When a major emergency strikes, whether it’s an earthquake, flood, cyclone, warning, or widespread power outage, many New Zealanders suddenly realise they need emergency supplies. Unfortunately, by the time an emergency is unfolding, it is often too late to buy what you need.

One of the most common questions people ask after a disaster is: “Why didn’t I prepare sooner?” Looking at previous emergencies in New Zealand and around the world, there is a clear pattern of which items disappear from shelves first.

1. Bottled Water

Water is usually the first item to sell out. Following earthquakes, severe storms, or flooding, people quickly become concerned about drinking water supplies. Supermarkets and service stations can run out of bottled water within hours.

Civil Defence recommends storing enough water for at least three days, but ideally seven days, for every member of your household.

2. Emergency Food

Long-life emergency food is another product that disappears quickly. Canned goods, dried foods, and emergency food supplies are often purchased in bulk as soon as an emergency is announced.

Emergency food is particularly important because supply chains can be disrupted, roads can be closed, and supermarkets may struggle to restock for days or even weeks.

3. Torches and Batteries

Power outages are common during storms, earthquakes, and other emergencies. As soon as people hear warnings of severe weather, batteries, torches, lanterns, and portable lighting often become difficult to find.

Having reliable lighting improves safety and comfort during extended outages.

4. Portable Cooking Equipment

When electricity is unavailable, many households have no way to prepare food. Portable gas cookers, camping stoves, fuel canisters, and cooking equipment frequently sell out before major weather events.

5. First Aid Supplies

Cuts, injuries, and medical emergencies can become more challenging when healthcare services are stretched. Well-stocked first aid kits and medical supplies are often in high demand following a disaster.

6. Emergency Radios and Power Banks

Information becomes critical during an emergency. Battery-operated radios, hand-crank radios, and power banks allow people to stay informed when mobile networks or electricity supplies are disrupted.

The Best Time to Prepare Is Before You Need To

The common theme is simple: people tend to buy emergency survival gear after an emergency warning has been issued. By then, many essential products have already sold out.

Preparing in advance means you avoid the rush, secure the supplies you need, and have peace of mind knowing your household or workplace can cope if normal services are interrupted.

At Bunkerbox, we specialise in emergency preparedness products including survival kits, emergency food, emergency grab-bags, water storage solutions, first aid supplies, wool blankets, radios, and Civil Defence equipment. Whether you’re preparing your family, workplace, school, or community organisation, having the right supplies on hand before disaster strikes can make all the difference.

Don’t wait until the shelves are empty. Prepare today so you’re ready for tomorrow, www.getready.govt.nz/prepared/household/supplies