"If You've Ever"

This was the toilet tissue aisle at our local store on
about March 12

I haven't posted for quite a while on this blog.  Right now, the world is in the middle of a crazy reaction to a virus and even crazier reactions in the panic buying and hoarding.  It just blows my mind. 

 Many times in the last few years, as I walked through a store, I got a vision of empty shelves and the "feeling" of dread that would accompany it and those who were not prepared. 
 The "panic" and irrational behavior now going on is nothing compared to what it will be in the future when there is no electricity, no internet, no truck deliveries and much worse things.  

A few years ago, an acquaintance was asked about "preparation" and what items should we stock up on, what would be good for bartering, etc.  He said something like if he had the funds he would buy a warehouse full of toilet paper.

One of my daughters reminded me that years ago I told her that feminine waste products could be wrapped in old National Enquirers (meaning any magazine or newspaper) rather than TP.  I had forgotten that. 

I have a large stash of "disposable" rags…these are made from old socks, old clothing too ragged to send to charity, old bath towels, etc.  They can be disposed of at one use, or could be washed if water is available.  I know I have been looked at with "rolled eyes" about my hoarding of "rags."

I also have a stash of cloth diapers.  I raised all my 7 children on cloth diapers.  Do people even know what a "diaper pail" is now?
 I used handkerchiefs or wash rags for nursing pads.

This was brought to mind as I read today about young mothers lamenting how they cannot buy, not only TP, but diapers, wipes and formula.  Others lamented that they would have liked to have a year's supply, but their budget prevented it.

  Here is a quote from a talk that I gave in 1976 on preparation.

  The entire talk is on another post:  June 1976 Talk "Now you are committed, you have a plan and a goal. Now all you need is money to make it happen and there isn’t enough to go around.

1. Cut Christmas Expenses by at least 50%. Buy storage items for each other. …

2. If you desire new clothes, don’t buy them. Make your wardrobe last longer.

3. Cut recreation by at least 50%. Do things that don’t require money. As a family, decide NOT to go on a vacation until you have your year’s supply.

4. If you don’t have your supply, but have luxury items such as boats, campers, snowmobiles, sell or trade them.

5. Watch for advertised specials in stores. Buy cases or in bulk when prices are good.

6. Get protein from less expensive sources than meat. Cut out store bought goodies like candy, cookies, ice cream, magazines, soda pop, etc. Set the saved money aside and buy storage items."

I found a list published many years ago (2006) called the "Top 100 Items to Disappear During a National Emergency." These were not the suggested things to store, but those that disappeared fastest.  I could find no reference source.

I have reduced the list to what I consider the top 25: (not in any particular order)

1.  Generators--gas or solar

2.  Water Filters/purifiers

3.  Honey/Sugar/Syrup

4.  Vegetable Oil

5.  Baby Supplies (diapers/formula, etc.)

6.  Feminine and basic hygiene Supplies, Toilet Tissue

7.  Canning Supplies 

8.  First Aid Kits

9.  Batteries

10.  Flour, Yeast, Salt, Vinegar, baking supplies

11.  Matches, Flashlights, Lanterns

12.  Duct Tape

13.  Liquid Laundry Detergent 

14.  Canned fruits, Veggies, Soups, Stews

15.  Water enhancers--Cocoa, Tang, Punch, Teas

16.  Sleeping bags, blankets

17.  Cleaning supplies, Bleach

18.  Firewood

19.  Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps, candles

20.  Water Containers, any size, Fill them up. 

21.  Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman, etc),  

22.  Aluminum Foil, Reg & Heavy duty

23.  Rice, Crackers, Trail Mix, Jerky, etc.

24.  Garbage bags/cans

25.  Insulated Ice Chests

Based on what has happened in the last few days and from posts on social media, I would make another list:
1.  Toilet tissue
2.  Cleaning and disinfecting supplies including hand sanitizer
3.  Paper Towels
4.  Wipes (baby and otherwise)
5.  Disposable Diapers
6.  Baby Formula
7.  Milk  (ok as long as there are truck deliveries)
8.  Bread/Flour/Yeast/Sugar
9.  Eggs
10.  Cheese
11.  Potatoes
12.  Rice (?), Top Ramen, Oatmeal (Go figure)
13.  Cold medicine, Pain relievers

Update:  March 16--We just got back from our local store here in Wyoming.  There was a little bit more of a crowd than a usual week day morning, but not bad.  The store was having a case lot sale.  They were sold out of TP and flour.  Sugar, Rice, Top Ramen and Oatmeal were almost gone.  Dry beans and Freeze dried storage stuff were about half gone.  Frozen pizza and ice cream were way down.  I didn't go down the laundry detergent or cold medicine aisles.  They had plenty of milk, cheese, eggs, chocolate chips, bread and fruits and vegetables.   Just a little inconvenience here and there.  Nothing like it will be when truck deliveries are curtailed or stopped.

Love to hear any comments or suggestions!