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The Top 50 Things to Disappear from Store Shelves during an Emergency
Originally posted here – >http://campingsurvivalblog.com/medical-preparedness/the-top-50-things-to-disappear-from-store-shelves-during-an-emergency/
The Top 50 Things to Disappear from Store Shelves during an Emergency
Have you ever noticed how, whenever a big storm is predicted, people start rushing to stores to clean them out of ever food item and supply they have on the shelves? In one sense, it’s probably good that they are trying to anticipate the emergency, despite being last-minute about it. It sure beats those people who don’t bother to prepare at all, then complain when emergency services are overwhelmed by requests for assistance.
But why panic in the first place? Why not have a stash of necessary items always ready for such an emergency? Even if there isn’t a storm approaching, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to rush out to the store every time you run out of toilet paper. Keeping some extra around the house is always a good idea!
With this in mind, I decided to ask CampingSurvival.com’s Facebook fans what they felt were the emergency supplies that stores were most likely to run out of when people start to panic. Then I compiled the top comments in various categories so I could share it with you. Since this list is based on the comments of our Facebook fan page, some of the items (canned meat, for instance) may not be the absolute first things for a store to run out of, but are still items that you should consider having among your emergency supplies nonetheless.
Without further ado, here the list of the Top 50 Things to Disappear from Store Shelves during an Emergency, compiled by yours truly:
FOOD
- Bread
- Butter
- Cereal
- Coffee
- Eggs
- Flour
- Fruit, canned and fresh
- Honey
- Meats, canned
- Milk
- Peanut butter
- Pet food
- Salt
- Sugar
- Vegetables, canned and root vegetables
- Water
POWER AND LIGHT
- Batteries
- Candles
- Charcoal
- Coolers
- Flashlights
- Gasoline
- Generators
- Glow sticks
- Ice
- Lamp oil and oil lanterns
- Lighter fluid
- Matches
- Propane, propane stoves
FUN
- Alcohol, drinking
- Beer
- Cigarettes
- Condoms
FIRST AID
- Alcohol, rubbing
- Antiseptic
- Aspirin/pain relievers
- Cold medicine
- First aid kits
HYGIENE
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper plates/napkins
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toilet paper
BABIES
- Baby food/formula
- Diapers
IMPROVISATION
- Duct tape
- Plastic bags
- Plywood
- Radios
- Rope
Now, before you file this away as mildly interesting reading, take this list and compare it to what you have stocked up. Check to see what you may be missing or what you need more of. And don’t forget that this is only a Top 50 list, so there are plenty of other items that I don’t have space to talk about in this (already long!) blog entry.
Feel free to offer feedback on our Facebook page and, as always, stay aware and prepared.
- Tom
Tom Sciacca is a former US Marine, a veteran of the Gulf War, a survival enthusiast and President of CampingSurvival.com.
Top 10 Items to Have In a Survival Kit
Top 10 Items to Have In a Survival Kit
By Wyzyrd, Editor-At-Large
Water is kind of assumed – otherwise, that’s #1
1) A ‘general purpose’ fixed blade knife. Not a dedicated chopper, not a dedicated fighting knife. Something just as useful for making a tent peg as slicing veggies for dinner or pulling out a splinter. Cold Steel’s “Canadian Belt Knife” weighs almost nothing, and is the closest to my antique carbon steel “Herter’s” model, which I have carried outdoors for 30+ years.
2) Flashlights (note plural) and batteries. Headlamps are handy too.
3) Waterproof matches, lighters and a firesteel – 2 is 1, 1 is none, so carry at least 3 ways to make fire.
4) Your favorite multi tool. This is as much of a ‘religious’ argument as firearms choice. Pick the one you like, and pack it. A small, cheap backup multi tool is not a bad idea, either, in the kit, or on your keychain–The $4.95 “Fisherman’s Tool” on the fishing aisle at Wal-Mart ain’t half bad – pack 5 or 10 of ‘em, spread around)
5) Cheap-o aluminized Mylar ‘emergency blankets‘ – more than 1.
6) Cordage. 550 cord or bankline do not take up much room (I think I’ll have to do a post on ‘survival bracelet braids and double chain sinnets) and can save your bacon.
7) Coffee (or tea). Pick your favorite instant packs or bags. Handy, even if you aren’t an addict, like me.
8) Gorilla Tape. Needs no explanation (“Why is The Force like Duck Tape? It has a Light Side and a Dark Side, and it holds the Universe together” :) and yes, it’s duck tape, not duct tape – invented to repair WWII amphibious vehicles called “ducks” – galvanized HVAC ductwork is one of the few things in the world it WON’T stick to- the plastic they use on automotive interiors resists duck tape, as well)
9) More zip-top plastic bags and at least 1 large ‘contractor grade’ plastic trash bag.
10) A metal container (that you can also use as a pot) to stick #1-9 in. I like stainless steel “Flan Molds” (available online or at a local Latino market). Circular, about 2 in deep, 6-7 in diameter, 3 or 4 spring load clamps to hold it reasonably watertight. No handle, so if you cook in it, you need the multi-tool pliers to take it off the fire.
Top 20 Preparedness Items You Own Right Now (and don’t even know it)
Top 20 Preparedness Items You Own Right Now (and don’t even know it)
By Bev, Executive Editor
1) A jack knife and a pair of pliers and you can fix, cobble, etc. most anything!
2) Pots and Pans! Handy for oh so much!
3) Solar landscape lighting! Bring them in for a much safer night time
lighting than candles! Their batteries work in other things too! And they can recharge rechargeable batteries!
4) Kitchen knives! You have a whole rack of tools there to cut, scrape and chop with!
5) Garbage bags! Again so handy for anything from keeping warm and dry, to personal sanitation, to creating shelter and ropes!
6) Aluminum foil! Handy for so much, ex. Cooking in, candle holders, reflect heat in and keep heat out!
7) Heavy duty extension cords! They work to bring electric in if only you are the one without power and also as rope!
8) Electric fence wire! That stuff practically holds my place together anyway!
9) A chainsaw! No gun and you have intruders? Start the chainsaw!
They won’t stay and you don’t have to be accurate!
10) Your dog! Both an alarm and protection, even if it is an ankle biter!
11) Duck Tape! What can’t you do with it!
12) Whiskey/Alcohol! Sterilize a wound or tend to the pain!
13) Car Radio! Emergency news at your fingertips!
14) Deck of Cards! Yup, no electric, no lights, no sound, and those cards become mighty appealing!
15) Aloe Vera Plant! Burn treatment!
16) Anything in your freezer can be used as a cold pack if needed!
17) Shower curtain! That is a large hunk of plastic to fix the roof, keep you dry, catch water in or line the bathtub and drain the rest of the water out of your system!
18) Tarps, plastic sheeting, etc. Tack them to the walls and ceiling to create one warm/isolation room!
19) Hammer! Way better than a rock for almost anything you want to pound on including an unwelcome guest!
20) Grill lighter! It makes fire!
100 Items That Disappear First in a Disaster
This list has circulated around the ‘net for years. It has been posted, torn apart, praised, and ridiculed many times. Hey – why not here. My opinion? Great list of things to stock up on. Many are common household items while others are not.
Take a gander. Let’s hear your opinions and what additions should be added to the list.
- Rourke
100 Items That Disappear First in a Disaster
1. Generators
(Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of thieves; maintenance, etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets (Increasing in price every two months.)
4. Seasoned Firewood
(About $100 per cord; wood takes 6 – 12 mos. to become dried, for home uses.)
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps
(First choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel
(URGENT $2.69-$3.99/gal. Impossible to stockpile too much.)
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats and Slingshots
8. Hand-Can openers and hand egg beaters, whisks (Life savers!)
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugars
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
(White rice is now $12.95 – 50# bag. Sam’s Club, stock depleted often.)
11. Vegetable oil (for cooking)
(Without it food burns/must be boiled, etc.)
12. Charcoal and Lighter fluid (Will become scarce suddenly.)
13. Water containers
(Urgent Item to obtain. Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY)
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won’t heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders
17. Michael Hyatt’s Y2K Survival Guide
(BEST single y2k handbook for sound advice/tips.)
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.
(Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula/ointments/aspirin, etc
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook stoves
(Propane, Coleman and Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
(Critical, due 10 Y2K-forced daily canned food diets.)
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder
(Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item.)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products
25. Thermal underwear
(Tops and bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets and Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum foil Reg. and Heavy. Duty
(Great Cooking and Barter item)
28. Gasoline containers
(Plastic or Metal)
29. Garbage bags
(Impossible to have too many.)
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, paper towel
31. Milk – Powdered and Condensed
(Shake liquid every 3 to 4 months.)
32. Garden seeds (Non-hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit: 1(800) 835-3278
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire extinguishers
(or.. large box of Baking soda in every room…)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices and vinegar, baking supplies
40. BIG DOGS (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast and salt
42. Matches
(“Strike Anywhere” preferred. Boxed, wooden matches will go first.)
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils/solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests
(good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime)
45. Work boots, belts, Levis and durable shirts
46. Flashlights/Light Sticks and torches, “No.76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries and Scrapbooks
(Jot down ideas, feelings, experiences: Historic times!)
48. Garbage cans Plastic
(great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent sprays/creams
53. Duct tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry detergent (Liquid)
57. Backpacks and Duffle bags
58. Garden tools and supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics and sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach
(plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives and Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.
65. Sleeping bags and blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games Cards, Dice
68. d-Con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps and cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks…)
71. Baby Wipes, oils, waterless and Anti-bacterial soap
(saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies
(razors and creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps and siphons
(for water and for fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. “Survival-in-a-Can”
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. BSA – New 1998 – Boy Scout Handbook
(also, Leader’s Catalog)
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons and carts
(for transport to and from open Flea markets)
87. Cots and Inflatable Mattresses (for extra guests)
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts and bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats and cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens
Guest Post: Planning for two possibilities…….
Planning For Two Possibilities
by H.T.
Sometimes you get things because you need them, sometimes because you want them, and occasionally, to be honest, it is just because you like them. None of these are bad reasons at all. Many of us like to say we only get or do what we need but realistically some want and like are typically involved as well. The answer to this has always been very simple – If you like or want something, can you find a way that it has potential use if you should ever need something. In this way you can indulge interests in some things while allowing for other purpose as well.
You may not need to grow your own gardens at this time but it makes sense to. It may be a very helpful ability and knowledge and save some money so is practical. It is also very practical should the need to have your own organic based food sources come up.
Some considerations are always- staples based on your climate of things such as corn, tomatoes, potato, general fruits, berries, and vegetables. They serve good healthy practical purpose now and in the future and are simple ways to be prepared.
You may want to consider a few other additions that might not come to mind right off the top of your head. Why not add some flowers, seasonings as well? You may want to consider ornamental landscape lighting. Some reasons to consider these additions may or may not be obvious.
Purple cone flowers – cold and flu remedy
White Willow – aspirin is made from this; for fever and pain
Marigolds – for lotions skin soothing plus teas
Aloe Vera- for treating burns
Garlic – as an antibiotic as well as seasoning
Ginger- for nausea as well as seasoning
Obviously a huge number of things could be included on this list that would serve both simply an indulgence in a beautiful garden, but with some small planning could be excellent preparation for an as yet unknown need.
Solar landscape lighting – as well as being a simple ornament, it is a rechargeable light. Less obvious on face is that if you open them up and look inside it is actually just a solar powered recharger with typically 2 AA rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be used in any device that uses AA batteries and the charger can be used to solar charge many other rechargeable batteries as well. Once again, something on first glance to be of little added value could fulfil a very important need.
It is difficult to apply that to every purpose for every item, but the point is to simply consider ways to use things in several manners. If a similar type item can serve multiple purposes it is far more useful. This also works in reverse – if there is something you want to make you more prepared for future eventualities then you might find it here at Nightgear. Sometimes you can take something that is meant to be prepared for disaster preparation and find an everyday use for it as well, getting dual purpose in that manner. It always pays to look for alternative uses.
The Perfect Christmas Gift
The perfect prepping Christmas gift—an kerosene lamp!
*****
The Perfect Christmas Gift
By John from Iowa, Editor-At-Large
Time’s running out, and if you haven’t found that hard to get person a gift yet, you could be in potential trouble!
Here’s an idea that will hopefully help. Try giving a Prepping gift, like a kerosene lamp! Wally World has a nice selection of kerosene lamps at prices that should fit into any budget. There are various decorative glass styles, but they even have the old outside barn style too. This, with a bottle of lamp oil, would make the perfect Prepping gift without breaking the bank. The lamp oils even come in various scents if you want add a special touch.
If the time comes when it is needed in a power outage, you’ll be thanked many times over! Kerosene lamps are much safer than candles, and were used in our recent past for many years. Good common sense must prevail in their use though, as with any item that uses fire. For a long while they were the only source of night time light that there was. The Amish still use them to light their homes to this day.
Most of the lamps come with instructions on how to trim the wick. Remind the gift recipient to pay close attention to it and do it for the best lighting results.
Note- My name is John, and I’m new to this website. I’ve been asked to share some of my knowledge of Prepper related topics with the other users of this site. I’ve been prepping for close to 50 years in one form or another, and I look forward to working with John and Bev in bringing you the useful info that you might be looking for. If there is a particular subject you’d like more info on, please ask. I’ll do my best to answer it, or get you pointed in the right direction. I don’t have all the answers, but I can usually find someone who does.
John from Iowa
What did I do to prep this week?
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
*****
What did I do to prep this week?
by Bev Sandlin
It was another trying week, Mother was released from the hospital, got home, and was rushed back and admitted again. She didn’t get released again until Saturday. Tick diseases are serious and some are even deadly. If you didn’t read last Sunday’s comments, HomeInsteader shared that Purpose soap (Walgreens) seems to repel Missouri ticks and I shared that dandruff shampoo used as a body wash seems to repel Minnesota wood ticks. Sharing helps us all. Thank you HomeInsteader!
I repacked my pandemic supplies into a 5 gallon pail. We are overdue for a mass pandemic similar to the one that killed millions of people in 1918. In fact, my great-grandmother, Veronica, died in 1918 six months pregnant with grandma’s brother. Was it the Spanish flu that swept around the world? So many died that year that there is no record of what she died from. What do I have in my pandemic bucket?
50 N95 masks
2 N99 reuseable masks
5 bottles of antiseptic hand cleaner
4 plastic coveralls
A box of100 disposable latex gloves
Two sets of safety glasses
2 Israeli gas masks with extra cartridges
Rolls of plastic and duck tape to create an insolation tent
A box of 1000 antiseptic wipes
Quarantine signs to post on the doors as a potential way to ward off intruders—they might think twice, maybe not…
Last year I went to the movie Contagion–very sobering as to the potential for a pandemic. And I live only 30 miles from Mayo Clinic and many people in town work there.
I went online and purchased two heavy duty mylar blankets from Deals Only Web Store. Now I’m waiting for them to arrive. I am looking for reusable mylar blankets as they are so handy in a variety of emergency situations. And since my life may depend on them in a Minnesota winter, I want good ones!
I spent a few hours this week prepping my food garden for next year—final weeding, turning the compost piles, organizing pots and folding up plastic.
I also finished the paper work and was accepted by the Minnesota Master Gardener program—requires a background check. So, now I have to come up with $275 to pay for the online course running January and February and I will be a Master Gardener intern! And thanks, Wyzyrd, for your tips on growing food indoors—also in last week’s prepping comments.
This week is Thanksgiving, already! The years seem to be going faster… Please give thanks for our great Nation and for the veterans who have served to keep us free! If your table is as laden as mine will be, consider inviting a veteran to dinner who may not otherwise enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. There are so many older veterans who have no one or their family lives far away. Sharing one meal with someone who is alone during this holiday can be such a blessing to them and us as well.
Okay Rourke’s Patriots, what did YOU do this week to prep?
A smile for you…
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The Army of the Lord |
friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside.
The Pastor said to him, “You need to join the Army of the Lord!”
My friend replied, “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor.”
Pastor questioned, “How come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?”
He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”
Prepping this week…….
And I have been praying. I’ve been praying for the survivors of Sandy who are still in the dark. Praying for those who have lost loved ones. And praying for wisdom from my Lord on how I can help. Giving blood yes… But I feel very convicted that there must be more that I can do.
D5 Creation