When emergencies strike, whether it’s a natural disaster, pandemic, or something else entirely, the rush to stores can be overwhelming. People naturally want to feel prepared, but what most don’t realize is that certain items vanish from shelves faster than others. Knowing what these things are ahead of time means you can stock up now, avoiding the panic later. It’s all about being ready for anything—so let’s take a closer look at 35 items that disappear first when crisis hits.
1. Bottled Water
Water is always the first thing to go. It’s essential for survival, and in an emergency, clean drinking water may not be available. Most people aim to have enough for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene, so gallons and cases of bottled water vanish quickly. It’s smart to store several gallons per person in your household.
2. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper may not be the most glamorous supply, but it’s definitely one of the first things to fly off shelves. During an emergency, people prioritize hygiene, and when you’re stuck at home for days or weeks, no one wants to run out. This item became a prime example of panic buying during the pandemic.
3. Canned Goods
Canned food is the next item people grab because it lasts a long time and doesn’t need refrigeration. From vegetables to soups and meats, canned goods can provide essential calories and nutrients during an extended crisis. Make sure you stock up on a variety of types for a balanced diet.
4. Hand Sanitizer
Germs spread quickly in emergencies, and when soap and water aren’t always accessible, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. It disappeared nearly overnight during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s one of the first things to go in most health-related emergencies.
5. Flashlights
With the risk of power outages, flashlights are in high demand during emergencies. They provide safe, reliable light in a pinch, and every household needs more than one. Don’t forget to also grab extra batteries to keep them running.
6. Batteries
Speaking of batteries, these are critical for more than just flashlights. Radios, lanterns, and other emergency devices often rely on batteries. People rush to buy different sizes, especially AA and AAA, so it’s wise to have a good supply before an emergency strikes.
7. Baby Formula and Diapers
Families with babies or toddlers scramble to grab baby formula and diapers when they anticipate being homebound. These are critical for keeping infants nourished and comfortable, and running out during a crisis is something no parent wants to face.
8. OTC Medications
Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, cough syrup, and cold medicine, disappear quickly. In emergencies, access to medical care might be limited, so people prepare to treat minor ailments on their own. Stock up on a variety of basic meds to stay safe.
9. First Aid Supplies
Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other first aid essentials are always high on the list. A basic first aid kit might not be enough if you need to treat injuries during an emergency. Ensure you’ve got extra gauze, ointments, and any special supplies your family might need.
10. Propane and Gasoline
Propane tanks for outdoor cooking and gasoline for generators are critical in many emergencies, especially if the power is out. Both of these fuel sources disappear fast, so make sure to have enough for cooking, heat, and keeping essential devices powered.
11. Rice and Pasta
Long-lasting dry goods like rice and pasta are incredibly valuable in emergencies. They store well, are easy to prepare, and provide plenty of energy. When crisis looms, people empty these from store shelves fast. It’s smart to stock a variety of grains and dried foods.
12. Bread
Though bread has a short shelf life, it’s a staple in many homes and is one of the first items to sell out. People freeze loaves to extend their life or plan to use them quickly. If you know an emergency is coming, grabbing extra bread early is a smart move.
13. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense food that lasts a long time without refrigeration. It’s a favorite in emergency stockpiles because it provides protein and fats. Plus, it doesn’t require any cooking, making it handy for quick meals when electricity isn’t available.
14. Milk
Milk, especially shelf-stable or powdered milk, is in high demand when emergencies strike. Families with children rely on it for nutrition, and it’s an ingredient in many recipes. The long-lasting varieties sell out first, so it’s wise to grab some before a crisis hits.
15. Eggs
Eggs, especially powdered or freeze-dried eggs, are another staple that flies off the shelves. While fresh eggs don’t last forever, they can be an essential protein source for a while if stored properly. Freeze-dried versions, on the other hand, are ideal for long-term storage.
16. Salt
Salt isn’t just for seasoning—it’s also important for preserving food in an emergency. It’s a valuable resource for making things last when refrigeration is limited or non-existent. Since salt also keeps forever, it’s something people stock up on immediately.
17. Sugar
Like salt, sugar has an almost endless shelf life and is essential in many recipes. It’s also a quick source of energy when needed. People grab sugar to prepare comfort foods and keep morale up during long, uncertain times.
18. Coffee
Coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it’s a comfort item that people rush to stockpile during emergencies. Whether it’s instant or ground coffee, this caffeine fix is one of the first things to vanish from shelves.
19. Pet Food
We can’t forget about our furry friends during emergencies. Pet food often disappears just as fast as human food. Stocking up on your pet’s favorite food ahead of time ensures you won’t be caught off guard trying to feed them.
20. Bleach
Bleach is an essential cleaning and disinfecting agent, which is why it’s a top priority in emergencies. People also use bleach to purify water when necessary, making it a must-have item that disappears quickly from stores.
21. Feminine Hygiene Products
Feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons are essential and often vanish quickly from store shelves in an emergency. Stocking up on enough to last during a prolonged crisis is crucial for comfort and hygiene.
22. Matches and Lighters
In situations where power is lost, matches and lighters are crucial for starting fires to cook food or stay warm. These disappear fast, so having a good stash can make life a lot easier during an extended power outage or outdoor emergency.
23. Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is essential for preparing most meals, and it stores relatively well. People buy this up quickly because it’s such a basic necessity for meal preparation, making it one of the first items to run out in an emergency.
24. Prescription Medications
People who rely on prescription medications often face major challenges during emergencies when pharmacies close or run out. If you rely on medication, it’s crucial to have at least a month’s supply stored in case you can’t get it during a crisis.
25. Soap and Cleaning Supplies
Personal hygiene becomes a challenge during emergencies, which is why soap, detergent, and other cleaning products disappear fast. Stocking up ensures you can keep clean and maintain sanitary conditions when resources are stretched thin.
26. Blankets
Blankets provide warmth when the power goes out and are critical during colder weather. As soon as the weather takes a turn or an emergency hits, people buy blankets in bulk to ensure they can stay warm and comfortable.
27. Firewood
For those who have fireplaces or wood stoves, firewood becomes a valuable commodity during a power outage. People often scramble to purchase it when they fear they’ll lose heat or need to cook. It’s smart to keep a supply if you live in an area that relies on wood for warmth.
28. Duct Tape
Duct tape has so many uses in an emergency, from sealing windows to making quick repairs on broken items. It’s a versatile tool that disappears fast, so having some on hand before the rush ensures you can tackle any repairs that come up.
29. Paper Plates and Disposable Utensils
When the water supply is limited or utilities are down, paper plates and disposable utensils are convenient for eating without needing to wash dishes. People stock up on these to avoid sanitation issues during prolonged emergencies.
30. Vitamins
To stay healthy, especially during extended emergencies, vitamins can be an important supplement. When access to fresh food is limited, people stock up on multivitamins to keep their immune systems strong, so they run out fast.
31. Alcohol
Alcohol is another item people rush to buy in emergencies, whether it’s for disinfecting or drinking. Bottles of liquor disappear quickly, especially hard liquors that can be used for sterilizing wounds or creating tinctures.
32. Gloves
Disposable gloves are essential for cleaning, disinfecting, or handling food in emergencies, which is why they vanish from store shelves. They provide an extra layer of protection when sanitation is a priority.
33. Seeds
Seeds for growing food become highly desirable during long-term emergencies. People want to ensure they can grow their own food if needed, which is why seeds fly off the shelves when supply chains are disrupted.
34. Masks
Face masks, especially during health-related crises, sell out fast. They protect against the spread of germs and can be vital for preventing illness. Having a good supply is essential if you anticipate being in crowded or risky areas.
35. Tarps
Tarps are incredibly versatile for creating makeshift shelters, covering damaged roofs, or keeping supplies dry. They disappear from hardware stores quickly when people anticipate damage to their homes or need extra shelter.
