In an unpredictable world, there’s a quiet strategy that countless households employ, offering them a semblance of security and readiness: stockpiling. From severe weather events to supply chain disruptions, the modern era presents a slew of challenges that can disrupt our daily lives without warning. But what exactly does it mean to have a stockpile? And why do people swear by this method?
Simply put, a stockpile is a collection of supplies gathered to be used in times of emergency. It can range from non-perishable food items, water, and medical supplies to things like batteries, candles, and even comfort items like books or games. The primary purpose of such a collection is to ensure that should there be a situation where leaving one’s home becomes risky or impossible, or when stores run out of essential supplies, households can sustain themselves.
1. Mia from Illinois:
“2020 was a challenging year for many, but in our city, we faced an extra hurdle: a severe flu outbreak in addition to the ongoing pandemic. It felt like a one-two punch that took everyone by surprise. Hospitals, which were already grappling with the pressures of the pandemic, now faced an even greater influx of patients. Waiting rooms were packed, and the medical staff worked around the clock.
In the midst of this, a new problem arose: basic medications that we often took for granted started disappearing from store shelves. The usual over-the-counter remedies for flu — pain relievers, cough syrups, and solutions to combat dehydration — became a rare find. Every trip to a pharmacy or store became an anxious hunt, with many returning home empty-handed.
Amidst this chaos, I realized how fortunate we were. Our foresight to keep a small stockpile of these essential items at home proved invaluable. This little stash not only meant that we didn’t have to join the frantic search across the city, but it provided a sense of security and comfort during an otherwise unsettling time.
More importantly, it allowed us an opportunity to extend our help to those who needed it most. Our elderly neighbors, who found it even harder to navigate these challenges, benefited from our surplus. We were able to share our stock with them, ensuring that they too weren’t left defenseless against the flu and COVID. This act of sharing went beyond just giving supplies; it was about coming together as a community, supporting each other, and finding light in a tough situation.”
2. Jennifer from North Carolina:
“2022 brought with it unexpected challenges, the most significant of which was the massive power outage that swept through our area. For many of us, it was an unprecedented event, leaving homes and streets shrouded in pitch black. Living by myself, I felt even more alone in the darkness. The familiar hum of appliances was replaced by silence, and the comforts of modern living were abruptly taken away.
However, amidst the sudden blackout, I was thankful for the preparations I had made in advance. My stockpile wasn’t just a collection of items but a beacon of light in those dark hours. I had solar-powered lanterns, so I was able to ward off the blackness that had enveloped my home, transforming it into a cozy haven.
Portable chargers ensured that my phone, my link to the outside world, remained operational. I could reach out to loved ones to let them know I’m safe, check on neighbors, and most importantly, stay updated about the situation through online news and alerts.
My battery-operated radio became my trusty companion. Its broadcasts brought me news updates constantly, which helped me keep my sanity and know it was going to be alright.
The outage was not just an inconvenience; it was a profound lesson. During those long, dark hours, I saw the immediate value of being prepared and self-reliant. It underlined that while we can’t always predict life’s curveballs, we can equip ourselves to face them head-on and being prepared isn’t always about TEOTWAWKI.”
3. Heather from Arkansas:
“In 2022, nature served us a sobering reminder of its unpredictable force when floods ravaged our region without much warning. The skies opened up, and within hours, all you could see was murky water. Our home stood resilient amidst the surge, but the world outside was not so lucky. The roads nearby, once loud and annoying with the noise of daily life, were now submerged and cut off, leaving many, including us, isolated.
Despite the dire situation, one thing kept our spirits up: our preps. We had built a stockpile for unforeseen circumstances and this cache, while not the greatest or most complete, became our lifeline during this crisis. Clean drinking water ensured that while the everything was going wrong, we had access to the basics. The stock of instant noodles, while simple, provided us with easy-to-go food, ensuring our bodies remained fueled and our spirits high.
Furthermore, our first aid kit stood ready for any minor medical emergencies, ensuring that cuts, bruises, or any other minor injuries didn’t escalate into major concerns, especially when help was far away.
These seemingly simple preparations were what stood between us and potential despair. As the days went by and we awaited relief, our stockpile was a constant reminder of the importance of foresight and preparedness.”
4. Brian from New Hampshire:
“In an age where digitalization reigns supreme, we were all reminded of its fragility during an unprecedented cyberattack. This nefarious breach targeted our local communication networks and payment systems, grinding our way of life to a halt.
Things got hairy fast as people weren’t exactly prepared for it. Some tried getting out of the area to shop and get their supplies elsewhere, where the cyberattack hadn’t struck. Queues formed on the road and a lot of gas was wasted this way. I didn’t bother much with it as I had a stash ready for just this eventuality ever since I went through the dot-com bubble crash in 2000 and I understood Internet-everything isn’t the way to go.
Our stockpile of important things meant we didn’t have to brave it out when we could just lay back and not bother with panicking crowds and digital payments that were on the fritz. Being ready gave us not just the stuff we needed, it put a smile on my face to know we’re good.
That cyberattack wasn’t just a blip, it was an omen of things to come. While the modern world is surely convenient, it’s also built like a sand castle and I’m not fooling myself that the government will fix everything fast when it gets really bad, I’m staying prepared.”
5. Joshua from Colorado:
“The winter storm that swept through in 2023 was nothing short of historic. Our quiet mountain town, which had seen its share of winters, was unprepared for the sheer intensity of this whiteout. Blankets of snow piled high, covering streets, homes, cars and everything in between. We were snowed in and silence enveloped the community. To add insult to injury, power lines succumbed, leaving us to fend off the darkness and cold by ourselves.
In the midst of this blizzard, one thing provided hope and comfort for my family: our well-stocked pantry. It wasn’t just about having things; it was about having the right things. The candles we had stored gave us more than just light, they gave us warmth (I learned in the Army how to heat a tent with just a few candles) and hope. Canned soup, often a quick meal on busy days, turned into a invaluable source of warmth and nourishment, keeping the cold at bay.
The extra blankets, stacked and stored for ‘just in case’ scenarios, were quickly unfolded, wrapping us in layers of warmth and safety. And amidst the isolation, the battery-operated radios served as our link to the outside world, providing news, storm updates, and in the evenings songs that kept my little ones comfortable and able to sleep.
Our stockpile wasn’t a result of paranoia but of foresight, a testament to the idea that nature might be unpredictable, but there’s a reason we’re the top of the food chain.”
6. Hannah from Nevada:
“In a startling turn of events, our town faced a major grid failure that left us fumbling in the dark for over two weeks. Our little town was quiet usually but now it was dead silent. The impact was felt everywhere. ATMs, usually reliable for a quick cash withdrawal, were rendered useless, and even the simple act of purchasing essentials became a challenge as grocery store registers didn’t work without electricity.
In these trying times, our foresight in maintaining a stockpile proved invaluable. Cash, often overlooked in our digital age and by our young generation, became king. The world had momentarily gone offline, and the little we saved ensured we could get what we needed when plastic cards and online payments were of no use.
The canned goods we had stocked up became more than just food; they were a lifeline. They provided sustenance and a small sense of normality amidst the chaos. Something as simple as a manual can opener became an unsung hero, allowing us access to our canned reserves without batteries or a plug.
The entire experience was a stark wake-up call to how frail our way of life really is. We often take for granted the ease and efficiency with which our daily lives operate thanks to the power grid. But when it fails, even the most mundane tasks become an unnecessarily long chore.”
7. Cheryl from South Dakota:
“In 2023, our quiet town faced an unexpected and alarming challenge — a toxic leak in our water. News spread rapidly, and panic was palpable in the air. A chemical leak, something most of us had never imagined we’d have to worry about, had turned our primary source of drinking water into a potential hazard. Overnight and with no warning, the simple tap water we had taken for granted became off-limits.
As anxiety took over the town and residents dashed to stores in a desperate attempt to secure bottled water, I stood proud of myself for thinking ahead. My cache, that I’d put together little by little over the years, together with my husband, had always been a source of comfort, but its true value became evident during this crisis. The gallons of stored water meant we could avoid the frenzied crowds and didn’t have to go through scrounging the aisles of already limited supplies. Moreover, the water purifying tablets offered an added layer of security, providing a means to purify water if our stored supply was done.
Yet, the crisis wasn’t just a testament to the value of being prepared; it was a lesson in community and togetherness. Recognizing that those around us were not as wise, we were able to help our neighbors who hadn’t been as prepared as us. Sharing our reserves not only provided them with much-needed relief but took our years-long friendship to a higher level.
In the face of adversity, it wasn’t just about surviving but about coming together and helping one another.”
8. Lee from Georgia:
“In an unexpected turn of events, an industrial accident occurred just a few miles away from our peaceful town. The thick clouds of toxic fumes that leaked out became an immediate concern for everyone nearby. We were all advised to stay indoors to keep ourselves safe from the potential hazards of the airborne contaminants.
This situation could have easily turned into a stressful ordeal, especially with the uncertainty of how long we’d need to remain inside. However, thanks to my prior planning, we had a stockpile ready to face such unforeseen events. It wasn’t just a pile of random items, but a well-thought-out collection of essentials and comforts. The masks provided an added layer of protection, ensuring that we breathed cleaner air even inside our home. The canned food meant we didn’t have to worry about meals, providing nutrition and variety as days went by.
But beyond just the necessities, the stockpile also kept us sane. Board games became our saving grace, turning what could’ve been hours of despair into moments of laughter, bonding, and light-hearted competition. They really helped us to come together as a family.
We remained locked in for a few days, waiting for the all-clear signal, and it was comforting to me that my family was safe, nourished, and even entertained. It was money well spent not just because we had everything we needed but because we had peace of mind and knew we could weather the storm.”
Concluding
These stories show that having a stash of things isn’t just about the stuff you can see. It also gives you a calm feeling inside. When you know there’s a plan, and your family can have food, warmth, and safety, it helps take away some of the worry during emergencies.
But even though it’s smart to have a stash, you should be careful not to gather too much. Having too much stuff can lead to waste or stop others from getting what they need right away. In today’s world, where consumerism is more prevalent than ever, it’s easy to get carried away with the idea of stockpiling. While having a reserve of essentials can provide a sense of security, without a clear purpose or guide, stockpiling can quickly turn into an expensive hobby rather than a practical endeavor.
In a world full of things we can’t predict, being ready isn’t just about guessing what might go wrong. It’s also about having tools and things to help us through tough times. In essence, a clear goal in stockpiling isn’t just about having enough; it’s about having what’s truly essential without depleting your resources. It’s a practice of prudence, foresight, and, most importantly, financial responsibility.
As you’ve seen in the stories shared here, sometimes the best way to deal with problems is to be ready ahead of time. Having a stash does that — it gives you a way to handle the unknown.
Tom MacGyver | September 8, 2023
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Too many people feel that being a “prepper” is for “crazy people.” It’s not. My prepping journey started at “What happens if the lights go out… and stay out?…” Our forebears would be rolling in their graves if they knew how unprepared most people are. Back then, prepping was a way of life for almost every one.
Folks, if you’re just beginning with this, ask yourself the same questions; “What happens if the lights go out and stay out for a while?” “What happens if I can’t leave the house for “two weeks to flatten the curve?” Go from there. You can start immediately and at any income level. basic “prepping stuff” like flashlights, radios, and the like, can be had for pennies on the dollar at yard sales. Heck; I’ve seen MANY decent basic first aid kits at yard sales! ANY non-perishable foods you set aside are better than NO non-perishable foods set aside! ‘Need one can of corn? Buy TWO cans of corn. ‘Need one box of spaghetti? Buy TWO boxes of spaghetti. That’s how you start! Put aside the things you USE AND EAT EVERY DAY, and things that can be prepared and eaten without power and with limited water.
Panic early and beat the rush, folks. God Bless to all…
MadMaxxx | October 4, 2023
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I have GUNS! I will survive without a stockpile!
TAL | November 2, 2023
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Other people have guns too, and will defend their stockpiles…………………………………………………………………….YOU WILL LOSE!
Nut N. ToSay | December 3, 2023
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Almao!!!!!
Major Dad | February 19, 2024
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Like playing poker, I’ll see your guns and raise you 23 years as a combat US. Marine. .Your move….
Danno | February 19, 2024
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You are too funny…those will only help to keep you stocked up with food…unless you are a cannibal!
Ron | March 10, 2024
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Maxxx, you don’t know what you are talking about. Imagine that the light goes out for two days, so, you will start shooting people., right?
Tracy | October 16, 2023
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I have been a prepper for decades due to living in NC and having hurricanes. But in the last 15 years my husband and I have really ramped it up. We don’t feel that our country is ready for what could happen. We all saw this in 2020. I have also learned that toilet paper is one of the MOST important things to have prepped. haha
In all seriousness, we should all sit down and think what would it take to have 30 days of everything we need in our home. But that should really be a minimum amount people should prep for. You just never know if it will be due to major hurricanes, earthquakes, snow and ice, or a terrorist attack. And lets be for real, that is as likely these days as any of the natural disasters. I use to hide that we were preppers because of the stigma, now we just don’t tell everyone for fear of if it does hit the fan, I don’t want people to try and take what we have worked so hard for.
R D | December 3, 2023
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I grew up poor on a farm where if it broke it was fixed or done without. We canned froze and dried everything we could.. After all these years , about when I turned 70 I discovered that I was a prepper, That was a shock because that was the way we lived.
Joey | December 6, 2023
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RD, and because of that you and others that were raised with little, will be the people most prepared! I do suggest, if you haven’t purchased one yet, getting a solar generator immediately! 4Patriots has a great, lightweight system! You can also add to it to increase your power. Be very careful with telling your neighbors or anyone how and what you’re preparing. The only instance would be if you’re involved in a community of likeminded, trustworthy people and are preparing as a community together! It takes 3 days for people to kill you for your food! Sooner if they’re already geared that way as the idiot in an above comment makes us aware of! I’ve heard many younger, loser punks like him outright say that they’ll simply take what others have! Make sure your hard work isn’t in vain! Hide food! Leaving a “stash” that appears to be hidden so they’ll believe it’s all you have! This means possibly hiding food in the ground in proper storage, etc.
The economy is about to collapse along with the new bioengineered weapons being released upon us! Please educate yourself on what you should be taking to stay well! The jabbed people ARE SHEDDING THE SPIKE PROTEINS to us…the unjabbed! Doctors exposing the truth have products to clear the blood and have protocols and kits to stay well! Be proactive! Life is about to change! God help us all!
Cynthia | August 13, 2024
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Joey, you don’t get it, do you. You get a gun to protect against human invaders and you get a vaccination to protect against disease invaders. We who get “the jab” don’t “shed spike proteins” because we don’t have them in our systems — the “jab” destroys them. When we got vaccinated they didn’t put the Covid virus in, they only injected a tiny bit of the outside of the virus, the spike protein, into our muscles. The muscle cells quickly recognized that the spike protein did not match other proteins in the body, that it was a foreign protein, which triggered the immune system. The immune system made antibodies, like little soldiers, to attack and destroy the foreign protein. The spike proteins never even left the muscles and lymph nodes before they were destroyed, so they did not get into our nasal or oral passages where they could bed “shed” or passed on, that only happens with people who are are infected with Covid, most usually the unjabbed.
Because we have been vaccinated, those little soldier antibodies are just hanging around waiting. If Covid viruses invade, as soon as the body is aware they go swarming in to attack and destroy, protecting the body. That is why we will probably only get a mild case of Covid, or no case at all. But if Covid invades your unvaccinated body there aren’t any little soldier antibodies to protect you, it’s just “PARTY ON!” for Covid and you can end up with a debilitating or deadly case of it — which you can spread a lot easier to all your unvaccinated kith and kin,
But you do you.
R D | August 13, 2024
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Cynthia; I understand what you say about the jab and believe it used to be that way.Today however in a world run on profit at all cost it seems to no longer be true. Studies show that there is more mercury in a jab than is allowed on a great lot of fish, and that is not the only thing in there. As a kid I played with mercury in my hand and marveled at how it would run around, separate and then recombine. It was dangerous to our health but we knew no better. There are other things in the jab too and possibly worse than mercury. Years ago, 25 plus I worked for a company that had a nurse come in and give a flu shot, most got one. I noticed that I still got the flu every 2 0r 3 years so being frugal I quit getting them and never got the flu for about 20 years, once since then. Why pay not to get something and still get it. After a short time I started researching why. I found out about a lot of those extra’s in the jabs and that they can cause our immune system to weaken and we are in bigger trouble. A good diet and reasonable care and i am better off now than then, I am a physical wreck from a few mangling s and something no doctors can find as I now have no stamina and as a result have lost a good bit of muscle strength but I still politely refuse jabs of all kinds. I am 78 now and have no great formal education but recently a Dr. told me that I was The smartest person he knew (no Brag) I don’t feel that smart I just think before I jump. The world is crazy and tricky, If we believe everything we hear or read without filtering it through common sense we get lead down the wrong road. An education I find does not mean intelligence so be cautious. I mean no offense to anyone, that is just what I have found.
RD | December 6, 2023
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JOEY
I Understand what you are saying and left out a bit about me. I am just a bit stubborn and don’t back up very well. This is a family affair so to speak. I am not bragging and don’t understand it but have at times caused more than 1 at a time to run away when I had no weapons in my hands. I guess it is my sunny disposition and wide country vocabulary. However I am not one to complain In such times. The lord provides. GOD Bless one and all.
RD
Ron | March 10, 2024
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You said: the Lord will provide.
Let me tell you one story about the Lord. I hope you will understand.
It happened during the huge flood that enveloped the entire village. So, people began evacuating. They used the boats; The cars were useless. When the boat approached the house of an old man, people began calling him but he refused to join the neighbors. “The Lord will save me!”. He was stubborn enough, so, the people left by the boat. The water was rising and rising, and reached the old man’s knees when the helicopter flew over and the pilot was screaming; Grab the rope!”. Guess what? The old man said again: “Lord will save me!”
The helicopter was flying over for a few minutes but had to leave because the old man refused help.
In about 20 min, he was drowning… He began complaining when he met the creator: “I was praying daily and followed the Bible but you did not save me!”
Lord said: “You are an old fool! I sent you the boat with people, and I sent you the helicopter but you refused it. So, why do you complain?”
The moral of this story: The Lord will provide but you don’t have to be a fool.
R D | March 12, 2024
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Ron;
I said and believe that the Lord will provide! He Will. He also tells us in the Bible that we should be wise and watch for trouble, thieves in the night and such, help our fellow man when we can but not to forsake our own. I stand on that. Chat story you told has nothing to do with Faith but shows what happens when one is blind.
Arlo | August 13, 2024
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Folks, mostly loud but coward folks, love promoting and peddling fear of dying. There’s a 9th. way you could die _ by over-worrying about dying. We are born to die. Can’t coward our way out of that reality. Most shameful are us Christians who constantly preach and sing and pray about wanting to leave this world of woe and be with our lord. No wonder God regrets making mankind.
Ronald H Levine | August 14, 2024
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Disagree: Regarding: “But even though it’s smart to have a stash, you should be careful not to gather too much. Having too much stuff can lead to waste or stop others from getting what they need right away.”
Having my supplies means I don’t compete for dwindling stocks nor reduce stocks because all has been purchased long before need.
Regarding barter value of food as one example, it has higher value when it is scarce and people are without. The author might believe it should be traded as if it is worth the price paid long before. Perhaps he should tell a billionaire who long ago bought Zerox stock for a dollar a share to sell it for the same. But, buyers would then purchase as much as they could at a dollar and sell at market value. Simple real world economics! Perhaps the author should tell the billionaire he doesn’t need that much. He isn’t alone as Democrats vote for this.