Millions of worried Britons are turning to prepping for a potential major disruptive event, with new data revealing a surge in stockpiling tinned goods, stashing cash at home, and keeping battery-powered torches close at hand. The survey, conducted by Link, the UK's ATM network, highlights growing public anxiety over threats ranging from cyber-attacks and power outages to extreme weather and geopolitical conflicts. This shift in behavior underscores a broader societal trend toward emergency preparedness as the world feels increasingly chaotic.
According to the research, nearly half of respondents (49%) have battery-powered items like torches ready, while 47% maintain a supply of tinned goods such as baked beans and canned fruit. One in five people own a portable gas hob like a camping stove, and 15% keep an analogue radio for off-grid communication. Notably, 17% admit to having a stash of cash at home, and 15% have specifically set aside banknotes and coins for emergencies.
Why Are Britons Prepping Now?
The survey, which included over 4,000 UK adults, reveals that 23% of those who have taken preparatory actions did so within the last three months. This uptick is driven by a confluence of factors: war in the Middle East and Ukraine, increasingly frequent extreme weather events, and government warnings about the vulnerability of the UK's critical infrastructure to cyber-attacks. The UK government's Prepare website advises citizens to keep an emergency store of food and water, further fueling the trend.
Key Findings from the Link Survey
The data paints a clear picture of how Britons are adapting to perceived risks. Below is a breakdown of the most common preparedness measures:
| Preparedness Action | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Battery-powered items (torch, etc.) | 49% |
| Supply of tinned goods | 47% |
| Power bank for mobile phone | 37% |
| Portable gas hob (camping stove) | 20% |
| Stash of cash at home | 17% |
| Analogue radio | 15% |
Graham Mott, Link's director of strategy, emphasized the growing role of cash in resilience planning. “With rising public concern about threats like power outages, cyber-attacks and disruption to card payments, more people are prepping by keeping some emergency cash at home,” he said.
How Britons Would React to Payment Disruptions
The survey also explored how people would cope if card and mobile payments stopped working. More than half (54%) said they would withdraw cash from an ATM, while 46% would rely on supplies already at home. Interestingly, 41% would use cash they had on their person, and 36% would tap into cash kept at home. Only 31% said they would shop online, reflecting the limitations of digital commerce during a widespread outage.
Expert Advice for Emergency Prepping
Experts recommend a balanced approach to prepping. The UK government's official guidance suggests starting with a basic emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Financial preparedness is equally critical: keeping a small amount of cash—typically £50 to £100—in a secure but accessible location can help during short-term disruptions. However, experts caution against hoarding large sums due to theft risks and inflation.
For those new to prepping, the focus should be on practical, low-cost steps. Stocking a few extra tins of beans, buying a torch, and charging a power bank weekly can make a significant difference. The goal is not to fear-monger but to build resilience against increasingly common disruptions.
FAQ: Emergency Prepping in the UK
Q: What should I include in a basic emergency kit?
A: A basic kit should include bottled water, tinned food (with a manual can opener), a torch, spare batteries, a power bank, a first-aid kit, and an analogue radio. The UK government also recommends having a list of emergency contacts and a small amount of cash.
Q: How much cash should I keep at home for emergencies?
A: Financial experts suggest keeping between £50 and £200 in small denominations. This amount is enough to cover essential purchases like food and fuel for a few days without risking significant loss from theft or fire.
Q: Is prepping becoming more common in the UK?
A: Yes. The Link survey shows that 73% of Britons have taken at least one preparatory action, with a notable spike in recent months. This trend is linked to heightened awareness of risks from cyber-attacks, extreme weather, and global conflicts.
Q: What are the biggest threats driving this behavior?
A: Respondents cited power outages, IT failures, natural disasters, and cyber-attacks as primary concerns. While war was not explicitly mentioned in the survey, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine contribute to a general sense of instability.
