Good afternoon,
I have read the comments in this thread with interest and I fear that my concerns are going to appear rather mundane, in comparison to some of you!
I do not/have not prepared for any form of 'apocalyptic' crisis. That is not to say that people who do so, are in the wrong (I think that this is a very sensible approach), however I personally feel that it is better to concentrate on matters that I have some form of control over. The reason that I have high-lighted the subjects below is, quite simply, because I have been in a situation where they have occurred, or in the case of 'Financial', are going to happen to me in the near future. Anyway, here are some of my thoughts, for what they are worth - as you will note, it is all
commonsense!
Day-to-day travel
I have been involved in two unpleasant incidents where I have had to use First Aid. As a consequence, I always carry a pocket-sized First Aid kit when traveling to work and a larger kit, if I am out on a day-trip. The two other tools that I
always carry are a pen-knife and a LED touch - both are invaluable! Also, cash. Ensure that you always have enough money on you to jump into a taxi at a moments notice and leave an area quickly.
A store of water
Years ago, when I lived in Bristol, the water company was working on the local infrastructure and as a result, the supply was constantly being cut-off for hours on end, over a period of two months(!). Each time that the supply was switched back on, the water from the taps was filthy, for days on end. The result of this, is that I always have a supply of bottled water and a filter in the house. If you have not experienced anything similar, turn off your water for a day and only use water from the local pond!
A store of canned food
This does not need an explanation. We have all experienced 'panic buying', when a type of food has ran out - usually bread, at the first sight of snow!
Energy
Again, this needs no explanation. We have all experienced a long power-cut and understand the importance of a rudimentary light and cooking supply, i.e.: candles and a camping stove.
Financial
Not the most interesting of subjects and one that is often overlooked. I strongly agree with those of you who choose to put aside some form of precious metal(s) and foreign currency, for barter, in the event of an economic 'meltdown'. I am of the opinion that what has happened, over the years, in places such as Argentina, Russia and, more recently, in Cyprus, will occur, to some degree, in the UK. Despite what the media would like us to believe, Sterling is a weakening currency and has (in my opinion) been in decline for many, many years, even when it has appeared to be strong in recent times, such as during the early 2000's.
Also, there is the short-term and more personal issue of losing your income, whether that is in the form of wages or benefits. There is a strong possibility that I will be losing my job next year. Rather than fret, I have prepared for the financial consequences by saving up enough money, in the bank, to pay bills if this does occur (in the manner of Dave RAMSEY:
http://www.daveramsey.com/home/)
Daily Exercise
Ensuring that you are as fit as you can be, will assist you in all manner of situations. Referring back to the list, above, if you are reasonably fit, you will be able to give a patient heart compressions for a period of time (believe me, this is exhausting), or in the case of my last comment, under Finance', defend yourself, or run like hell!
Anyway, just a few thoughts - I hope that they are of some use.
Enjoy your day.
