When the World Runs Out

In early 2020, a novel virus swept across the globe. What followed wasn’t just a health crisis, it was a full  scale breakdown of the global supply chain. Shipping delays, product shortages, empty shelves, and skyrocketing prices became the new normal. Fast forward to today, and the disruptions haven’t gone away. From wars in Europe and the Middle East to natural disasters in Asia and the Americas, our "just-in-time" delivery systems are showing just how vulnerable they really are.

In any emergency, whether it’s a natural disaster, economic crash, cyberattack, or conflict; understanding how supply chains fail and what to stock up on could make the difference between comfort and crisis.

Before the Shelves Empty: Know What You’re Up Against

Why Supply Chains Break:

Most of what we buy including, groceries, medicine, batteries, even bottled water, comes through a fragile global network of factories, ships, warehouses, and trucks. This system works efficiently when everything runs smoothly. But when one link breaks, like a port strike, oil shortage, or closed border, the entire chain slows or stops.

Even minor disruptions can ripple across the globe. A drought in Taiwan can slow down computer chip production. A cyberattack on a shipping company can delay food and fuel. A war overseas can spike the price of fertilizer, raising food costs worldwide.

What This Means for You:

If trucks stop rolling, shelves empty fast. Stores typically have just 3-5 days of inventory, and in a crisis, panic buying speeds up the process. By the time you realize there’s a shortage, it may already be too late.

During a Crisis: What to Stock Before the Rush

Here’s a list of high-priority items that often disappear first and may be hard to restock when things go wrong:

1. Water & Filtration Supplies

• Store at least 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3-7 days).

• Have backup options like water purification tablets, purification straws and bottles, or emergency water pouches.

2. Non-Perishable Food

• Canned goods (soups, beans, meats, veggies)

• Dried foods (rice, pasta, oats, powdered milk)

• Freeze-dried meals with long shelf lives like Alpine Aire.

• Emergency food rations and bars are an excellent choice for simple long term food storage. 
  

3. Medications & First Aid

• Stock 30+ days of prescriptions if possible

• Pain relievers, allergy meds, antacids, antidiarrheals

• First aid kits with trauma supplies, antiseptics, gloves

4. Hygiene and Sanitation

• Toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products

• Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, trash bags

• Emergency toilet systems if plumbing fails

• An emergency hygiene kit

5. Power & Lighting

• Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns

• Extra batteries (AA, AAA, etc.)

• Portable solar chargers or backup power banks

6. Fuel & Cooking Essentials

• Propane, butane, or isobutane canisters

• Small camping stoves or grills

• Lighters, waterproof matches, fire starters

7. Communication Tools

• NOAA weather radio or hand crank radio

• Walkie-talkies or satellite messengers

• Printed emergency contacts and maps

8. Money & Important Documents

• Small bills and coins (ATMs may not work)

• Paper copies of IDs, insurance policies, titles

• Waterproof and fireproof document pouches

9. Baby and Pet Supplies

• Diapers, formula, baby wipes

• Pet food, leashes, medications or a full pet emergency kit.

10. Protective Gear

• masks, gloves, goggles

• Warm clothing, rain gear, thermal blankets

After the Dust Settles: Be Ready for Long-Term Shortages

Even when the immediate emergency passes, supply chains may take weeks or months to recover. During COVID, some items like yeast, bicycle parts, and ammo were hard to find for over a year. The 2021 Texas freeze caused widespread disruptions in plastics and auto parts. The 2024 drought in South America impacted global grain exports.

Prepare not just for the moment, but for the aftermath. Focus on shelf stable items, alternative cooking methods, and sustainable water sources. Think in terms of redundancy and have backups to your backups.

Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. The more prepared you are, the less you’ll have to rely on a shaky supply chain when things go sideways. Start building your emergency stockpile now and not when the shelves are already empty.

At Quake Kits, we specialize in high quality emergency survival kits, long-term water storage, and ready made survival supplies that keep your home, office, or vehicle ready for whatever comes next. For more information, visit ready.gov.