The whole world is officially freaked out, justifiably so, over the coronavirus. Of course, this has manifested itself in different ways. One of the most noteworthy is stockpiling. Store shelves are looking more and more bare as people stock up their cupboards at home.
Toilet paper is basically out of stock everywhere.
Preppers buying years’ worth of toilet paper is a confusing trend, one that’s basically a meme at this point. But it’s a real thing — just try to find some TP at your local store.
Of course, hubris can get the better of us.
Having an epic toilet paper supply means nothing if you have pets who like to shred stuff, as this person found out recently.
Some preppers are well-prepared.
This Twitter user shared this pic — not of her personal coronavirus stockpile, but of her dad’s all-purpose doomsday stockpile. It looks pretty applicable to coronavirus either way.
Stockpiles range in size.
If the shelves are bare, or if you can’t afford to drop hundreds on groceries, your stockpile might be a little more humble. This person posted, saying that they just got a few essentials.
Not all stockpiles are food.
This person has the requisite toilet paper, along with enough cleaning supplies to disinfect a battleship. Let’s hope they picked up at least some provisions as well.
It’s good to have a few days’ worth of food.
If you get sick, you need to quarantine yourself. It’s not like you’ll want to go to the store anyway. Having a stockpile like this on hand would be helpful for anyone who’s bedridden.
And important reminder!
In times like this, many people who don’t normally use dried beans may wonder how best to prepare them.
While opinions differ on how useful soaking is for most bean varieties, it’s very important to soak and boil dried red kidney beans. They are toxic and simply cooking them through isn’t enough to make them completely safe.
Canned kidney beans have already been processed to avoid this.
Some people stockpile as part of their lifestyle.
While most stockpilers are rushing to buy prepackaged foods, those who do their own canning likely have at least a few shelves of food ready to go at all times.
It really is the time for DIY preserving to shine.
Oh, that is going to be a mighty tasty charcuterie board to enjoy along with a Netflix binge.
It’s not just the canners and picklers, either.
Some people have a large stockpile of everyday items in their basements.
Hopefully, they will be willing to share with neighbors in need.
That person’s list is a good reminder.
When planning for the possibility of not leaving the house for a couple of weeks, skip that extra 48-pack of TP and stock up on other, less obvious essentials.
Sure, we can joke about condoms, but you really don’t want to get your period while under quarantine and discover you’re out of Tampax.
We’re all going to catch up on all of the shows.
And when this is all over, people are going to be hugging so much, just out of sheer relief at the ability to come within a few feet of another human being again.
That’s one packed freezer..
Props to this person for preparing healthy meals, then freezing them. It’s cheaper, more nutritious, and easier to just pull out a dish and microwave. Let’s just hope the power doesn’t go out.
The good stuff.
Depending on your line of work, there might be unique items to stockpile. This pharmacist is making sure their pharmacy is well-equipped for the coming weeks.
Of course, stores are struggling to keep their shelves stocked.
Which only adds to the panic as people see visible evidence of a shortage.
Don’t worry, though. Most stores are saying that while their on-site stock has been cleared out, manufacturers are not struggling to provide more.
It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Though there is no shortage, some people buy like there is, which causes things to be out of stock, meaning more people believe there will be a shortage, and so on.
It’s important to have enough on hand for your family should you be put in isolation or quarantine, but also important to ensure your neighbors can do the same by not clearing out the shelves needlessly.
Remembering to laugh a bit is important too.
“Stockpiling”. Get it? It’s a pile of stock?
I’ll see myself out.
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There’s more than one way to stockpile.
Sure, this person might run out of food after the first day or two, but at least they can put themselves into a state where they don’t care.
This person was spotted with 12 cases of champagne.
Which is one way to guarantee a memorable St. Patrick’s Day in the age of the novel coronavirus.
If you’re in quarantine, you’ll have time to kill.
This knitter decided to stock up before going into quarantine. Food is the most important thing, but it’s also good to have distractions like board games, books and even yarn.
A bookworm’s dream.
Just be careful not to let this turn into that episode of The Twilight Zone where the guy’s glasses break.
Stay safe!
The TP hoarders show humanity at its worst, but posts like this show humanity at its best.
Let us know your quarantine plans in the comments!
