Scrounger -- thank you for the insights into the runs on groceries. Certainly is a stark illustration of the need and benefit of preparedness. For the sake of pets as well as peops.

Is the entire country pulling together to help?

A friend lives in Melbourne but this seems a distant news item even for them.

Interesting that the Australian government's "Pantry List" recommends 14-day supply. The U.S. ready.gov emphasizes 72 hours, though it notes that services could be off longer.

http://www.pantrylist.com.au/pantry/dloads/PantryList.pdf