In an effort to strengthen the nation’s ability to withstand crises and reduce the strain on emergency services, British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has called on the public to prepare for the unexpected.
In 2004, the government issued a call to action via a “preppers” website, advising households to stock up on canned goods, batteries, and water bottles in case of a disaster. Supermarkets issued a warning because they were afraid that customers would be too scared to buy and would run out of stock. The Deputy Prime Minister is urging people to prepare three days’ worth of food and water in the case of a natural disaster, such as a flood.
Leigh Price—who served in the army from 1991 to 1996—opened a prepper business and says that the majority of customers seek guidance. Some purchase in a panic whenever there’s news, while others know just when to buy since the need fluctuates throughout the year. His shop sells everything from water purification pills and poor weather bags to pouched and self-heating meals like all-day breakfast and chicken casserole.
Shoppers were cautioned to stock up slowly rather than in a frenzy like the one that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when staples like pasta and toilet paper were sold out.
The government’s leaders are of the opinion that people may ease the burden on emergency services during times of crisis by making preparations at home. According to the government’s risk register, flooding is the most prevalent threat to people, leading to power and water interruptions. Pandemics, cyberattacks, disruptions to space systems that impact GPS signals, and, worst-case scenarios, nuclear attacks are additional dangers that humanity should be ready to face.
Previously, the government had developed an “emergency alert” system that would enable it to notify millions of people by cell phone in the event of a possible disaster. British officials agree that citizens should be safe, but they will be careful not to follow the lead of American survivalists, who have created extensive plans for “doomsday” situations.
