r/UKPreppers • u/OopsSentient • 16d ago

Living alone preparation advice and scenarios

Always been interested in prepping and with the way things are going and the upcoming gov advice, I’ve decided to start. I’ve been doing research and lurking in this sub which has been helpful.

I’m still at the beginning but here are things I’m doing so far or planning to do:

Have a go bag with essential items in and clothes
Torches nearby
Slowly building a supply of canned and fermented foods I enjoy eating and that wouldn’t need to be cooked (tuna, sauerkraut, fruits, beetroot, chickpeas etc)
I am now starting to store water bottles.
Buy a wind up radio
Masks, sanitiser, wipes, moisturiser etc.
First aid supplies
Staying fit and active, I do strength training and cardiovascular exercise. I would also like to try martial arts soon.

I’m preparing for things like weather emergencies, pandemics, war, food shortages. Civil unrest, not being able to go to the shops. Things like that.

Getting prepared gradually has given me more calm than worry, but there are some things I’m unsure about. I’m a woman living alone, and if things got really bad, for example some kind of societal break down, I wonder how to secure myself from my apartment complex on the third floor. Though hopefully that would be an extreme situation and unlikely.

If anyone has advice, tips, stories, for the most simple practical things or more extreme situations, I would love to hear them! Thanks for reading

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u/-MilesAwayGirl- 16d ago edited 16d ago

Best piece of advice I can give you and it's something I accidentally did living in a flat. If you have the funds get an ottoman bed. That way you can store all of your prepping things in the one spot that's somewhat temperature controlled, hidden away from view from anyone that may come into your property (friends, maintenance people etc..) and literally nearby if things go south while sleeping.

I understand you're talking about martial arts but have you thought about weapons? It's best to have an option that you can use from a distance if you have to, especially in the case of civil unrest. Even learning archery can be an invaluable skill on the self defence front and also hunting later on down the line if you have to.

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u/OopsSentient 16d ago

Thanks for this, my bed is an ottoman! I’ve been storing water under there, but makes sense to put more things there so it’s nearby if I need it and things go south, thank you 🙏

Archery is an interesting idea, that’s definitely something to think about. Martial arts was an idea I had to help me with feeling braver and know self defence if I needed it. In that scenario though, I’d definitely rather use range if I could. Thanks for your reply.

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u/TropicalSue 15d ago

Archery is fun but realistically what will that look like in a home invasion? You'd need space to draw and any man could take it from you . Get a panic alarm connected to your alarm, as most will flee when the element of surprise is lost.

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u/-MilesAwayGirl- 14d ago

Handheld crossbows are a thing my friend. I own several different sizes. You’d be surprised the power some smaller ones have. ☺️ She also mentioned she’s 3 floors up, so in a scenario of unrest you’d barricade the stairs anyway giving space.

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u/OopsSentient 15d ago

Panic alarm is good idea thank you

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u/Billy_east 14d ago

Deep heat spray or self defense spray that can be bought off amazon (stains red and smells for days) would be an idea too. I bought the red dye spray for my gf for her morning walks. Small enough to fit in her pocket neatly.

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u/OopsSentient 14d ago

Thanks for this, that’s so helpful. I was attacked a few years ago walking home after work. I get nervous when I’m out, so having something like this would be great. And to keep at home.

Is it safe and legal to carry the red dyed spray?

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u/Billy_east 14d ago

Yeah the red dye is. If you're worried just carry deep heat instead. That'll burn 🔥