We normally keep our home decently stocked with items that we might need during a short-term emergency. Hurricane Irene however, took us a little bit at a disadvantage. We had been using some of our battery-powered lanterns for normal household lighting, and running through batteries. A few days before the storm hit, we went shopping for batteries and found that they were all gone. The stores all told us that new shipments wouldn’t be arriving until after the storm.
Once a storm is over, there may be fewer employees at a store, since they are home dealing with their own households, are getting time off after putting in extra hours before the storm or simply can’t make it in to work. So, fewer trucks of new supplies will be unloaded and lines will be longer.
Fortunately, we did well, even without the batteries, but the experience did bring up a good point. There are some things that can get scarce right before or during an emergency. These items may be hard to find. With that in mind, it is important to stock up ahead of time, so you won’t be left wanting later.
Beside the batteries, gas is another items that can be difficult to get. Even if it is available, long lines and broken machines can make it hard to obtain. Make sure your cars are always topped with gas, as much as you can. Consider storing some gas in a safe place away from your home for emergencies, too.
Food that is easy to eat and doesn’t require heat or refrigeration is the first to go. That is why shelves of bread, peanut butter and cereal tend to be empty. Milk and eggs sell out, too, which makes no real sense to me, since they must be refrigerated, but there must be some association in people’s minds.
If you own your own home and don’t yet have a generator, I would suggest investing in one soon. During the preparation for an emergency, there will be a run on generators. Even if you find one at that time, chances are that you will be paying a premium price.