TOP-10 things that will help survive the winter of war

What to do in case of war? What products to stock up on? How to act in case of a chemical attack? 

Since the beginning of the war, Сostless has been answering the most painful questions of Ukrainians. And we will continue the cycle of useful articles with practical advice and convenient solutions, because martial law and mobilization have been extended until February 19, 2023. So, probably, the issue of life in wartime conditions will not lose its relevance for a few more months.

Today we will make a shopping list for the military winter. It will contain things that any average Ukrainian family can buy. The cost of each item is in the range of 200-3000 UAH. But, if you buy all this, your winter will become more comfortable and warm. 

Voltage stabilizer (approximate cost 1,000 — 3,000 UAH)

Power outages and power surges are not uncommon now. To protect your electrical appliances from surges, purchase a voltage stabilizer. This is an electrical energy converter that allows you to obtain a voltage of the specified parameters at the output with significant fluctuations in the input voltage.

Do you need a voltage stabilizer in the apartment? Usually, stabilizers are installed in private houses, because the quality of the power supply there is worse than in the city. But now, due to damage to the energy structure of the entire country, even in multi-apartment buildings, the network voltage can drop below 190 V or rise above 250 V. In such cases, only a stabilizer can save your TV, refrigerator, or computer.  

Therefore, in the current circumstances, we advise you to spend money on this useful thing. You can choose:

• a relay stabilizer, which is suitable for small household appliances;
• triac stabilizer;
• inverter device (for sensitive equipment).

Relay models are the most budget-friendly and simple in design. Such stabilizers do not require special maintenance. An important drawback is a rapid wear out of elements.

Triac stabilizers are better and more reliable in terms of wear. The average term of their work is 10-15 years. Another advantage: they work almost silently. 

Inverter devices are considered the fastest and most reliable. In addition, they have a fairly wide range of stabilization (from 90 V to 380 V) and the longest service life (20 years).

Power bank (approximate cost 700 — 1500 UAH)

Not everyone can buy and install a generator. First, it costs 10,000–50,000 UAH on average. And secondly, it is simply impossible to install it in an apartment. 

Of course, the power bank will not help you charge the refrigerator or the washing machine, but thanks to it you will be able to stay in touch.

So which power bank to buy and what parameters should be taken into account?

• Capacity. The number of full charge cycles of your smartphone or laptop depends on it. The sufficient capacity of the power bank for 3-5 charges is in the range of 8000 — 20000 mAh.
• Ports and connectors. Most power banks are equipped with the following connectors: USB Type-A, Micro-USB, and USB Type-C. For users of Apple technic, there are also devices with Lightning ports. Choose a power bank taking into account the necessary connector. But if you suddenly already have a power bank with an unsuitable connector, you can always purchase the necessary adapter for it. Such a useful trinket costs about UAH 100.
• Charge indication. All power banks are equipped with a charge indicator. Early models use LEDs to show battery status. The latest models have informative screens that display the percentage of charge.
• Flashlight. Sometimes the power banks are equipped with lamps. These can be compact bulbs or more powerful options that will replace even tourist lights. 

By the way, if you choose between one portable device with 20,000 mAh and two with 10,000 mAh, we advise you to choose the second option. Power banks with lower capacity charge faster, and besides, thanks to two devices, you can charge twice more gadgets at the same time.

Garlands, lanterns, and candles (approximate cost 200 - 1000 UAH)

This year, garlands ceased to be purely New Year's decorations. In our reality, this is a useful and even necessary thing. A simple and popular battery-powered dew garland will fill your home with light and give you an incredible feeling of coziness. You can buy it in any supermarket or in a specialized online store. Do not forget, it is better to choose garlands with ordinary batteries or with a solar panel. And of course, immediately replenish your supplies with the necessary batteries (usually, garlands use so-called "finger" batteries of type AA or type AAA are used).

In addition to the garland, you will also need a lantern. It can work from ordinary batteries or from accumulators that you can recharge when the light appears. Choose a lantern depending on how you plan to use it. It can be:

• a tourist headlamp (it is very convenient to walk through dark streets because it gets dark early now, and street lighting around 6 pm-7 pm no longer works in many cities);
• a powerful lantern with a hook that can be hung in a convenient place from above to illuminate a larger area;
• an ordinary hand-held flashlight of low power.

By the way, a blogger LED lamp will be a good replacement for a lantern at home. You can connect it via a USB cable to a power bank and get pretty good room lighting.

And finally, candles. Any candles will come in handy: regular paraffin, stylish gel with decor, teapots that can be placed around the room, long-burning candles, and even battery-powered candles. Light up and enjoy the romance.

Portable gas burner (approximate cost 400 - 1500 UAH)

A tourist gas burner will be useful to those who suffer from power outages and have only an electric stove at home. Or those who have had their gas turned off. A gas burner with a small cylinder is convenient and easy to use. You can easily boil water or cook porridge on it.    

A gas burner can be ordered online, purchased at any tourist store, or even in a hypermarket.

The design of the gas burner is quite simple. It has a small weight and dimensions; allows you to adjust the flame and usually contains a pressure regulator. 

There are several types of such a device: 

• with direct installation on a gas cylinder;
• with lateral attachment;
• with hose.

By power, devices are divided into low-power, medium-power, and super-power. Consider all these factors when choosing a burner.

Thermos (estimated cost: 200-1000 UAH)

If you still don't have a thermos at home, now is a very good time to buy one. Thanks to this simple device, you will always have hot tea or coffee.

You can buy:

• a classic thermos for water (a cylindrical container with two lids, one of which functions as a hermetic stopper; keeps the temperature of the liquid from 12 to 24 hours; can hold from 300 ml to 3 liters);
• food thermos (usually has a wider neck; you can store food in it);
• thermal mug (a mini-thermos that is convenient to take with you; the volume of such thermoses is from 250 to 700 ml).

The temperature maintenance time of thermoses depends on:

• its volume;  
• manufacturing material (plastic, metal, glass);
• starting temperature of the contents.

Lifehack from Сostless: to keep the liquid in the thermos hot longer, first pour hot water over the flask. It will heat up and will not absorb the heat of the liquid. 

A warm blanket and home clothes (approximate cost 500-2000 UAH)

During this heating season, there is a high probability that the temperature in homes will be quite low — about 15-17°C. Therefore, stock up on warm blankets, warm home clothes, and thermal underwear. 

It is better to give preference to products made of natural materials: cotton and wool. 

Such fabrics warm well and keep warm for a long time. If you have the time and inspiration, you can buy a few skeins of woolen yarn and make yourself some cozy scarves for all the family members. So you will not only warm your loved ones, but you will also be able to relax mentally. After all, creativity is a kind of relaxation.

For those who have to spend a lot of time in bomb shelters, it is a good idea to purchase a sleeping bag and a sleeping bag.

And those who do not have problems with the electricity supply, in the absence of centralized heating, will be warmed by an electric blanket - this is a blanket with a heating device, designed for local heating.

Water container (approximate cost 300-2000 UAH)

If the water is suddenly turned off, you must have a supply of water, at least for the first time. It is convenient to store it in special plastic water tanks. You can place the plastic container on the balcony or under the kitchen table. Choose the appropriate size, taking into account the area of ​​the apartment/house and the number of family members. Note that it is more convenient to have several small containers of 20-60 liters at home. Such tanks are easier to transport and use in everyday life. 

Water tanks are durable and strong. We advise you to choose models made of food-grade plastic because then the water in them will be suitable not only for technical needs but also for cooking. Also, pay attention to containers with a tap. It can be used as a temporary hand washer. 

Food stock (approximate cost 1,000 — 3,000 UAH)

Every Ukrainian should have basic necessities. And it is especially important to pay attention to long-term storage products. They will not spoil if you suddenly turn off the lights and will not leave you hungry under any circumstances.

Such products include:

• canned goods;
• cereals and pasta;
• instant soups and porridges;
• sweets, nuts, honey;
• dried vegetables and fruits;
• tea and coffee;
• sugar;
• drinking water in a sealed container.

Don't forget to also take care of pet food in advance, because logistical problems are not uncommon these days.

First-aid kit (approximate cost 1,000 — 2,000 UAH)

A first-aid kit in case of war must contain:

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• painkillers;
• antihistamine drugs;
• antidiarrheal drugs;
• antiviral and antipyretic drugs;
• sorbents;
• bandages and plasters;
• turnstiles;
• antiseptic solutions;
• iodine.

And of course, if you have chronic diseases, don't forget to stock up on medicines for them as well.

Household chemicals and cosmetics (approximate cost 1,000 — 2,000 UAH)

Do not forget about hygiene. Make a supply of soap, toothpaste, washing powder, shampoo, and toilet paper for several months. Even if all these goods do not disappear from store shelves, their prices may increase significantly. 

Military winter budget: how to save money

Considering the above, let's summarize: to make the winter more comfortable, you will need approximately 6,300 to 19,000 UAH.

However, if you want to save money and buy some things cheaper, look for discounts on Costless.