Tipping point for empty shelves and panic buying?

[aimee309]

So do you think we are close to the point when panic buying might start?

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

I think we're sitting on the tipping point.

A facebook group I'm in has gained 2000 members in a couple of days. It was on This Morning today, front page news in the Guardian, Daily Mail coverage, even the BBC has covered the loo roll issue.

With us now in a situation of no deal or no brexit, and no deal being the default option, I think we're starting to see more people take positive action.

[cloudtree]

I agree the stocking up will start to happen now amongst those who hadn't even considered it before.

At this stage though I don't think its panic buying.

[SnuggyBuggy]

I think a lot are still in denial

[bellinisurge]

I tentatively discussed with colleagues today. Not one of them had given it any thought. I was a bit surprised tbh. Done now, in a sensible affordable manner bit by bit as suits you it's a great idea.
I've been on these threads a lot and I think I am reaching the point where I stop telling people because they will accuse me of scaremongering if they are new to the idea.

[SnuggyBuggy]

I just don't want to have to go to the supermarket if there are supply issues

[Holidayshopping]

A facebook group I'm in has gained 2000 members in a couple of days

Can you please share the name of the group (or PM me)? It sounds useful!

[Cinnamon12345]

What should I start with? Tea bags?

[boldlygoingsomewhere]

I’ve started with a few bits - it will be an adjustment as we usually eat fresh veg/fruit meat and little processed. Those things are likely to run out quickly and not keep at this point in time.

Have gone for pasta, rice, porridge, tinned veg, passata, baked beans to start. Will add a couple of extra bits with each shop and need to think of things like toiletries.

It’s quite hard to plan as I don’t know how long to aim to have meals for - 3 weeks? 6 weeks?

[SnuggyBuggy]

I've divided it in my head into carbs, proteins and fruit/vegetables for tinned stuff. Also got loads of olive oil.

I bulk by lots of stuff anyway though. I always get the big sacks of pasta and teabags.

[Stardustinmyeyes]

As soon as snow is forecast

[ivykaty44]

I’m stocked up and have full cupboards and shelves, I plan to just keep stocking a little bit and replacing as we eat.

What everyone else does is their choice, but I know I don’t have to go to the supermarket if it snows or if there is panick purchasing

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

The Facebook group is called 48% Preppers

[bellinisurge]

I've not looked at 48% Preppers because I don't want people (particularly fb friends locally) to know in real life that I'm a prepper. But that's a general prepper kind of thing and I think there is a clear difference with preparing for Brexit.
Politicians need to know there is a ground swell of normal non-prepper people who are so concerned about how this will go that they are investing time, effort and energy into making preparations for themselves - politicians are not reassuring them.

[Snugglepumpkin]

@bellinisurge

There are a few longer term preppers on there who basically stay pretty quiet, but the group has a definite 'let's get press coverage vibe' to it as they basically want everyone to prep.
Journos are actually welcomed there.

Not a place for a grey.

[bellinisurge]

Thanks @Snugglepumpkin

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Indeed; the people who have been seen repeatedly in the press talking about Brexit prepping are almost all in that group. Many thousands more have never been near a journo in their life. Personally I view it as a form of activism; the fact that prepping is becoming mainstream shows the ridiculous nature of the whole brexit situation and the seriousness of it all; it's far more subtle than many of the other campaigns but a useful complement.

I like the group as it's sane, supportive, doesn't do weapons chat and won't tell you to bug out. I would also question how many of your friends will look at your profile that closely, but if you're uncomfortable then obviously don't join.

[bellinisurge]

I have a few Leaver FB friends locally. The kind that are pretty minted and blah blah Leave propaganda on FB and would then turn up on my door for help and food. And tell other people to do it. We are cordial school parent friends and in a normal situation we can readily keep in touch over things of mutual interest.
But, that's a prepper thing.
I have Corbyn loving family members and I ignore their occasional Jezza is ace posts.
If there is an online campaign that people are happy to be public about, please go for it.

[cloudtree]

As soon as snow is forecast

Well.. snow here in the midlands this morning!

[ivykaty44]

Really! No snow in the Midlands here..

[cloudtree]

Yep. Snowed overnight. I have a (very) mini snowman on my doorstep made by DS. Everywhere is white.

[cloudtree]

Not thick though, just a light dusting.

[AwdBovril]

I have seen a difference in shopping habits over the last few days where I live. Certain shelves are virtually empty, & my online delivery has had substitutions for only the 2nd time ever this week. All affected products are the very long life stuff - flour, tins etc. No snow here, but it's icy underfoot.

My leave voting family members have gone strangely silent on the matter on FB. Up until a few weeks ago, they were posting every day about how a deal was about mere hours away from being agreed, how they knew what they were voting for, etc. Now it's cat pictures & complaints about the NHS.

[Lollypop27]

I’ve noticed that Ocado hardly have any tinned fruit in stock. I’ve mentioned it ‘jokingly’ asking if anyone is stocking up and they all laughed and said no.... I haven’t told a soul that we are. I’m told the teenagers not to mention it at school during some of the lessons where they are discussing Brexit.

[AnotherShirtRuined]

@bellinisurge If you're interested in 48% Preppers or other groups you could always create a fake facebook account under an alias, say a middle name or similar. All you need is an (also new) e-mail account. I know it's frowned upon by facebook but it will ensure your anonymity.

[HolySwearingCuss]

I have a few fake Facebook accounts. I don't think they care - more "new users" for them!

The 48% group is great.