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We’ve all seen it. Whether in person or in film. Something bad is happening or going to happen and people rush to the stores and load their carts with — — toilet paper.
As if that’s a priority.
After all, we die after three days of no water. But toilet paper?
If the power goes out we’ll need batteries and flashlights. But toilet paper?
And not just one roll. A big bag of it.
It doesn’t make sense.
So. Why?
1. A lack of knowing exactly what supplies are a priority. The very fact someone is rushing to the store upon notice of an emergency means they weren’t prepared to begin with, so how can they possibly know what the priorities of supplies are?
2. Panic buying leads to more panic buying. They load their cart with cases of water, which is good, but then have a need to grab something and, well, toilet paper. I mean, it will get used.
3. It gives people a sense of control in an uncontrolled situation. They’re doing something.
4. They’re over-preparing. I’m big into being prepared, but toilet paper has never been a high priority, especially in a pending disaster. I focus on the specifics of the problem and prepare for that.
