Doomsday preppers, are they paranoid or prepared? We look at what 2024’s disasters can teach us about readiness
This year has been a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of our world. From escalating geopolitical tensions and war to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the stability we often take for granted can crumble in an instant. While we can’t control these events, we can control our preparedness. And perhaps, it’s time we take a leaf out of the “doomsday prepper” playbook.
While the term often conjures images of tinfoil hats and underground bunkers, the core philosophy of prepping is sound: anticipate potential disruptions and prepare accordingly. This year’s events and news of escalations in Ukraine have highlighted the very real need for this mindset.
Lack of preparation
Recent news reports paint a sobering picture:
- Europeans lack emergency preparedness: A September 2024 Eurobarometer survey revealed a concerning lack of preparedness among Europeans, with many feeling uninformed and ill-equipped to handle emergencies.
- Natural disasters on the rise: The 2024 World Risk Report highlighted the increasing vulnerability of countries to natural disasters, with events like Valencia’s DANA-related floods, Typhoon Yagi in the Philippines and hurricanes in the US South causing widespread devastation.
- Public health emergencies remain a threat: The “Ready or Not 2024” report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) emphasised the ongoing need for strong public health emergency preparedness, citing concerns about funding cuts and misinformation.
These reports underscore the diverse threats we face, from natural disasters and pandemics to socio-political unrest and potential acts of war.
Learning from the Preppers: Essential steps to take
The first is to assess specific risks in your region. Are you prone to floods or other natural disasters? Are there potential civil unrest risks? Are you near a military base?
In the event of a nuclear disaster or attack, for example, US states such as Alaska, which is nearest Russia, do have a fact sheet for preparing for a nuclear attack which provides useful tips. While many of us may not feel it is time to build a bunker, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the prepper community.
Should there be a nuclear explosion, the first action is to stay indoors, away from windows. If you have a cellar, then that could be the safest place to shelter. Do not go outside until 24 hours or more have passed, and until the authorities say it is safe. You can sign up now for future government alerts and warnings.
Build 2 emergency kits: one for home and one to-go
Every household must think of the needs of those staying with you in an emergency situation. Would you need to plan to shelter with your immediate family or extended members such as elderly parents? Panic buying never helped anyone, so build up supplies over time. And find a place to store it.
However, if your home is not safe, you need to also have prepared a grab bag with a smaller percentage of the items below:
- Water: 4.5 litres/ one gallon per person per day for a week (that includes drinking and cooking)
- Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items like canned goods, energy bars, crackers and dried fruit. This includes pet food
- First Aid Kit: A comprehensive kit with essential medications, plasters, antibiotic salves
- Lighting: Flashlights, headlamps, and extra batteries
- Communication: A hand-crank weather radio and a backup cell phone charger (solar or those built-in to battery-powered radios)
- Shelter: Tents, sleeping bags, pillows and emergency blankets (in case you have to leave your home and shelter at a neighbour’s)
- Sanitation: Hand sanitiser, large sized wet wipes, toilet paper, deodorant, sanitary napkins and nappies. Bin bags for waste
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Clothes: Three sets of new clothes that can be easily layered.
- Important documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container
- Don’t let your petrol tank get below half a tank so you can always leave immediately
Create a communication plan
Establish a meeting point and a way to contact family members in case of separation. When you cannot meet, create an outgoing voicemail message on your landline and mobile phone for family members trying to reach you. On the message record the date, and time along with your safety and location status. If you have no power and water mention this too.
- Learn basic skills: Consider learning basic first aid, CPR, and self-defence.
- Stay informed: Monitor news and weather reports regularly
- Long-term food storage: Invest in shelf-stable foods like oatmeal, cereal, rice, beans, sauces, soups, long-life milk, vitamins and dried pasta
- Water purification: Learn how to purify water using boiling, tablets, or a filter
- Alternative energy sources: Consider a portable generator or solar panels. Some generators on the market are now charged inside your home and when the power goes off can power items in your home for up to 4 days (i.e. EcoFlow).
- Home security: Enhance your home security with sturdy locks, alarms, and a security plan
Preparedness pays off
While the future is uncertain, preparedness empowers us to face challenges head-on and quickly. By adopting a proactive approach to disaster readiness, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, ensuring a greater sense of security in an increasingly unpredictable world.
If you are seriously interested in learning more about prepper products or you’re just curious about prices, then consider checking out these prepper product sites or other online sites:
Prepping Supplies | Preppers Shop UK
Survival Kits UK Outdoor Gear & Equipment at EVAQ8
UK Prepping Shop – Emergency Food, Survival Kits & Prepper Gear