Prepping for War
How to Prepare for war in Europe, Global Uncertainty and Survival prepping for conflict
Recent events in Europe, including the European Parliament's advice for citizens to prepare for war, France's release of a 20-page preparedness guide, and the deployment of UK and French troops to Ukraine, have raised concerns about the stability of the region. While no one wants to see large-scale conflict, history has shown that it is always better to be prepared than caught off guard. Here’s how everyday people can take practical steps to prepare for potential world events, including war or major disruptions.
1. Build a Supply Cache
Having essential supplies on hand can make all the difference in an emergency. Consider stocking up on:
Food & Water: Store at least a three-month supply of non-perishable food and water. Canned goods, dried foods, and MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) are good choices. A water filtration system or purification tablets can also be lifesaving.
Medical Supplies: A well-stocked first aid kit, prescription medications, and over-the-counter essentials like painkillers and antiseptics should be included.
Fuel & Energy: Have backup power sources such as solar chargers, power banks, candles, and fire-starting materials.
Hygiene & Sanitation: Stock up on soap, disinfectants, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products to maintain cleanliness.
Defence & Security: While laws vary by country, consider legal means of self-defence, such as personal alarms, deterrents, or even tactical gear for protection.
2. Strengthen Your Home Security
In times of crisis, crime often increases. Take these steps to secure your home:
Reinforce doors and windows with additional locks and security film.
Install motion sensor lights and security cameras.
Have an emergency evacuation plan in case you need to leave quickly.
Get to know your neighbours and form a local security network for mutual aid.
3. Develop Survival Skills
Knowing how to survive without modern conveniences is crucial. Learn the following skills:
Fire Starting: Practice making fires using various methods.
Water Purification: Learn how to filter and purify water from natural sources.
Basic First Aid: Take a first aid course and learn how to treat wounds and common illnesses.
Navigation: Learn how to read maps and use a compass in case GPS fails.
Food Procurement: Understand basic foraging, fishing, or small-game trapping if necessary.
4. Establish a Communication Plan
In a crisis, phone networks may be down or restricted. Alternative communication methods include:
Walkie-talkies or HAM radios for local communication.
Pre-arranged meeting points with family and friends in case of separation.
Learning basic emergency signals (whistles, mirrors, etc.).
5. Stay Informed but Avoid Panic
Misinformation spreads quickly in times of uncertainty. Follow trusted news sources, but also be cautious of media fearmongering. Useful sources include:
Government emergency websites.
Local community preparedness groups.
Independent but credible geopolitical analysts.
6. Have an Evacuation Plan
If tensions escalate, you may need to relocate. Plan ahead by:
Identifying safe locations within your country or abroad.
Keeping important documents (passports, ID, insurance) in a grab-and-go bag.
Having a full tank of fuel in your vehicle and knowing multiple routes out of your area.
Establishing a contact point outside of your immediate region.
7. Financial Preparedness
Economic instability often accompanies global conflict. Protect yourself financially by:
Keeping some cash on hand in case ATMs or banks become inaccessible.
Diversifying savings into tangible assets such as gold, silver, or barterable goods.
Reducing unnecessary debt and cutting back on non-essential expenses.
Final Thoughts
Preparedness is about peace of mind, not paranoia. Taking practical steps to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones will put you in a much stronger position should global tensions escalate. Whether or not conflict directly affects your area, being prepared for disruptions in food, fuel, and daily life is a smart and responsible choice.
Start today, stay vigilant, and remain adaptable in uncertain times.