Emergency kit

Cash at home. A supply of water and tinned food. Batteries. A radio. A torch. A copy of your ID. According to experts and advisers, these and other items are what we should have at home. So that we are prepared for a power cut, cyberattack or other emergencies. Under the motto ‘Be prepared’.

People react to this in different ways. Some start hoarding straight away, whilst others just shrug and think, “It’ll be my turn eventually.”

Many people are also deeply concerned about the potential consequences of the war in Ukraine, the horrific violence in the Middle East and the threat to democracy in America. This is confirmed by the Secretary-General of NATO, who says that we may need to prepare ourselves mentally for a possible armed conflict in the future.

I can imagine you’re wondering: what’s going on, and what’s the sensible thing to do? I think the wisest course of action is, above all, to keep a cool head. Not to let ourselves be frightened. But we should think things through calmly and recognise that the situation in the world has indeed been more stable in the past. And it can’t do any harm to be practically prepared for situations such as power cuts, water shortages, and ATMs and phones that aren’t working.

But most importantly of all: make sure you have people around you. I think a network of family members, neighbours, friends and acquaintances is, for everyone, always – in all circumstances – the best way to cope with difficulties. In a practical sense, but certainly also mentally. So is an emergency kit a good idea? I think so. Another good idea? Having regular cups of coffee with everyone in your immediate circle. And that makes the world a bit of a better place too.

Ton Heerts