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Sales of tinned food, radios, and torches spiked in some shops after the UK government advised households what to stock up on in case of a national emergency. While having this personal crisis kit is new to the UK, it is common in many places across the world facing extreme weather, natural disasters, and fraught geopolitical situations.
Sweden: A ‘wake-up call’ in Stockholm
Thirty-year-old Andreas Wennerberg had never really thought about preparing for emergencies until a government booklet arrived through his door two years ago. Posted to every household in Sweden, the guide detailed what to stock up on and how to act in case of crisis or war. Andreas, living in Stockholm, built up a relatively small stockpile in his basement, including a crank radio, a water tank with 10 litres, and about €200 in cash, noting that he already owned some of the items. He described it as a wake-up call, though he admits he has not followed the guidance in full, adding that he feels secure and is not that worried.
United States: A rotating pantry and medical supplies in Maryland and Atlanta
Dan C, a physiotherapist in Maryland, started his emergency supply after becoming a father and has spent about $6,000 storing items on his basement shelves. As reported by BBC News, Dan considers it part of his responsibility as a parent with two children under 10. His preparation was tested when his house was cut off during a very cold February, leaving the family without power for two days and exposing numerous gaps in his initial setup. His stash now includes 150 gallons of water, large soft plastic water storage containers for the bath, chlorine dioxide tablets, and a rotating pantry of long-life foods like oats, quinoa, and peanut butter to prevent expiration. He also maintains solar panels, a camping stove, a tent, wood supplies, a propane fireplace insert, and extensive medical gear including bleeding control kits. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency advises Americans to assemble emergency kits and plans, Dan notes that people tend to catastrophise, whereas for him it is about being a responsible homeowner.
In Atlanta, leadership coach Nicole Bonds started thinking about emergencies over the past five years due to noticing significantly more severe weather patterns and storms globally alongside a lack of preparedness. Her motto is not to panic but to be prepared. The 48-year-old has acquired cleaning and hygiene products, batteries, a power bank, first-aid supplies, rechargeable fans, blankets, and sleeping bags. To keep it affordable, she picks up a small amount of supplies here and there to gradually build her stock, storing items under her bed, in packing bags, and in kitchen cabinets.
Japan: Updating disaster kits annually in Tokyo
Ayumi T, living in Tokyo, has kept an emergency bag for years to prepare for earthquakes, typhoons, and extreme heat. Following a 2024 earthquake that killed hundreds of people and caused widespread damage on the Noto Peninsula, Ayumi stocked up even more. Tokyo’s government provides a 68-page disaster prevention guide detailing emergency kit contents and safety protocols. Inside her wardrobe-kept rucksack, the 27-year-old university worker stores clothes, towels, menstrual products, disposable chopsticks, sticky notes, masks, and a disposable toilet similar to those used by campers. Every new year, her family checks and updates their kits by replacing out-of-date food.
Netherlands: Preparing below sea level in Hoorn
Michael Stuut lives in Hoorn in the Netherlands, an area situated below sea level, where he worries about extreme weather and potential war. The 39-year-old lives with his wife and five-year-old son, and began preparing his kit a few years ago. Michael stores power equipment, food, and a Starlink Mini satellite internet device in his attic and crawl space, alongside 120 litres of water, cash, a first-aid kit, and a generator. Earlier this year, he created an app to log his food supplies and track their expiration dates, emphasizing that preparation is about remaining calm when the lights go out rather than panicking. Dutch authorities launched a campaign in late 2025 instructing households to maintain 72 hours of supplies, matching the recent UK guidance. Although Michael’s wife initially did not see the need, she now understands the importance, and they have told their young son the supplies are simply for days when they do not want to go to the shop to avoid burdening him. Michael remains sceptical of the official three-day advice, concluding that every household with basic supplies makes it easier for emergency services to help those in greatest need.
