The entire society must prepare for a ‘new and unpredictable era’, a Dutch NATO admiral said last week. According to the soldier, this means that we should be able to expect the unexpected. We must look further than just military planning.
Prepping is a corruption of the English verb to prepare, which means to prepare. Preppers make sure they are prepared for what is to come, for the worst.
Stefan van Goor of the online prep shop Ruimterugzak.nl has noticed that more people have been interested in survival packages, or survival kits, in the past week. “We currently have longer delivery times and many of our emergency packages are sold out. Things are going like crazy at the moment,” says Van Goor.
The reason for the crowds at Van Goor is partly the call from the NATO soldier. “It is currently extremely busy due to the NATO call. Ever since Hamas’s attack on Israel, we have already seen an increase in the number of orders. Apart from that, the high tide in the south of the country also played a role, because citizens were afraid of large flooded areas.”
What is particularly successful in Van Goor’s store are the emergency packages. These are virtually sold out at the time of writing. Van Goor puts together the packages himself, containing, for example, a first aid kit, flashlight, cooking utensils and a water filter. “Together with water filters and emergency rations, our emergency packages are by far the best.”
What is really indispensable when ‘things break out’? “A water filter is priority number one,” says Van Goor. With a water filter you can filter bacteria and viruses from the water, among other things. People cannot live without drinking water, so if the water supply is at risk, this is a solution. In addition, a well-stocked first aid kit is indispensable. A wind-up emergency radio is also a good idea in the event of disasters. Then you stay informed of what is happening around you and whether help is on the way. “For the rest, a flashlight and candles are useful,” Van Goor tips.
Anyone who thinks that only prep fanatics such as those from the American reality TV series ‘Doomsday Preppers’ come to Van Goor is wrong. “People come to me from all walks of life. From real preppers to politicians, and everything in between. One person buys a water filter for 40 euros and the other buys months of food. It is really very broad.”
Van Goor has been working on his store for years. “I started it in October 2018. Why? People have come to rely far too much on the government. In the event of major national incidents, the government does not have enough capacity to help all citizens. In many countries it is normal for people to be prepared to a disaster such as a flood, earthquake, collapse of our financial system, war, blackout or other natural disaster. But Dutch people generally think ‘that doesn’t affect us’.”
“History shows that wars and disasters always return, and a little preparation is wise,” Van Goor continues. “I am a Christian myself, and I believe that the world is going to experience a lot of misery. Just read the Bible in Revelations. And that, in combination with the above, has made me decide to choose this. This way I can help the people in the Netherlands help prepare for what is to come.”
Yet Van Goor remains positive. “I always say, enjoy life and don’t live in fear. But don’t bury your head in the sand either. Everyone takes out insurance for everything, but a water filter costing a few tens of euros for emergencies quickly becomes too much to ask.” When asked whether he is a real prepper himself, he answers neither in the negative nor in the affirmative. But: “In times of need, I can support my family for years.”
Are you ready for all the disaster that may come? Or do you have a question about it? Or about something completely different? Please submit!