Sales of canned food, radios and torches rose in some shops after the British government advised citizens to stock up on whatever they might need in any emergency, BBC News Arabic reported.

The network says that owning an emergency supplies kit is new in the United Kingdom but common in many other countries, particularly those that regularly face severe weather and natural disasters or live with geopolitical tensions. Some of these countries send emergency booklets to households.

In Sweden, a government booklet was sent to every household about two years ago. It explains what to store and how to act in the event of a crisis or war. Andreas Wennberg (30), from Stockholm, told BBC News Arabic that he had built a small stockpile in the basement of his home. It includes a hand-held radio, a 10-litre water tank and about 200 euros in cash. He had not fully followed the booklet's guidance. Wennberg said: "The emergency booklet was a wake-up call." On how he felt after building the stockpile, he said: "I feel safe... I'm not that worried."

In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises people to assemble an emergency kit, make a family plan and learn how to respond to incidents. Dan C. (38), a physical therapist in Maryland and father of two, said he spent about $6,000 on supplies stored in his basement after a power outage at his home lasted two days during a very cold February a few years ago. By his account, the stockpile includes 150 gallons of water, chlorine dioxide tablets, solar panels, a camping stove, a tent, firewood, a propane heater and medical supplies. The food supply would last his family of four about three months. Dan said: "This is part of my responsibility as a father."

In Atlanta, Nicole Bonds (48), a driving instructor, said she is building her stockpile gradually by buying small quantities. She attributes her interest in preparedness to the increase in extreme weather events and to what she sees as a lack of disaster preparedness. Her preparedness motto: "No need to panic, be prepared."

In Japan, Ayumi T. (27) from Tokyo has kept an emergency bag for years and added to its contents after the 2024 earthquake, which killed hundreds and caused widespread damage on the Noto Peninsula. The Tokyo government has a 68-page disaster prevention guide that explains what to put in an emergency bag and what to do in different situations.

In the Netherlands, Michael Stoot (39) from Horn, where his home lies below sea level, said he keeps food, water, cash, a generator and a Starlink Mini satellite internet device. He added that he has created an app to log his food stock and expiry dates. Stoot said: "Preparedness is not about panic, it's about staying calm when, for example, the power goes out."

Dutch authorities launched a campaign in late 2025 urging families to keep supplies that would last 72 hours, similar to what British authorities have recently done.