you are stocked up on essentials is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a crucial step toward self-sufficiency and safety.
Even in the Midwest, we can face emergency power outages or harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, ice storms, and extreme cold.
Here’s why it’s important for you to stock up, even just with a 3 day stock:
1. Severe Weather Preparedness
Winter storms can lead to power outages and isolation. Having a well-stocked supply of food, water, and emergency essentials ensures you can weather the storm without having to venture out in dangerous conditions. This is particularly vital in rural areas where access to stores may be limited.
2. Food Security
Winter can disrupt supply chains, leading to shortages in grocery stores. By stocking up on non-perishable food items like canned goods, grains, and proteins, you ensure that you and your family have enough to eat during times when shopping may not be feasible. Use a rotating pantry to easily use your food items.
3. Health and Well-Being
Staying indoors for extended periods can lead to stress and anxiety, especially if you’re unprepared. Having essential items like medicines, hygiene products, and comfort foods can help maintain your physical and mental well-being during winter’s dark and cold months.
4. Self-Sufficiency
Midwest preppers often strive for self-reliance. By preparing ahead of time, you reduce your dependency on external resources, allowing you to handle emergencies more effectively. This mindset fosters resilience, giving you confidence to face unexpected challenges.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Buying in bulk and stocking up during the fall can be more economical. It allows you to take advantage of sales and seasonal discounts, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
6. Community Impact
In times of crisis, community support becomes essential. By being prepared, you can also assist neighbors who may be less ready, fostering a sense of community resilience and cooperation.
Alright, so let’s get to what you should stock up on for the winter.
Emergency Supplies
- Water: Aim for at least one gallon per person per day. Consider additional for pets.
- Non-Perishable Food: Stockpile items that are nutrient-dense and have a long shelf life:
- Rice and grains: Versatile and filling.
- Canned goods: Vegetables, fruits, beans, and meats.
- Tuna and other proteins: Excellent for quick meals.
- Condiments and seasonings: Enhance the flavor of your meals.
- Snacks: Nuts, granola bars, and dried fruits for quick energy.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Toilet paper, feminine products, and soap are essential.
Rotating Pantry Preparation
For those who practice rotating pantry prepping, now is the time to utilize fall’s bounty:
- Fall Harvest Storage:
- Root Vegetables: Squash, potatoes, and carrots can be stored in a cool, dark place to last through winter.
- Canning: Preserve tomatoes, meats, and other produce. Ensure you have the necessary supplies, such as jars and a canning kit.
- Fermentation: Consider making sauerkraut or kimchi for added probiotics.
- Inventory and Rotation:
- Organize your pantry. Place newer items behind older ones to ensure you’re using up food before it expires.
- Keep a list of what you have, so you can easily track what needs to be replenished.
Preparing Your Home
In addition to stocking your pantry, consider the following 3 important home and emergency preparations:
- Heating Supplies:
- Ensure you have backup heating options, such as propane heaters or wood stoves, and stock up on fuel.
- Emergency Kits:
- Create a comprehensive emergency kit that includes blankets, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and a multi-tool.
- Winter Safety:
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries if needed.
- Prepare your vehicle with a winter emergency kit: blankets, a shovel, jumper cables, and extra food/water.
There are many other ways to prepare for winter in the Midwest, including:
- Prepare your home – Check your furnace to ensure it’s in good condition, and change the filter. Also, make sure your ducts are clean and in good repair, and that there are no leaks
- Prepare your water pipes – If temperatures are expected to drop to 28°F or below for more than four hours, take precautions to protect your water pipes. Frozen pipes can cut off your water supply and cause pipes to burst.
- Prepare your car – Use winter tires, which have more grip and traction on icy and slushy roads.
- Prepare your emergency kit – Stock your emergency kit with items like flashlights, batteries, and bottled water.
- Prepare your food – Stock your pantry with canned goods, especially soups and stews, as well as snack foods, cereal, granola, and more.
- Prepare your clothing – Dress for the cold with a winter jacket, hat, gloves, neck warmer, snow pants, and warm waterproof boots.
- Prepare your thermostat – Check or update your thermostat. You might be eligible for a rebate or discount for replacing an older thermostat with a newer, smart thermostat.
- Prepare for winter weather – Use sand to improve traction and apply products that melt ice. Also, make sure you have enough heating fuel and emergency heating equipment. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows where they are.
The Importance of Preparedness
No matter your living situation—whether you’re a solo prepper, part of a couple, or preparing for a family—being ready for winter is crucial. Winter storms can lead to power outages, isolation, and unexpected shortages in stores.
Having a well-stocked pantry and essential supplies ensures you’re equipped to handle emergencies, reduce stress, and maintain your family’s health and well-being.
Preparing for winter in the Midwest requires a thoughtful approach, particularly for emergency and rotating pantry preppers.
By stockpiling essential items, organizing your pantry, and ensuring your home is equipped for the cold months, you’ll not only enhance your self-reliance but also gain peace of mind. As the snow begins to fall, you can rest easy knowing you’re ready for whatever winter may bring. Happy prepping!
~~ And as always friends, take care, be kind to yourself and others, and always keep learning to be better and do better.
COMMENTS QUESTION:What is your best tip for winter storage? Let me know what you think👇 in the comments below! |
More Related terms:
Midwest Winter Prepping: Essential Stocking Up Guide
Stocking Up for Winter: Midwest Preppers Guide for Cold Weather Preparedness