Texas Winter Storm Survival: Why People Die, Why Stores Empty, and Why Prepping Is No Longer Optional

If you think winter storms “aren’t a Texas problem,” congratulations—you’re already behind the curve.

Texas winter storms don’t kill people because of snow totals like Minnesota or Alaska. They kill people because Texans aren’t prepared, infrastructure collapses fast, and most households rely on just-in-time systems that fail within hours. I’ve watched this happen repeatedly, and every time the same excuses come out. The same panic. The same deaths.

Let’s get brutally honest about how people actually die in Texas winter storms—and what you must do before the next one hits.

Top Ways People Die in Texas Winter Storms

1. Hypothermia Inside Their Own Homes

This one makes me angry every time.

People freeze to death inside houses they assume will protect them. When the power goes out—and in Texas it almost always does—homes lose heat fast. Poor insulation, electric heating systems, and no backup heat turn living rooms into refrigerators overnight.

Hypothermia doesn’t need sub-zero temperatures. It can happen in the 40s and 50s, especially when people are wet, exhausted, or elderly.

Reality check:
If your home loses power for more than 12–24 hours in freezing weather and you have no backup heat, you are in danger.

2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Stupid Decisions

Every Texas winter storm produces the same headlines:

“Family found dead from generator fumes”
“Charcoal grill used indoors”
“Car left running in garage”

Carbon monoxide kills silently and fast. People panic, try to heat their homes with the wrong tools, and never wake up.

Rule:
If it burns fuel and isn’t designed for indoor use with ventilation, it does not belong inside your house.

3. Medical Emergencies With No Help Coming

During winter storms, emergency services are overwhelmed or completely unreachable. Roads freeze. Ambulances can’t move. Hospitals lose power. Pharmacies shut down.

People die from:

Heart attacks
Respiratory failure
Insulin shortages
Dialysis disruptions
Oxygen equipment failures

Texas storms don’t kill instantly—they cut off systems people rely on to stay alive.

4. Exposure While Driving or Walking

Texans are not trained to drive on ice. Period.

Piled-up crashes strand people for hours or days in freezing temperatures. Some try to walk home. Some leave vehicles too early. Some sit too long without heat.

Cold + exhaustion + wind = fatal exposure faster than people expect.

5. Falls, Trauma, and Untreated Injuries

Ice turns stairs, sidewalks, and driveways into death traps. Broken hips and head injuries become fatal when:

Power is out
Roads are closed
EMS response is delayed

A simple fall becomes a death sentence during infrastructure failure.

Will Grocery Stores Go Empty During a Texas Winter Storm?

Yes. And fast.

Texas grocery stores operate on just-in-time delivery systems. That means:

Shelves are stocked daily
Back rooms are small
One missed truck delivery empties stores within hours

Before the storm even hits:

Bread disappears
Water vanishes
Milk and meat are gone
Batteries and propane sell out

After the storm hits, trucks can’t deliver. Stores close due to power outages or staffing issues.

If you wait until the storm is announced, you already lost.

Survival Food Prepping for Texas Winter Storms

You do NOT need apocalypse bunkers—but you do need food that:

Doesn’t require refrigeration
Can be eaten cold if needed
Requires minimal cooking fuel

Best Survival Foods to Stock

Shelf-Stable Essentials

Canned meats (chicken, tuna, spam)
Canned beans and soups
Peanut butter
Protein bars
Shelf-stable rice and pasta
Instant oatmeal
Powdered milk

No-Cook Options

Crackers
Trail mix
Jerky
Ready-to-eat meals (MREs)

Water

Minimum: 1 gallon per person per day
Plan for at least 5–7 days

Texas storms regularly knock out water treatment plants. Boil notices are common—assuming you still have power.

🔋 Solar Generators: Non-Negotiable for Texas

If you take one thing seriously, let it be this:

A solar generator is the single most valuable survival tool for Texas winter storms.

Why?

Gas generators require fuel (which disappears)
They produce carbon monoxide
Solar generators work indoors
They are silent and safe

What a Solar Generator Can Power

Space heaters (intermittently)
CPAP machines
Medical devices
Phones and radios
Lights
Small cooking appliances
Refrigerators (briefly, to save food)

Pair it with solar panels, and you’re no longer helpless when the grid collapses—which it absolutely will again.

Best Survival Supplies to Have for Texas Winter Storms

Here’s the bare minimum survival kit every Texas household should already have:

Heating & Warmth

Cold-rated sleeping bags
Wool blankets
Thermal base layers
Hats, gloves, socks
Indoor-safe propane or kerosene heaters (with CO detectors)

Power & Light

Solar generator
Solar panels
Battery lanterns
Headlamps
Extra batteries

Safety

Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Prescription meds (minimum 7 days)

Cooking

Camping stove
Extra fuel
Matches/lighters
Cookware

Why Survival Prepping Is Critical in Texas

Texas winter storms expose one ugly truth:

You cannot rely on the system.

The grid fails. Officials deflect blame. Aid comes late—if it comes at all. The government will not heat your home, feed your family, or power your medical equipment.

Prepping isn’t paranoia. It’s self-respect.

You prep not because you expect disaster—but because history shows it will happen again.

How to Actually Survive a Texas Winter Storm

Stay Home
- Travel only if life depends on it
Layer Clothing
- Dress for cold even indoors
Consolidate Heat
- Stay in one room
- Block drafts
- Use body heat
Ration Power
- Prioritize medical devices and heat
- Don’t waste battery life
Eat and Hydrate
- Calories generate body heat
- Dehydration worsens hypothermia
Monitor Conditions
- Weather radio
- Emergency alerts

Final Warning From Someone Who’s Seen This Too Many Times

Texas winter storms don’t kill because they’re rare.
They kill because people refuse to prepare, trust fragile systems, and assume “it won’t happen again.”

It will.

The next freeze will come. The grid will fail. Stores will empty. Emergency services will stall.

The only question is whether you’ll be ready—or another statistic.

Survival Fuel: The Highest Calorie Canned Foods to Keep You Going

On December 9, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Emergency Food, Food Canning, Food Shortages, Food stockpilingLeave a comment

Survival Fuel: The Highest Calorie Canned Foods to Keep You Going

Listen up, because if you’re serious about survival, then it’s time you get your priorities straight. In a world that’s steadily unraveling, you don’t have the luxury of underestimating one of the most vital elements of survival: food. Specifically, calorie-dense, shelf-stable, high-calorie canned foods that can keep you going when everything else goes to hell.

Let’s face it – you can stockpile all the freeze-dried meals and dehydrated nonsense you want, but nothing beats the reality of grabbing a can and opening it when you’re fighting for your life. You need calorie-dense foods that can give you the fuel to survive long after the supermarket shelves are bare, long after the power goes out and your fancy little electric stove becomes useless. In this world, you’ll want foods that are heavy in calories but light on fuss. There’s no room for weak food that doesn’t provide the punch you need to keep moving.

I’m talking about the highest-calorie canned foods. These are your survival fuel. Stock them now, because once it’s too late, it’ll be too damn late.

1. Canned Chili (with Beef)

If you want calories, get chili. Canned chili, especially with beef, is an absolute powerhouse. One can can pack upwards of 400–500 calories or more per serving. And I don’t care if it’s spicy or mild – it’s got protein, fat, and carbohydrates, all wrapped up in a nice, shelf-stable package that you can crack open and devour when the world has gone to hell.

2. Canned Chicken

If you’ve ever been in a survival situation, you know protein is a non-negotiable. Canned chicken is one of the best sources of meat you can get. A 12.5 oz can packs about 200-300 calories and is incredibly versatile. Throw it in a stew, mix it with some beans, or just eat it straight out of the can. It’s a total survival essential.

3. Canned Beef Stew

Canned beef stew is the real deal when it comes to high-calorie survival foods. It’s dense in calories because of the combination of beef, potatoes, carrots, and gravy. A hearty can will give you around 300–400 calories per serving, and the best part? It’ll keep you warm when the temperature drops, especially when there’s nothing else to cook with.

4. Canned Pork (Pulled Pork)

Canned pork, especially pulled pork, is an unsung hero. This stuff can pack a wallop in terms of calories. A single can can provide over 500–600 calories. You might not be able to find this in every store, but it’s worth the hunt. It’s fatty, filling, and it goes a long way.

5. Canned Salmon

If you’re a fan of fish and you need high-calorie options, canned salmon should be in your stash. A standard can of salmon can provide around 300–400 calories. It’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function and keeping your body in top shape when you’re under stress.

6. Canned Spaghetti (with Meatballs)

Okay, hear me out. You might think canned spaghetti is a joke, but you’re wrong. It’s cheap, it’s available in bulk, and it’s calorie-dense. A standard can of spaghetti and meatballs can give you 400-500 calories in one sitting. So, when you’re hungry and tired, this is the kind of food you’ll be glad you stocked up on.

7. Canned Beans (Kidney, Black, Pinto, etc.)

Beans aren’t just cheap. They’re calorie-dense and packed with protein. If you’re looking to stock up, canned beans are your go-to. A can of beans can deliver 300–400 calories depending on the variety. They’re versatile, too—eat them alone, mix them into soups, or use them as a side with meat.

8. Canned Corn

Sweet corn is not only an excellent source of calories, but it also adds some variety to your survival food rotation. A standard can of corn can provide around 200–300 calories. It’s a great side dish to balance out the heavier protein-based meals, and it’ll keep your spirits up when you’re feeling desperate.

9. Canned Mac and Cheese

When the world’s falling apart, don’t forget to indulge a little. Canned mac and cheese is calorie-dense and comforting. You can expect to get around 350–450 calories from a can, depending on the brand. It’s filling, it’s warm, and it’s easy. Just don’t expect it to keep you lean.

10. Canned Hash

Canned hash is a cheap, calorie-packed meal that comes in a variety of options. Usually filled with potatoes, corned beef, or other hearty ingredients, a can of hash can provide anywhere from 350 to 500 calories. It’s easy to prepare and packs a punch.

11. Canned Stew (Beef, Lamb, or Chicken)

Similar to beef stew, canned versions of lamb or chicken stew are high in calories and great for long-term storage. These will provide upwards of 300–450 calories per serving. They’re filling and comforting, and you’ll need all the comfort you can get when survival mode is engaged.

12. Canned Fruit (in Syrup)

I get it—fruit isn’t exactly the first thing you think of when it comes to survival food. But canned fruit in syrup can actually pack a surprising amount of calories, especially in situations where you need something that doesn’t just fill you up but gives you some sugar for quick energy. A can can give you about 250–300 calories, so stock a few up for variety.

13. Canned Soups (with Cream or Fatty Broth)

Canned soups, particularly those with a cream base or fatty broth, can be high in calories. Some cans will pack up to 300–400 calories, depending on the soup’s contents. Stay away from the low-fat varieties – you need the full calorie punch for survival.

14. Canned Pasta (with Meat Sauce)

Canned pasta with meat sauce isn’t just for lazy nights. This stuff is a powerhouse of calories. Depending on the brand and the ingredients, you’re looking at 350–500 calories per can. It’s cheap, easy, and will keep you alive when times get tough.

15. Canned Ready-to-Eat Meals

There are a variety of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals in a can, like chili mac, beef stroganoff, or curry. These meals can provide upwards of 400–600 calories per can and are incredibly convenient in emergency situations. Stockpile these so you can avoid spending energy on food preparation.

15 Canned Food Survival Skills

Check Expiry Dates – Just because it’s canned doesn’t mean it lasts forever. Know your expiration dates, and rotate your stock regularly.
Heat Safely – You don’t need a stove to heat your cans. A campfire, portable burner, or even a car engine can serve as a makeshift heating source.
Preserve Properly – Store your cans in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can cause rust and degradation of the can’s seal.
Get Creative – Mix and match your canned goods. Don’t be afraid to throw together random items like canned chicken, beans, and chili for a one-pot survival meal.
Inspect the Can – Always check for dents, bulges, or rust. These are signs the can could be compromised and unsafe.
Can Openers Are Essential – Don’t assume you’ll have one when the grid goes down. Stock several manual can openers, or better yet, have a knife with you.
Don’t Forget the Liquid – Many canned foods, especially beans and vegetables, contain important liquids. Don’t dump it all out—use it for soups or stews.
Know When to Eat – Don’t let your cans sit too long. Once opened, consume within a day or two to avoid spoilage.
Create Balanced Meals – Canned food is often protein-heavy. Make sure to balance with canned vegetables and some carbs to keep your energy up.
Store Efficiently – Keep your cans in order of expiration, and make sure to have enough variety to avoid monotony in long-term survival.
Stock Calories, Not Just Volume – You want density, not just volume. Choose high-calorie options to ensure you get enough energy.
Repackage for Travel – If you’re bugging out, don’t carry the entire can. Repackage portions in smaller containers or bags for easier transport.
Don’t Rely on Just One Type – Relying on just one food type can be a disaster. Mix proteins, veggies, and carbohydrates to stay healthy.
Be Careful With Salt – Too much salt can make you thirsty and dehydrated, which is a problem in survival. Be mindful of the sodium content.
Get Creative with Leftovers – If you have leftover canned food, make sure you know how to reuse it for other meals. Leftover chili can become soup, for example.

3 DIY Canned Food Survival Hacks

DIY Canned Food Heater – If you’re stuck without a way to heat your food, create a small DIY heater using a few chemical heating pads or a small portable stove. These can be used to quickly warm your cans without wasting precious fuel.
Make a Canned Food Soup – Combine multiple cans into one hearty soup. Mix chili, beans, corn, and meat to create a filling meal with whatever you have on hand.
Canned Food Jerky – Stripped-down meats like canned chicken or beef can be dried out further over a fire to create DIY jerky. It’s a great option for snacking and packing for long journeys.

Survival Gourmet: Crafting Mouthwatering Meals from Foraged Foods

On May 12, 2025May 14, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Americans, Emergency Food, Off The GridLeave a comment

As survivalists, we’re not here just to endure when things go south—we’re here to thrive. It’s about living comfortably and even enjoying a level of self-sufficiency that would leave most people scratching their heads in disbelief. When the world seems to crumble around us, why should we settle for just surviving? We should be aiming to live well, even in the worst of situations.

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you know that we’re not just focusing on scraping by on the bare essentials. We’re looking for ways to elevate our prepping and survival strategies—ways that allow us to thrive. One of the most overlooked aspects of prepping is the culinary potential of foraged foods.

When people think of foraged foods, they often ask, “Can I eat that?” or “How many calories does this have?” But have you ever considered that you can actually make gourmet meals from the wild ingredients you find around you? You heard me right—gourmet meals. In an emergency, it might seem a little far-fetched, as we often focus on surviving with the bare minimum, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Nature, my fellow preppers, is an overflowing pantry, full of edible plants, roots, and berries that can be transformed into meals that not only nourish you, but actually delight your taste buds. Sure, it takes a little time to learn what’s safe to eat, and it requires some knowledge and skill. But once you’ve got a grip on your local foraged foods, turning them into meals that others would envy—whether it’s during normal times or post-collapse—isn’t as difficult as it might seem.

Getting Started: Learn Your Local Flora

Before we dive into recipes, the first step is to learn how to identify edible plants in your area. Knowledge is power when it comes to foraging. You don’t want to find yourself looking at a plant you think is edible only to realize it’s toxic or inedible. Start by getting a field guide specific to your area, or even better, attend foraging courses, and practice regularly.

Some basics to focus on include:

Wild greens like dandelion, lamb’s quarters, and purslane.
Nuts and seeds such as acorns and pine nuts.
Roots and tubers like Jerusalem artichokes and cattails.
Fruits and berries like elderberries, wild strawberries, and blackberries.

By studying these plants, you’ll build the foundation for successful foraging. Once you know what’s safe to eat, you can begin experimenting with different ways to prepare and combine your finds.

Gourmet Meals in the Wilderness? Absolutely.

Here’s where it gets interesting: once you’re comfortable with your foraging knowledge, you can move beyond survival foods and start creating delicious, gourmet-style meals. The key is in how you approach these wild ingredients. You’re not just throwing plants into a pot and calling it good; you’re using what nature has to offer to elevate your meals to something special.

For example:

Jerusalem Artichokes: These little tubers are often overlooked, but they can make a delicious faux potato salad when boiled and mixed with wild herbs, mustard, and olive oil (or whatever fat you’ve got).
Acorn Flour: If you’ve never tried it, acorn flour can be used to thicken stews or even make rustic flatbreads. It has a nutty, earthy flavor that gives your meal an amazing depth.
Wild Mushrooms: Certain wild mushrooms like morels and chanterelles can be sautéed in fat and added to just about anything for a gourmet touch. They provide a savory, meaty flavor that’s perfect for adding richness to a simple dish.

While it may seem complicated at first, you’ll find that once you get the hang of it, preparing meals from foraged ingredients becomes a skill that’s not only practical but also enjoyable. It requires creativity, an understanding of what flavors complement each other, and a willingness to experiment.

Cooking Without Your Gadgets

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to preparing meals in a post-SHTF world is cooking without your usual kitchen gadgets. Don’t worry, though—primitive cooking methods can be incredibly effective, and many of them can be done over an open fire or with minimal tools.

Here are some primitive cooking methods to consider:

Open Fire Cooking: A well-constructed fire pit can serve as your cooking hub. You can cook food in cast iron pots, or even use foil to wrap food and place it in the coals.
Dutch Oven: If you have a Dutch oven, it’s one of the best tools for slow cooking. Perfect for stews, soups, or even bread, a Dutch oven can withstand the heat of an open fire.
Clay Cooking: You can fashion cooking vessels out of clay or use stones to make primitive “bake ovens.” Just remember to test any homemade stoneware in a fire before using it for actual cooking.
Smoking and Drying: Learn to preserve meat and fish by smoking it or drying it over a fire. This is a valuable skill that will keep your foraged meats from spoiling.

10 Prepper Tips for Foraging and Cooking with Wild Foods

Start Small and Build Knowledge: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Start with a few easily identifiable edible plants and build from there. Familiarize yourself with seasonal foraging to ensure you’re never left without options.
Have a Foraging Kit Ready: Pack a foraging bag with a few essential items, such as a small knife, a notebook for notes, a field guide, and some gloves to protect your hands from rough plants or potential toxins.
Practice Safe Foraging: Always be 100% sure that the plant is safe to eat. If in doubt, don’t eat it. Make use of online groups or local experts to double-check your finds.
Know Your Toxic Plants: Familiarize yourself with the plants that are toxic or unsafe to eat. These include poison ivy, poison oak, and certain species of mushrooms. Avoid them at all costs.
Prioritize Nutrition: When foraging, focus on plants that are rich in nutrients. Wild greens, nuts, berries, and tubers can provide the vitamins and calories needed to sustain you.
Use Natural Condiments: Foraged plants like wild garlic, mustard, or even wild herbs can make excellent seasonings. Use them to bring flavor to otherwise bland meals.
Stockpile Dried Foraged Foods: Preserve what you find by drying or dehydrating it. Herbs, fruits, and even mushrooms can be dried for long-term storage. This gives you a pantry to draw from in leaner times.
Try Wild Game: In addition to plant foraging, learn how to hunt and fish. Wild game, including small animals like squirrels or rabbits, can be an essential protein source. Make sure you have a solid hunting or trapping plan.
Practice Primitive Cooking Techniques: Set up a small campfire and practice cooking with primitive methods. This could include roasting food on sticks, using foil, or learning to cook in a Dutch oven.
Stay Creative: The beauty of foraging is that it forces you to be resourceful. Look at wild ingredients and experiment—wild berries can be turned into jam, wild mushrooms into gravy, and greens into hearty salads.

Conclusion: Thrive with Foraged Foods

In a survival situation, you don’t have to settle for bland or basic meals. Nature is a treasure trove of delicious, nutritious, and varied ingredients just waiting for you to discover them. By learning how to identify and cook with foraged foods, you’ll be able to not just survive—but thrive.

So go ahead, prepper. Don’t just survive; live well, even when times are tough. Expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and get creative with the wild ingredients that are all around you. When the world falls apart, you’ll be eating gourmet meals over an open fire—and that’s a luxury worth having.