Ever pour a bowl of cereal only to find out you’re out of milk? Or you go to make a sandwich, and all that was left of the bread was the heel?
A trip to the grocery store to replenish such items might take a day or two (sometimes three, in my case). And yet, we survive. Our kids survive. So why is it that the mere mention of a snowstorm sends some people right into a food-buying frenzy?
Turns out, there’s a science behind it.
“There’s a growing psychology literature on decision making which shows that we are often not rational or logical in how we weigh the risks of various events,” said University of Georgia psychology professor Dr. Janet Frick. “So apparently where weather is concerned, we are not terribly worried about getting struck by lightning, but we are terrified of the idea of having to make a meal from items in our pantry that doesn’t include bread and milk.”
It’s also about control.
In the article “The Psychology of Stockpiling,” psychologist Lisa Brateman points out: “The thought to get milk before a storm is followed by the action or compulsion to go out and stockpile it. In one way or another, we spend a lot of time and energy trying to feel in control, and buying things you might throw out still gives the person a sense of control in an uncontrollable situation.”
Perishables have to be consumed quickly. Stocking up on canned goods makes us feel like we are going to be homebound for a long period of time, which can be traumatic.
Then there is the “herd mentality” (think toilet paper and the pandemic). If others are stocking up on an item, perhaps we should as well.
But the compulsion to fill our carts at the grocery store before a storm might come from past experiences -- like the Blizzard of 1978, when people were trapped in their homes for weeks and quickly ran out of perishables like bread and milk.
With power outages being a big concern for the winter storm hitting Michigan on Friday, Jan. 12 and Saturday, Jan. 13, stocking up on items that need refrigeration might not be the smartest investment. In other words, you might want to steer clear of the freezer aisle at Costco on Friday. Click here for the latest storm forecast for Southeast Michigan.
So, what items should you have on hand before a storm hits?
Bottled water is your first must-have, with at least a gallon of water per person per day. Also, a non perishable food emergency kit with food like peanut butter, crackers (whole wheat has the longest shelf life), nuts and trail mix. Now ,this isn’t needed for a one-inch snow day, but rather something you should have on hand all year long, just in case.
Canned meats like tuna and chicken, along with soup, can last for years. Make sure you have a manual can opener in case there is no electricity. Granola bars are great for energy and fiber.
If you do stock up on perishables, chose wisely. Some fruits, like apples, can last up to three months. Others, like oranges and grapefruits, last at least a couple of weeks.
---> Winter weather advisory issued for Metro Detroit this weekend: What that means