14 Items Most Likely to Sell Out at Your Grocery Store During a Natural Disaster

From hurricanes to snowstorms, many of us are never that far away from a natural disaster.

By the time nature’s fury is headed in your direction, chances are good that grocery stores will have long lines and quickly sell out of the things you need. So it pays to react fast when bad weather or other natural emergencies appear to be on the way.

Shopping early improves your odds of getting what you need. It also might help you avoid wasting money because you won’t have to pay inflated prices later when people are scrambling to secure essentials.

Following are some essential items you should stock up on early before they sell out.

Milk is a great staple when you can't go to the grocery store for several days.

It’s not only good to drink but can also be used for recipes or cereal if you're unable to cook due to a natural disaster.

Water can be a major issue if a natural disaster disrupts pipes or prevents you from accessing clean water.

So think about stocking up on bottled water to keep you hydrated. You might also use it for cooking if you don’t have access to a clean water supply.

Bread is another perishable staple you might want to grab before a natural disaster. Make sure you pick up a loaf or two for sandwiches, which are easy to make if you lose power during a storm or other natural disaster.

Need something to put on sandwich bread? Get some peanut butter. It’s a good source of protein to keep you going. 

Peanut butter lasts longer than other perishable items. So, consider grabbing some on your next shopping trip to keep in the pantry as a just-in-case item.

Eggs can be an excellent protein source and a good breakfast option if you get caught in a snowstorm, hurricane, or other natural disaster. You can also use eggs in various recipes to keep you going while stuck at home.

Chips can be a great snack food. Chips also take longer to expire than other foods.

So pick up some to add to an emergency food kit during hurricane season or when you expect bad winter weather.

Aluminum foil can be used in various ways to help you through a natural disaster.

Use it to pack food and other items to keep them secure and protected during an emergency. In a pinch, you can also use foil to help you cook during a natural disaster.

Don’t forget your furry friends: In case of a natural disaster, make sure you have food on hand for them.

If you can’t find pet food at your local grocery store due to a run on the product, check with a local pet store instead. It might cost a bit more but it can help keep your pets fed.

Baking soda is a great item to have on hand when it is time to clean up after a disaster. You can use it as a natural abrasive to remove dirt or grime that might get into your home.

Baking soda also can help reduce odors if you lose power and food in the fridge begins to spoil.

Fruit is a good option because you can quickly grab it and go without worrying too much about preparing it.

Consider things like bananas, oranges, apples, and more so you have some fresh food on hand that won’t go bad if it’s not refrigerated.

Canned goods are great pantry staples to stock up on, especially during a natural disaster. You can easily prepare them, and they have a long shelf life.

The long shelf life of canned goods will allow you to set some aside in a seasonal emergency kit without worrying about them going bad.

Rice is easy to cook and easy to store, making it an ideal option if you want something in your pantry that is ready to go.

A little rice can also last a long time, so add it to your cart if you’re worried about how long you might be stuck at home.

Toilet paper is a major staple for many people when it comes to a snowstorm, hurricane, or other anticipated natural disaster. Grab a few packs just in case, but remember to leave some for others.

Natural disasters can leave you stuck at home for a while. So pick up some shampoo, soap, and toothpaste to keep you going during a disaster.

You also might want to consider travel-size versions in case you have to evacuate or need to be on the road indefinitely.

Keep some of these items stocked up at your home so you’re always prepared and won’t have to fight others to get the things you need.

And when purchasing these items, consider using a rewards credit card that can earn you cash back or other perks.