In his role as a business continuity leader (or master of disaster as he is affectionately known at home for a multitude of reasons, none of them work related), Mr C is proactive and tries to anticipate problems and take actions to minimise negative impacts. Showing his commitment to his art, on Monday evening he wondered whether we should prepare for a no deal Brexit (or a Brexit of any description), and get in a few supplies in case there really are delays at ports. Perhaps we need to buy extra tins and packets of pasta and rice just in case? Is anyone else thinking along the same lines, or all just soldiering on as normal?
In 2004, all households received a pamphlet through the door, providing guidance to be followed in the event of an emergency or terror attack, which included stocking up on essentials such as toiletries and prescribed medicines and 'ready to eat food for several days'. I was the only person in Moulton with a box full of blankets, candles, a radio, torch and batteries and tins of food and tin opener. I didn't tell anyone else, but it made me feel better, just knowing it was there.
The issue is that nobody knows what will happen, when or even if.... I am tempted to pop a few extra tins of beans into my trolley on my next visit to Aldi. If the borders were closed, how long would it take for supplies to run low? The closest I have to relevant experience was in 2008, when our local water supply was compromised and the initial official recommendation was to avoid drinking tap water. I went shopping almost as soon as the advice had been broadcast, to find very little water available in any of the supermarkets, customers bulk buying and a few minor scuffles breaking out in Morrisons as low level panic set in. We had unlimited tap water for washing, bathing etc, and lots of other alternatives to drink, but still you could feel the tension building and it felt like only a matter of time before it all kicked off. That's what happens in circumstances when people are worried that they won't be able to feed their families or themselves. They stockpile, and that's when shortages occur. Even if the ports are fine, food shortages sparked by panic buying are a real possibility. We are so ill prepared, unlike generations before us who would probably have been able to feed a whole street for a year on the contents of my food cupboards.
I think we will be fine. I AM going to buy some extra dog food and order spare inhalers for me and L to be on the safe side. But I reflected and paused this afternoon in the pasta aisle at Aldi, before walking on. Unfortunately, this used up all of my self control, so when I came across a very fluffy dog bed, I was powerless to resist. It will be perfect for Paddy and Polly to have in the den, while I am writing during the day. I was a little worried that it might not be big enough for them both, but sardines is their favourite. I have pushed it up against the radiator, so they are now doubly warm, - just in time for the snow, which has arrived and appears to be settling. Good job my cupboards are full!
Comments