PREP What to expect shortages on during Lockdown 2021

[Shep]

Whatever it is you are stocking up on, and there are excellent suggestions here, don’t load your cart with lots of the same item. Go on different days, have someone in another line with more of your item, go to different stores, etc. That way they can’t accuse you of “hoarding”.

Had a small conversation with a checker last year during the height of the panic. I had 2 packages of yeast for baking bread and she commented on how it was good that I didn’t have more because of the limit on yeast. She then told me she had people “over buying” limited items and had to tell them that she couldn’t sell the excess to them because of the “limits.”
My thoughts were they didn’t understand about stocking up …. Probably never thought/had to before

 

[Loretta Van Riet]

I still havent been able to find a bread machine in stores...got some loaf pans to do it the old fashioned way.

Air fryers are easy to get. Look at you tube videos for how folks have adapted to making bread in them!

 

[Terrwyn]

This next lock down is going to be stay in your home. Do not go outside or you will be arrested. There isn't going to be any shopping, going to the pharmacy, or outside for just a little exercise.

Sorry, I don't buy it. No way could they enforce that. Maybe if you tried to go in a store without a card but not in your yard.

 

[Dafodil]

astroglide........

And Condoms! Look at all the covid babies being delivered in the last few months!

 

[greysage]

Sorry, I don't buy it. No way could they enforce that. Maybe if you tried to go in a store without a card but not in your yard.

I didn't say anything about yards.

 

[coalcracker]

Extra batteries for:

- medical devices
- keyless car fobs
- smoke alarms, CO detectors

 

[Loretta Van Riet]

I have really expanded my Mountain House freeze-dried food pantry for two reasons...one, I really like them, and two, I always seem to live in the house that has the "exploding transformer" location.

Last August 10th with the derecho, I had no power for 5 days. Lost everything in the freezer-twice in a year. Once from the frig crapping out, and 2, from the derecho!

Only store what you like to eat, or may use for barter.

Don't forget feminine hygiene supplies.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Things that ran out here were conveinece (sp?) foods like soups, ramen, hot pockets, frozen burritos, ramen noodles, etc., because kids were suddenly at home full time, and they needed quick meals to eat. Peanut butter also got very low here locally.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Don't forget feminine hygiene supplies.

If you have littles that require diapers then stock up on those, my cousin found that out the hard way last year. If you have elderly relatives living with your then depends, etc., type products.

 

[Sherrynboo]

Bread can easily be made without a bread machine. If kneading is a problem a mixer with a dough hook will work fine. I prefer to just knead it myself.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Bread can easily be made without a bread machine. If kneading is a problem a mixer with a dough hook will work fine. I prefer to just knead it myself.

No knead bread recipes help for those with arthritis.

 

[Gimpywarrior]

I have live stock to care for, several hundred acres, a small processing plant. If I don't go out people go hungry. Keep as much feed as I can for cattle, horses, and chickens.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

No knead bread recipes help for those with arthritis.

Our favorite white sandwich bread is a no knead recipe. I use it all the time. Yes, my fingers hurt, and I can never get the dough kneaded as well as it should be. I don't want to rely on electric gadgets. A cast iron Dutch oven works well for baking outdoors if without power.

 

[bluelady]

Take it slow and stock what you eat. Find ways to change what you do eat into shelf-stable meals.

At this point, it is best to think about stocking up for the short-haul - preparing for the shortages that are coming with winter.

Things that may go missing or have huge price increases at the grocer's in the near future:

• bleach
• Lysol/Antibacterial products/sanitizer
• TP
• paper towels
• meats and poultry (can or freeze them)
• Shelf-stable milk
• Baking supplies (Flour, yeast, baking soda/powder, etc)
• Canned products
• Frozen veggies
• Water
• First Aid supplies
• Cold/Flu medications (suggested meds for Covid protocols)

Good list. Some thoughts:

*bleach: These store better than liquid bleach. Make sure you get the unscented kind in case you need to use them in water. GuardH Bleach Tablets - 40 Count. Bleach for Laundry and Multipurpose Cleaning. Amazon.com: GuardH Bleach Tablets - 40 Count. Bleach for Laundry and Multipurpose Cleaning.: Health & Personal Care

*sanitizing/wipes: Last time, alcohol was unavailable and expensive for ages, as well as peroxide to a lesser degree. Peroxide has a shorter shelf life, but alcohol lasts forever and can be used to make DIY wipes, so get lots now while it's (kind of) cheap again.

*We rarely use paper towels, but they're good for low water emergencies, and were hard to get for a long time. Get the ones that can be torn off smaller, and get heavy duty for DIY wipes.

 

[Sid Vicious]

Home workout equipment
Electronics

 

[bluelady]

A tent, if they go through with the rent/mortgage moratorium cancelation and there is a economic correction .....lots of people will be out on the street possibly

A tent in your living room will also help keep you warm if heat goes out in the winter.

 

[Tripod]

Whatever it is you are stocking up on, and there are excellent suggestions here, don’t load your cart with lots of the same item. Go on different days, have someone in another line with more of your item, go to different stores, etc. That way they can’t accuse you of “hoarding”.

Had a small conversation with a checker last year during the height of the panic. I had 2 packages of yeast for baking bread and she commented on how it was good that I didn’t have more because of the limit on yeast. She then told me she had people “over buying” limited items and had to tell them that she couldn’t sell the excess to them because of the “limits.”
My thoughts were they didn’t understand about stocking up …. Probably never thought/had to before

Buying some instead of clearing the shelf is the best way. Buy things you need before you need them.
Mike

 

[WalknTrot]

Good lists from everyone. I'm not so much convinced that there will be another lockdown as I am that there will be transportation problems, manufacturing problems, and service employee/worker problems. These are already a plague on the economy. Not to mention that runaway inflation could hit this fall, going into winter. Prices going mad.

If you can, lock in and pay for your winter's fuel.

Adding that if you think you need or will want a freezer, get it now. Same with other household appliances. Kitchen, laundry, etc. They are marginally out there now, but may not be in a few months.

Do an honest assessment of what you consume. Convenience food is often comfort food when we are stressed. Mac and cheese, pasta/sauce, pizza makings, peanut butter, baking mixes (these disappeared so fast it in the stores, made my head spin).

Begin thinking about Christmas early, especially if you have kids.

Don't forget hobby items, both for adults and kids. Toys/entertainment, books, sewing, needlework, workshop, music,
both recorded and participatory (instruments like guitars and their care and feeding - strings, instruction books, music books - anything people could learn and/or play at home sold like hotcakes last winter).

Have supplies at home for kid's schooling. If you are thinking another laptop might come in handy for school or home office, well...they aren't going to get any cheaper or more available.

Wouldn't hurt to do an inventory right now of needs for winter clothing. The stores are already starting to change seasons on us.

 

[Terrwyn]

I didn't say anything about yards.

My bad. I took " going outside" to mean yard but I guess some don't have a yard.

 

[db cooper]

Propane is an item that should be well in stock if used for cooking, heating or the generator. It's expensive, but if your operation requires propane just to exist, try to get an extra tank (as in 250 - 1000 gal) or bottles (as in 20, 30, 40 or 100 lb bottles). Fill them now. Use only one, when empty, refill it which always leaves the others full. Same with gasoline or diesel jugs, use out of just one jug, leave the rest.

We lucked out yesterday, our local online sales advertiser had a 500 gallon propane tank for sale, filled to the 85% mark for $1000. We scarfed it up and waiting on a trailer to be installed as I type this.

 

[nchomemaker]

I have really expanded my Mountain House freeze-dried food pantry for two reasons...one, I really like them, and two, I always seem to live in the house that has the "exploding transformer" location.

Last August 10th with the derecho, I had no power for 5 days. Lost everything in the freezer-twice in a year. Once from the frig crapping out, and 2, from the derecho!

Only store what you like to eat, or may use for barter.

Don't forget feminine hygiene supplies.

Can you please tell which of the MH products you like?

 

[fish hook]

A friendly reminder, the Lifestraw company made a stand some years ago. They are Pro-Abortion.
I like all other options.

The little Sawyer filters from Wal Mart seem good. Not very pricey.

 

[Meemur]

The little Sawyer filters from Wal Mart seem good. Not very pricey.

I will vouch for them. I carry the smallest one (around $19) for hiking so I don't have to weigh myself down with a bunch of water. They work well!

 

[Redcat]

I had a hard time finding the small propane bottles last lockdown. I use them for a camp stove and space heater. They're in Walmart now and I've been buying a 2 pack a week.

Real Vanilla. It will make those mountains of rice into a nice tasty rice pudding.

Also I buy those bags of sunsweet raisins. Can't go wrong with dried fruit.

Water and more water. I have a good filter and lifestraws. I am surrounded by water (great lake and smaller lake five miles away). But I would have to get that water to my house, so preplanning water is essential.

Presweetened drink mixes. I have probably got 3 dozen packs of the large size ones (sweetened with sugar/stevia/aspertame, your choice. If your water has had to be boiled, it will taste flat, bleach it's going to taste off. This covers the taste.

A small solar set up. This can be a 30 watt folding panel and a couple of battery banks you use for charging phones. Amazon or Harbor Freight for the panel. Battery banks from Walmart.

What's for breakfast? Oatmeal.

 

[bluelady]

A couple more things I thought of:

*distilled water for cpap machines; we're having trouble getting it now. Dh finally got some today at Safeway. People on Facebook were saying our local pharmacy had some.

*Sprouting seeds. Sprouts/microgreens are in some cases more nutritious than the adult plant, and you can get fresh greens indoors all year round.

*Lots of people are recommending this on YouTube; sometimes they have discount links. I don't think we'll spend the money, but looks good for balconies or even indoors by a sunny window (which we are unfortunately lacking). GreenStalk Patented Large 5 Tier Vertical Garden Planter with Patented Internal Watering System Great for Growing a Variety of Strawberries, Vegetables, Herbs, & Flowers (Stunning Stone) Amazon.com: GreenStalk Patented Large 5 Tier Vertical Garden Planter with Patented Internal Watering System Great for Growing a Variety of Strawberries, Vegetables, Herbs, & Flowers (Stunning Stone): Garden & Outdoor

 

[fish hook]

Someone mentioned batteries and more batteries. I think a better solution would be rechargeable batteries and a solar charger and also a 12 volt charger for the car for cloudy days.

 

[Hermantribe]

If you have a bread maker, or know how to make bread by hand: A bag of flour will make 3-5 loafs of bread. You may need to know if you need to use "Bread Flour" or "All Purpose Flour". Consider buying a bread maker (there are threads on here discussing several brands, recommendations, etc).

Buy some of the basics: Bread flour, cane sugar, yeast, butter, salt, dry powered milk.

Make your first loaf asap! You may find you missed an ingredient or don't like the recipe and need a different ingredient for a different one -- which may be gone from the stores later.

Thanks for this! I just bought a bread maker. Can't wait!

 

[Meemur]

Someone mentioned batteries and more batteries. I think a better solution would be rechargeable batteries and a solar charger and also a 12 volt charger for the car for cloudy days.

I think there's room for both. It takes time for batteries to recharge.

I also have 2 small recharging batteries for phones so one can be charging while I use the other.

Some examples. There are others

Portable Power

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chargetech.com

 

[fish hook]

Row covers will extend your growing season on both ends. Could be helpful in extending the food supply. Amazon.com : growbiggerplants Agribon AG-19 Floating Row Crop Cover/Frost Blanket/Frost Cloth/Garden Fabric Plant Cover : Garden & Outdoor
I use rewire as a frame and cover a long wide row of greens and carrots and broccoli. Keeps them going almost all winter. I call it my Conestoga row.

 

[quar]

I have been a member for 15 years and I don’t say much. TB2K has been a lifeline in so many ways.

The most Important is that with the way the world has continued to change I don’t feel alone. I have a community of people to help me thru the muck and pure utter bullshit.

Thanks Family. I am glad that I have you all.

 

[phloydius]

Alcohol.
Not that I particularly promote the drinking of alcohol, if someone in your household (or circle) drink it semi-regularity it would be a good idea to pick up some extra. Some states tried to shut down purchases, while other states (like Texas) made it easier to buy. Know which way your city, county, state is likely to lean. Being in a highly stressful lockdown may be a bad time to detox, and it maybe even a worse time (for you) for your roommate or neighbor to detox!

 

[fish hook]

Our favorite white sandwich bread is a no knead recipe. I use it all the time. Yes, my fingers hurt, and I can never get the dough kneaded as well as it should be. I don't want to rely on electric gadgets. A cast iron Dutch oven works well for baking outdoors if without power.

S B, have you seen one of these? Stainless Steel Bread Dough Maker

 

[Meemur]

Alcohol and coffee have health benefits.

 

[fish hook]

A couple more things I thought of:

*distilled water for cpap machines; we're having trouble getting it now. Dh finally got some today at Safeway. People on Facebook were saying our local pharmacy had some.

*Sprouting seeds. Sprouts/microgreens are in some cases more nutritious than the adult plant, and you can get fresh greens indoors all year round.

*Lots of people are recommending this on YouTube; sometimes they have discount links. I don't think we'll spend the money, but looks good for balconies or even indoors by a sunny window (which we are unfortunately lacking). GreenStalk Patented Large 5 Tier Vertical Garden Planter with Patented Internal Watering System Great for Growing a Variety of Strawberries, Vegetables, Herbs, & Flowers (Stunning Stone) Amazon.com: GreenStalk Patented Large 5 Tier Vertical Garden Planter with Patented Internal Watering System Great for Growing a Variety of Strawberries, Vegetables, Herbs, & Flowers (Stunning Stone): Garden & Outdoor

I like the green stalk. You could produce a lot of food in a small place. You could set it up inside with a single grow lamp. Worth thinking about.

 

[Sojourner]

What things do you need to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas? Most likely it will be cheaper to buy these items with August dollars instead of November dollars. By late autumn we will need something bright and positive to look forward to celebrating.

You can add a turkey and a ham to your freezer now. Ingredients for sides and desserts. I already have cans of black-eyed peas and turnip greens set back for New Year's Day - just in case they aren't available.

Gifts - start shopping now. This is not the year to wait until December to move on that. If you see something for a loved one, buy it sooner rather than later because of supply chain concerns. If nothing untoward happens, at least you'll be glad you're not facing germy crowds at malls in December.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

S B, have you seen one of these? Stainless Steel Bread Dough Maker

No, I haven't. Looks interesting, though. Thanks.

 

[Profit of Doom]

astroglide........

Hopps #9

 

[Profit of Doom]

If you have a bread maker, or know how to make bread by hand: A bag of flour will make 3-5 loafs of bread. You may need to know if you need to use "Bread Flour" or "All Purpose Flour". Consider buying a bread maker (there are threads on here discussing several brands, recommendations, etc).

Buy some of the basics: Bread flour, cane sugar, yeast, butter, salt, dry powered milk.

Make your first loaf asap! You may find you missed an ingredient or don't like the recipe and need a different ingredient for a different one -- which may be gone from the stores later.

Yeast, bought 2# about 10 years ago kept cool/frozen, still going fine.

 

[mikeabn]

We all know what we use on a regular basis. Shoot first for a three month supply then build from there. Get in the habit of replacing what you use. As far as more hard core (corps?) preps, much of that is up to you but some method of self defense might become important. Like minded neighbors and family are essential but be very careful what you say and who you say it to. If someone says "Hey, I'm going to move in with YOU when trouble starts!" tell them to bring their own food etc etc etc.

 

[onmyown30]

*Sprouting seeds. Sprouts/microgreens are in some cases more nutritious than the adult plant, and you can get fresh greens indoors all year round.

YES!!!! I’m been growing micro greens and sprouting almost my whole adult like (25 or so years). I also have some aerogardens and grow lamps in the house. If anything I’ll always have my salads!!! Love the aerogardens to start seeds for outside gardens.

Also learning the kratky method of hydroponics, just haven’t had a ton of time, but had a gorgeous basil plant growing though for awhile in a jar in the window.

so ya need seeds and fertilizers…. If you really want to stock up also probably should get some stuff for garden pests. At least have an idea how you would handle them.