A fad for some, most assuredly, but in others I am seeing what I believe to be an almost subconscious level of preparation. I have been shopping with many friends both male and female and they will frquently pick up a couple of extra candles or or boxes of batteries and other items. If I ask them about it they will say it seemed like a good idea at the time. Also I have 2 friends with rural backgrounds that I have known for 15-20 years and they have always stocked enough food, etc. to last themselves and extended families for at least 30-60 days because they were raised that way. If you take the time to observe people as they shop in a grocery store you will frquently notice that many are adding a little extra to their shopping carts. I have talked with employees of grocery stores and they comment on how people seem to be purchasing more. Of course this may be simply out of fear of rapidly rising costs on some items.