Every time a big storm is predicted, you see people panicking and ransacking regional stores. These are the same people that call folks like you and me “odd”. They think we exaggerate with our prepping plans and we won’t need all the things we stockpile. Before a natural disaster, the following things will disappear faster than anyone can predict and here is what you should be getting.
Have you ever notice how, when a natural disaster is predicted, people rush to the store and buy all things they can get their hands on. This last minute emergency shopping makes sense for some, although it won’t do them any good if the situation prolongs for more than a week or two.
I somehow understand this panic buying and it sure beats those who don’t bother to get out of the house at all. I’m one of the people that will go to the store at the last minute, but not because I’m not prepared. I plan on getting something extra, just to be sure I have the upper hand when a natural disaster hits.
Rather than complaining about emergency services being overwhelmed during a crisis and requesting assistance, people should have a stash of necessary items. The type of items that would help them survive when the brown stuff hits the fan. When a hurricane is approaching your area is nice to realize you don’t have to get out of the house because you run out of toilet paper or other things.
Having this in mind, here are the emergency supplies that stores are more likely to run out when people start to panic. You should already have most, if not all of these items if you are preparedness like-minded. I’m also pointing out the things I plan on getting just to strengthen my backup plan. Check out the list and compare it with what you have stocked up. You may be missing something and not even realizing it.
Top 50 things to disappear from stores before a natural disaster:
Food
1. Bread
2. Butter
3. Cereal
I plan on getting a few boxes of cereal because they can last for a long time if properly packed. I mix various brands in different zip-lock bags just to make sure I don’t get bored of the same brand.
4. Cofee
This goes fast and I for one, I’m a coffee addict. I can’t go by more than a couple of days without my coffee. The good news is that coffee can last for quite some time if properly sealed. And as a plan B, I’m also looking for alternatives and so far, black tea seems to work quite well.
5. Honey
Every time I go to the store, I get a jar or two of honey. My wife says I’m obsessed with it, but I like to believe I know better. In case the power goes out, I plan to preserve all the meat I have in the freezer using honey, but also use it for other purposes. I advise you to read this article on the survival uses of honey.
6. Eggs
Don’t bother with eggs unless you know how to preserve them and have the time to do so. Making powdered eggs takes time and you might not be able to concentrate on this job in your storm shelter
7. Flour
Always good to have some extra flour. Especially if baking is your “thing”. Flour can be preserved for a long time using Mylar bags and desiccants. Another alternative would be to store grains and make your own flour if needed.
8. Milk
Just like with the eggs, you shouldn’t bother fighting with people over milk, unless you know how to preserve it. Milk can also be dehydrated, but I doubt you’ll have the time to do that.
9. Canned fruit and fresh fruit.
I have a lot of canned goods, but I plan on getting fresh fruits as comfort food for my wife.
10. Meats, canned
Unless you plan to make a BBQ for the end of the world, stick to canned meat. I already have a good selection of canned meats, but I will still get a dozen of tuna cans. I won’t be able to get more of it if things don’t go back to normal so it’s better to have some extra.
11. Peanut butter
This is one of the survival foods that should be in every pantry. It provides a good amount of protein and some people can survive on peanut butter and crackers alone. It also stores well for a couple of years so you will not waste your money.
12. Salt
13. Sugar
Sugar has many survival uses and that’s the reason I plan on getting more during my last shopping trip. In conjunction with iodine or betadine it can make a powerful antiseptic called Sugardine (more here). It also prevents open wounds from getting infected if you mix it with a little honey and apply it directly.
14. Canned vegetables, fresh vegetables and root vegetables
While fresh vegetables won’t last much, they still provide a morale boost for your family. Canned and root ones are much more suited for your survival pantry since they will last longer.
15. Water
I don’t bother spending my money on bottled water, since I have a good supply of it at home. However, most people don’t and it will fly of the shelves pretty quick. I have two WaterBOBs that I plan on putting to good use when a natural disaster hits.
Related article: Emergency Water Storage Solutions In Your Home
First Aid
16. 
Alcohol, rubbing
17. Antiseptic
You can also make your own when you run out of store bought supplies. Here are the 3 most powerful antiseptics you can make at home (start by reading this article).
18. Pain relievers
19. Cold medicine
20. First aid kits
Rather than spending money on a commercial first aid kit, learn to make your own. You will be able to customize it according to your needs and number of family member. If that seems too complicated, make sure you buy one designed for various emergencies.
Child Care
21. Baby formula and other baby foods
22. Diapers
Hygiene
23. Feminine hygiene products
This is an overlooked and somehow ignored topic by most preppers. The women in your life will have certain needs during a natural disaster and you won’t be able to ignore it. Just cause you look away, it doesn’t mean it will make the problem go away. I recommend reading this:
Prepping For Your Period – A Sensitive Topic For Preppers
24. Toilet paper
25. Shampoo
26. Soap
Once again, it’s good to have a good supply of soap, but that’s not the long-term solution. Learn how to make your own and check if there are soap plants in your region.
Power and Light
27. Batteries
28. Radios
Get a hand-cranked weather radio and you won’t regret it. It will help you stay informed when the power is out and you will know in time if you need to evacuate or hunker down. A natural disaster can develop quickly and change its course in matter of minutes or hours. You need to get updates in time if you want to make it alive.
29. Candles
30. Matches
31. Charcoal
If the utilities no longer work, you will be able to grill without problems using charcoal. What doesn’t get eaten can be preserved using honey or salt.
32. Coolers
33. Ice
34. Flashlight
35. Gasoline
This will go fast and it will be in high demand after a disaster. Rather than leaving it to chance, learn how to make a gas cache and what it all implies. You will be better off knowing you won’t have to wait in line at the gas pump and argue with people.
36. Glow sticks
37. Solar lanterns
38. Oil lanterns and lamp oil
39. Lighter fluid
40. Generators
Buying a power generator is important for those who live in areas where there are frequent power outages. California, Texas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania top the list of states that experience the most outages. Now with the modern generators, you do not have to do anything when the power goes out. The unit turns itself on using the automatic transfer switch. Your electrical lines will continue to be powered up by a generator during a natural disaster when utility power fails.
Related article: Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Generator
41. Propane stoves and propane
Hardware
42. Duct tape
43. Plastic bags (including heavy-duty ones)
After each natural disaster, there will be a lot of cleaning taking place and these garbage bags are a handy solution. Not to mention that they have multiple other uses and you can always improvise something. I have more than 100 packs of garbage bags in my garage.
44. Plywood and other construction materials
45. Rope
46. Tarps
47. Safety gear (gloves, boots, helmets and such)
There will always be the need for partial repairs to prevent further damage until professional help arrives. The above items will come in handy for those who need to keep their home standing. You won’t be able to borrow these items from your neighbors since most probably they will need them too. Debris is always problem during a natural disaster so make sure you protect yourself.
Vice Items
48. Alcohol
49. Cigarettes
50. Condoms
When the power goes out, there’s not much thing to do and people will stick to what they know best. The above vice items will keep some people happy after disaster hits. However, don’t spend your hard earned money of these things unless you “need” to use them or you plan to use them for bartering.
My Advice
A last minute shopping trip is not a bad idea, especially if you’re not prepared. However, rather than fighting with people over items you may or may not need, learn to stockpile in advance. You will be able to do things your way, based on your prepping plans and with a calm approach. It also won’t impact your budget as much. Compared to panic buying, you will be able to save your money and take advantage of sales or other promotions. Us, “odd folks” should know better and make smart purchases even in the last hours before a natural disaster. Stay safe and be prepared!
Other Useful Resources:
Learn how to Safeguard your Home against Looters
The Best EMP survival and preparedness guide available for the general public
Knowledge to survive any medical crisis situation
The vital self-sufficiency lessons our great grand-fathers left us