Metro readers have been sharing their views on government advice to stock up on doomsday essentials, following a story about the recommended items for catastrophe preparedness. The list included cans of beans, pulses and fish, rice, oats and olive oil.
Readers Share Their Preparedness Habits
Rachael Rodgers said: "Doesn’t everyone have a back-up in case they can’t get to the shops?" She added that growing up with a parent born at the end of the war made store-cupboard staples normal.
Nina Oaken offered a different take: "If it’s doomsday, I’m going out drinking champagne – not eating tinned chickpeas." Andie Penn quipped, "Wouldn’t doomsday be the end? So stock up all you like but, as the saying goes, you can’t take it with you."
Practical Tips and Criticisms
Helen Claire Bailey suggested adding sweet treats: "I think it’s vital to put some sweet treats in with all the dull food. Things are going to be pretty miserable to start with." Rebecca Johnson Bista noted, "Generally most of us grew up with a store-cupboard mentality."
Stella Fry argued it was "common sense planning for the uncertain and dangerous world we live in," while Eileen Bougourd recommended adding alcohol for fire-starting and sanitation. Mary Marsden Ellertsson, writing from Iceland, described preparation as "second nature" due to winter storms and remote living.
Concerns Over Affordability and Priorities
Peter Platt highlighted a key issue: "Unfortunately half the population can’t even afford to stockpile the necessary for a couple of days and need food banks to survive." Graham Abbott asked, "But where will we get toilet rolls?" Nikki Johns reminded readers not to forget pet food.
Angela Hale joked about old cupboard finds, while Yvonne Rautenbach blamed stockpiling for shortages of sardines in Lidl. Jennifer Bennell recalled her mother’s Y2K preparations, which consisted solely of coffee.
