The post on Monday asked whether pet stores were a “secret” place to find last minute preps and the answer was obviously NO. Today, however, I try to point out a few places where you could actually find last minutes supplies if you really had to. Now, even though I wrote an e-book about last minute shopping at places like Walmart and Home Depot, you know as well as I do that that places like these–along with your local grocery stores–are going to be swamped and quickly drained of anything useful if a true emergency were imminent.
Obviously, these places should be avoided if at all possible. The question, therefore, is where might you be able to find last minute supplies should you actually need to do so AND not have to literally fight over the last package of crackers? Here’s a few thoughts to get you started…
- Gas stations – this has got to be at the top of my list as they’re so numerous I would be surprised if you can’t find anything useful in at least one or two nearby you. Certainly you can find gasoline, but many stores stock plenty of shelf-stable foods, propane (a huge MUST), as well as an assortment of OTC medications, hard alcohol (for more than just drinking), batteries, and other random supplies. Certainly, you’re going to pay a premium price for these goods and their availability will depend largely on the gas station you stop at but, in my opinion, I would hit every gas station within a 5 mile radius ASAP if this were your plan.
- ATM machines (any of them) – I know you can’t actually find supplies at an ATM machine but you can get the next best thing so long as stores are optating: cash. Even if you have to pay bank fees to get a few hundred dollars from another bank’s ATM machine, I’d say it’s worth the expense to get the currency that most businesses are likely to accept if power is out. Don’t expect that credit cards, debit cards, or even checks can or will be accepted. Regardless, it’s wise to already have some cash on hand for just such an occasion but it can’t hurt to have a bit more.
- Garden centers – think of all the tools and supplies you can find to work your garden, from seeds to soil and more. You might even be able to find additional water barrels to add to a rainwater system or just for water storage. Certainly, you’re not stocking up on the obvious last minute supplies but you’re at least bolstering you ability to be more self reliant.
- Drug stores – places like CVS Pharmacy are becoming more and more numerous and would be better options to get many medical supplies than fighting through Walmart crowds. You might even be able to find a few snack type foods and water to stockpile as well.
- Hospitals – oftentimes hospitals have small convenience stores where you can purchase small snacks foods and bottles of water. I briefly considered airport convenience stores that sounds like a nightmare I want no part of for just a few supplies.
- Dollar stores – again, like any other convenience store you can find many, many useful items here… far more than just food and water. However, I would suspect a place like this would be wiped out fairly quickly too so it’s last on my list.
It should go without saying that you’re going to pay through the nose by buying last minute supplies in this way but if you’re desperate then you may have no other choice.
What if I had to go to a grocery store or Walmart?
It should go without saying that staples like food and water are going to fly off the shelves before you can say “boo,” so I wouldn’t look here for the obvious. Rather, I would look for things like OTC medications, propane, various home improvement supplies (such as duct tape), hard alcohol (again, many uses besides the obvious), child care products, disposable eating supplies, and so on. Basically, you’re walking along the outside aisles of most grocery stores and grabbing things most people may overlook. Oh, and you can probably find an ATM machine too.
What places would you add?
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