'Cigarettes, beer and junk food ... the essentials': Thousands of Wilmington residents

(UK) Daily Mail ^ | September 16, 2018 | Jose Lambiet

[Zakeet]

Complete Headline: 'Cigarettes, beer and junk food ... the essentials': Thousands of Wilmington residents overcrowd supermarket open amid hurricane chaos and COPS have to help with crowd control

• As the Hurricane Florence clean-up efforts were under way residents turned out to hunt for snacks
  
• Cops were called and the lines were said to take up to four hours to get served
  
• Shoppers were looking for 'cigarettes, beer and junk food'
  
• Thousands remain without power across the state as the storm continues
  
• Stores elsewhere in the city are expected to be able to reopen Sunday

The residents of Hurricane Florence-stricken Wilmington, N.C., started cleaning up the mess left by 100 mph-winds and torrential rains Saturday morning – and went shopping.

At 10am., the word spread like wildfire that, despite wide-spread electrical outages, one measly grocery store was open in the entire historic port city of 120,000 residents.

And within minutes, several thousand people descended on the store, a Harris Teeter supermarket.

'It was a mad house out here,' said Wilmington Police Officer Don Oakes. 'I don't know how everybody heard the place was open, but the parking lot was at a standstill. When we saw the numbers of people, we called for backup for crowd control.'

[Zakeet]

Four hours to buy smokes and beer ... took 15 cops to control the crowd ...

[Lurker]

About what I expected to see.

L

[Gen.Blather]

I have lived in Florida 64 years. I can’t count the number of hurricanes I experienced. Not once did I ever go to the store before a hurricane. (Nor, when I lived at home, did my parents.) I have everything I need stored and ready at all times. My family could live for two weeks without leaving the house. It’s hard to believe that people don’t take even the minimum precautions, or stock three or four days of whatever they need. Even my two cats are provided for.

[RegulatorCountry]

Media are tryIng very hard still, to paint a very dire picture. However, stop and think. It’s barely a day after landfall and stores are open and stocked. Lines? Sure. Happens with minor storms. This was not exactly minor. There is power and retail establishments are open.

[Dr. Ursus]

What until they hear about the giant solar flare is going to hit!

[Mears]

Annoying article ——they only quoted people that would suit their agenda.

I’m sure there were people there who were just trying to get a few essentials.

.

[gattaca]

We could probably live at least 6 months on the food we have, maybe longer depending on how many we have to feed. I’m a firm believer in prepping.

[Kozak]

FYI not the "locals" for that Harris Teeter. They must have come from another neighborhood....

[tired&retired]

Kroger purchased their competition Harris Teeter in North Carolina and closed the Kroger Stores.

While it was a good business move, it screwed us customers. I shop everywhere but Harris Teeters

[Ransomed]

If that pic is any indication, at least 95% of them will probably be able to live of their fat reserves for months if they run out of lunchables and pop tarts. But seriously, hope they get by OK.

Freegards

[Recompennation]

are the same ones broke on Monday after Friday paydays

[tired&retired]

I am pretty much sustainable perpetually.

Grew up super poor with an outhouse, wood stove and carried water from the spring. My father taught me how to hunt, fish, poach, and harvest the wild plants.

As a result, I tend to live an easy life of gratitude and happiness. If I die today, I will die gratefully.

One does not find happiness until they stop looking for happiness.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The six essential food groups: Sugar, salt, fat, caffeine, ethanol and nicotine.

[real saxophonist]

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency.

[Ikeon]

one does not find happiness until one stops looking for it

Wow! Reality, what a concept - Robin Williams. RIP.

[Chode]

[shanover]

God help us if the “big one” of anything hits. Stay away from certain demographics and population centers. Always be prepared. The media whores who thrive off of catastrophe and despair are a disgrace.

[moovova]

“The six essential food groups: Sugar, salt, fat, caffeine, ethanol and nicotine.”

Sort of like breakfast around my house...sugar, cinnamon and sugar.

[gattaca]

I remember when my grandparents finally got a bathroom in the house. We had to use the outhouse when we went to see them. Still remember how to churn butter and other forgotten skills.

[Bonemaker]

“Shoppers were looking for ‘cigarettes, beer and junk food’”

That’s all you need to get you through a crisis. The only thing I’d add is lemon meringue pie.