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Why is it that when they announce that we are going to have a snow event there is a quick run in the grocery stores on bread, milk and toilet paper? Yes, we may be snowbound for a day or two but in reality it's just a short-term inconvenience that we won't be experiencing for a long period of time. Is there some deeper psychological symbolism behind this phenomenon that we experience when we know that frozen precipitation is approaching? Why don't we do the same when the temps get really hot?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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We don't run to the store when snow is forecast (like tomorrow here) but we do fill the car with gas. While we only get sticking snow 2-3 times a year it cripples the traffic, so we may spend 3 hours going 5-6 miles. With a large pantry and freezer, we always have enough food to manage, and get the huge packages of TP at Costco, so neither is an issue. When it gets really hot, also rare here, there is no effect on being able to get to work or the store. Usually I will keep plenty of beer on hand when the heat comes in July, but the supermarket is only a mile away.
Very good question! Perhaps as a society in today's world we're so spoiled by having everything we need when we want it (for the most part), that the thought of not having milk for our cereal seems like a real disaster (as an example).
I have the PBS DVD of the Donner Party and when we get into the depths of winter and I want Spring to hurry up I watch that DVD. Amazing that anyone in that group survived in the Sierra Mountains from October to March, and with snow as deep as six feet, no shelter, no food.
After watching the DVD I look around and realize all the amenities I have and forget about winter.
I saw this phenomenon a lot when I lived in NY and NC. I think people are never sure how bad the snowfall is so they want to be prepared in case the electricity goes out or the roads are so bad that they can't leave home for a few days.
Why is it that when they announce that we are going to have a snow event there is a quick run in the grocery stores on bread, milk and toilet paper? Yes, we may be snowbound for a day or two but in reality it's just a short-term inconvenience that we won't be experiencing for a long period of time. Is there some deeper psychological symbolism behind this phenomenon that we experience when we know that frozen precipitation is approaching? Why don't we do the same when the temps get really hot?
You forgot the "run" on eggs every time that Snowmageddon is predicted, and my conclusion is that people apparently develop a desire to make French Toast when snow is predicted.
It is important to remember that the broadcast media will almost always "hype" an impending snowstorm into the approach of a major calamity, in the interest of gaining more viewers/higher ratings.
If somebody maintains reasonable supplies in his/her home, even if a major storm doesn't allow you to have quite as many menu options as you would normally have, being potentially snowed-in for a day or two is VERY far from equaling a life-threatening situation.
Why is it that when they announce that we are going to have a snow event there is a quick run in the grocery stores on bread, milk and toilet paper? Yes, we may be snowbound for a day or two but in reality it's just a short-term inconvenience that we won't be experiencing for a long period of time. Is there some deeper psychological symbolism behind this phenomenon that we experience when we know that frozen precipitation is approaching? Why don't we do the same when the temps get really hot?
Depending on how much snow falls, I could be stuck in the house for a week. Even if it's just a day or two, I want to make sure I have some decent food (not milk and bread) and toilet paper.
I get a nice, snugly, comfortable feeling when the weather is bad outside, bad enough that the only people out and about are those who have no choice. Meanwhile I'm all cozy in front of a warm fire with all my creature comforts.
I love the feeling of having a well stocked refrigerator, freezer and pantry where I have a variety of my favorite foods and endless choices of which delicious dinner I'll have.
Perhaps people are simply trying to create this feeling of being cozy and tucked in while the wild weather rages outside, the feeling of safety that you have everything you need and the weather can't touch you!
Maybe you can create that cozy feeling even knowing it's only for a day or two.
In Minnesota we never know for sure how long a blizzard will last so yes, I rush to make sure I have enough of everything. Just in case. Living on social security I no longer can afford to stock up as I used to.
If you live in a serous snow climate you own a horizontal deep freezer, likely in your garage, and you have enough wood cut and an emergency generator with sufficient fuel to last as long as it takes for the blizzard to blow away.
And heh, if you are like me with my Internet-centric business and a good Internet connection, you won't have to worry about commuting to your job.
The most serious thing you have to worry about is emergent medical problems. Your most important lifeline is to maintain your ability to contact the outside in the event of an emergency.
No issue most of the time, I drive a Subaru. Us snow people know...
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