Since the essential items can vary based on disaster type, you might be thinking you could simply wait until after the disaster strikes to get the items you need. However, that assumes you have the ability to get to the grocery store or home improvement store and that the store will be stocked with those needed items. Personally, I wouldn't want to take that chance. This list contains items that have been known to commonly sell out in the wake of any crisis. Use it to give yourself and your family the greatest chance of survival and to prevent yourself from dealing with the chaos after a disaster. You don't want to fight someone in the aisle of Home Depot for a generator! Disasters are stressful enough.

Generators

A backup source of power is not something most of us think about (before we prepped anyway) until we hear that eerie sound of silence when every electric device connected to the wall goes dead.

If you think you need backup power for emergencies, set aside time and budget now to get a model that will work for you. Most generators will not power your entire home, but a decent sized portable generator can power several lights, charge devices or one to two small appliances. But you should ensure you have plenty of fuel on hand also.

Alternative: In lieu of a generator, you can use a power inverter and your car’s engine to do the same thing. You may even use less fuel and will certainly cause less noise.

Extension cords

Extension cords are always in short supply after a disaster because people forget they need to get power to the other end of their home or across the street to a neighbor’s house. A few 50 to 100 feet medium duty extension cords will help you bring the power into areas.

Weather Radios

A weather radio is usually purchased because most like the Eton FRX3 Hand Crank NOAA AM/FM Weather Alert Radio have a crank that you can use to power the unit instead of batteries.

Batteries

Speaking of batteries, it’s good to do two things ahead of any disaster. First, standardize on a common battery size now. I prefer AA for most of my devices that take batteries. The second thing is to have plenty of batteries on hand before you need them.

Alternative: Use rechargeable batteries and a solar charger to keep your supply fresh. Even the best batteries will die eventually so rechargeables are a longer running option.

Candles

You can heat a room or cook with them if you have the right set up. They aren’t a perfect solution because I would still rather have a headlamp than a candle, especially to prevent fires but they do have their place.

Industrial fans

After hurricane’s Katrina and Sandy, industrial fans were used to dry out carpet before mold set in. You are going to have to justify using the gas you have stored for a fan, but in some cases, these are sold out quickly. I can imagine how nice they would be in a hot Florida or Mississippi August.

Gasoline cans

What are you going to carry that gas in that you are standing in line for hours to get?  Your car is out of gas or more likely you don’t want to use gas to get to the store so you will need several fuel cans to cart any fuel you can obtain. Additionally, a yard wagon to haul 4 of these or more at a time (provided rationing will allow it) might be a good idea also.

Flashlights/Lanterns

Most homes have some version of a flashlight around for emergencies. I would add a decent headlamp to this list for everyone in the family because I think they are superior for working hands free. I have a couple of battery-powered lanterns (little to no heat and zero risk of fire) and several Coleman propane lanterns for outdoor use or winter time, controlled usage. The heat off these is great in winter and you can cook on the tops too if you are desperate.

Non-Perishable Food/Water

Now, the most obvious item that sells out after a crisis, and that is food. Take time now to stock up on canned food items that your family can eat either by heating over a camp stove or grill or even a fire.

Let us know if this list is helpful in your survival prepping! Are there any other commonly sold-out items that should be added o the list?

Article Source: The Prepper Journal