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AIBU to think my friend is overdoing emergency stockpiling?

801 replies

bagpuss90 · 10/09/2026 08:52

I get that we have been advised to stock up on essentials, though I think it will encourage panic buying. I will probably get a few days worth of stuff at some point . My friend however has, at least in my opinion gone ott about it. She’s stocking up a six month supply of food. She’s bought head torches, a camping gas stove and various other stuff. She thinks I’m being naive …Am I missing something here ?

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FindingMeno · 25/09/2026 10:26

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

No need for the racism.

GentleSheep · 25/09/2026 12:27

ASpoonfullOfPuppies · 25/09/2026 08:53

I have to admit having thought I had finished with my stockpiling I relented and bought a camping stove with spare gas. Makes me nervous tinkering about with gas but the idea of powercuts and no heating had me overcome this.

I've also bought myself a hot water bottle. Another flashback to the 70's cold and dark.

I wonder are we all just going to be in a state of slight confusion and worry and then bang it all kicks off.........

Slightly unnerving really when you think about it.

Although it will be bad for us if Trump bans diesel exports, I sort of admire him for looking after his own people as well.

I had to have a stern word with myself over the camping stove idea. I mean I was a scientist in my previous life and had used bunsen burners and a gas chromatography machine! I know people can get more cautious/nervous as they age (I certainly have done) but that's ridiculous, so I have bitten the bullet! Stove's due to arrive today, then will be shopping for propane gas canisters (and have checked how best to store them).

FindingMeno · 25/09/2026 12:56

I have bought my dc's a new power bank each ready to give as part of Christmas presents.

FedUpCelery · 25/09/2026 13:23

GentleSheep · 25/09/2026 12:27

I had to have a stern word with myself over the camping stove idea. I mean I was a scientist in my previous life and had used bunsen burners and a gas chromatography machine! I know people can get more cautious/nervous as they age (I certainly have done) but that's ridiculous, so I have bitten the bullet! Stove's due to arrive today, then will be shopping for propane gas canisters (and have checked how best to store them).

Edited

I agree. There's a risk assessment to be done and some thought to be given to how to make stove use as safe as possible.

I have a stove (not a suitcase one as they infrequently explode, but one where the gas connects through a hose), canisters, fire blanket, and nice big airy kitchen where is can be used on tile floor where the risk is minimal.

ASpoonfullOfPuppies · 25/09/2026 14:43

FedUpCelery · 25/09/2026 13:23

I agree. There's a risk assessment to be done and some thought to be given to how to make stove use as safe as possible.

I have a stove (not a suitcase one as they infrequently explode, but one where the gas connects through a hose), canisters, fire blanket, and nice big airy kitchen where is can be used on tile floor where the risk is minimal.

Oh dear. Mine has just arrived today. Don't know if it is a 'suitcase' one.
It's off amazon and just has one ring with little gas tins that plug into it.
Have a horrible feeling it is the type you are referring to.

I will put it in the detached garage for storage. If it blows up it hopefully only takes out the garage and maybe my old car as well which sits outside garage. Better than the house.

I may not use it. However good to have in case I change my mind. I never thought of buying a fire blanket. I suppose if we are all going to be using these stoves and the water is turned off there is a bigger chance of fires happening. I guess people using candles as well might also increase the risk. I'm not planning on using candles but a fire blanket might be an idea. Good tip.

FedUpCelery · 25/09/2026 15:30

ASpoonfullOfPuppies · 25/09/2026 14:43

Oh dear. Mine has just arrived today. Don't know if it is a 'suitcase' one.
It's off amazon and just has one ring with little gas tins that plug into it.
Have a horrible feeling it is the type you are referring to.

I will put it in the detached garage for storage. If it blows up it hopefully only takes out the garage and maybe my old car as well which sits outside garage. Better than the house.

I may not use it. However good to have in case I change my mind. I never thought of buying a fire blanket. I suppose if we are all going to be using these stoves and the water is turned off there is a bigger chance of fires happening. I guess people using candles as well might also increase the risk. I'm not planning on using candles but a fire blanket might be an idea. Good tip.

Try not to worry. We have used one safely for years. However, very rarely someone has shared that this happened on the internet and because of the internet and women's camping groups particularly, I heard about it.

What they think happened is that a large pan was used and any unburnt gas collected under it. Eventually that ignited and flared and because the cartridges sit so close to the flame it also caught fire from the flare and that was the explosion.

So smallish pan and just be aware it very very very rarely has happened.

As for the cartridges I have some sitting in my campervan in a cupboard that won't see direct sunlight and is secured so it can't be bumped about in there. I'm not too worried.

LilyBunch25 · 25/09/2026 16:23

GentleSheep · 25/09/2026 12:27

I had to have a stern word with myself over the camping stove idea. I mean I was a scientist in my previous life and had used bunsen burners and a gas chromatography machine! I know people can get more cautious/nervous as they age (I certainly have done) but that's ridiculous, so I have bitten the bullet! Stove's due to arrive today, then will be shopping for propane gas canisters (and have checked how best to store them).

Edited

Definitely best to get thr canisters now, I've noticed the price creeping up everywhere

LilyBunch25 · 25/09/2026 16:25

ASpoonfullOfPuppies · 25/09/2026 14:43

Oh dear. Mine has just arrived today. Don't know if it is a 'suitcase' one.
It's off amazon and just has one ring with little gas tins that plug into it.
Have a horrible feeling it is the type you are referring to.

I will put it in the detached garage for storage. If it blows up it hopefully only takes out the garage and maybe my old car as well which sits outside garage. Better than the house.

I may not use it. However good to have in case I change my mind. I never thought of buying a fire blanket. I suppose if we are all going to be using these stoves and the water is turned off there is a bigger chance of fires happening. I guess people using candles as well might also increase the risk. I'm not planning on using candles but a fire blanket might be an idea. Good tip.

We have two of the suitcase type that we have had for some years with absolutely no issues whatsoever. When I had to use indoors during winter power cut, I ensured it was in a ventilated area below the window, near no inflammables, and that the jets were burning correctly. We also used a CM detector, we still have it, and we always have a fire blanket in our kitchen.

GentleSheep · 25/09/2026 17:29

Well my camping stove arrived (It's a 'remote' type, i.e. the fuel canister is connected via a small hose, whilst the stove is a little distance away. All good. But wow the list of do's and don'ts! 'Do not use to dry clothes'. Erm?! So I have a lot of reading to do but I'll get there eventually!

Definitely best to get thr canisters now, I've noticed the price creeping up everywhere

Yes my neighbour said that, she has a suitcase one and said the prices keep edging upwards.

HeckYeah · 25/09/2026 17:39

Where I live this week is an annual nationwide campaign called Preparedness Week, basically held to strengthen public resilience against major crises, extreme weather, infrastructure failure and war.
It’s on everywhere including schools, to teach practical survival and readiness skills, led by our Civil Defence.

People all ages can also apply to try spending 6 hrs in a bearby shelter, where you have to take turns cranking a generator which is not allowed to stop.

They just interviewed people on the news about it, and no drama anywhere just that they are aware and the week being a positive thing. Maybe something for the UK..!

GentleSheep · 25/09/2026 17:46

HeckYeah · 25/09/2026 17:39

Where I live this week is an annual nationwide campaign called Preparedness Week, basically held to strengthen public resilience against major crises, extreme weather, infrastructure failure and war.
It’s on everywhere including schools, to teach practical survival and readiness skills, led by our Civil Defence.

People all ages can also apply to try spending 6 hrs in a bearby shelter, where you have to take turns cranking a generator which is not allowed to stop.

They just interviewed people on the news about it, and no drama anywhere just that they are aware and the week being a positive thing. Maybe something for the UK..!

Wow sounds intense! It's good people are accepting of it, can you imagine the reaction in the UK? 😂

HeckYeah · 25/09/2026 17:50

GentleSheep · 25/09/2026 17:46

Wow sounds intense! It's good people are accepting of it, can you imagine the reaction in the UK? 😂

I can very much imagine in the UK. 🤣

Even our nurseries practice certain things, like evacuation drills (outside and inside), when they hear certain signals. Some of the youngest ones look like headless chickens, but most know where to run too..

RedToothBrush · 25/09/2026 21:51

Just saying.

AIBU to think my friend is overdoing emergency stockpiling?
HeckYeah · Yesterday 09:06

Of course.

Heavy rain and flooding across Bangkok prompted shoppers to stock up on food and essentials, leaving some convenience-store shelves empty.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/bangkok/40071513

RedToothBrush · Yesterday 09:31

Oracle. Doesn't look good at all.

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · Yesterday 10:08

I've been looking at a thread on holidays. People planning multiple holidays next year with apparently no idea of fuel situation or at best happy to pretend all's good. Which I can understand to some extent.
The one that did gobsmack me though, is the one who's trekking in Nepal. Not a word about what Nepal is currently suffering. Just excited and looking forward to going.
I actually don't understand how people can be so ignorant of news, whilst at the same time apparently being seasoned travellers.

NotPerfectlyAdverage · Yesterday 13:53

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · Yesterday 10:08

I've been looking at a thread on holidays. People planning multiple holidays next year with apparently no idea of fuel situation or at best happy to pretend all's good. Which I can understand to some extent.
The one that did gobsmack me though, is the one who's trekking in Nepal. Not a word about what Nepal is currently suffering. Just excited and looking forward to going.
I actually don't understand how people can be so ignorant of news, whilst at the same time apparently being seasoned travellers.

But if you book a package holiday now aren't you protecting yourself from fuel hikes next year? The price you pay when booked is fixed so the flight then triples in price, you don't pay more?

I'm very tempted to book my annual trip to Ireland for October rather than wait until 2027 as my Ryan air flight is surely only going up?

HeckYeah · Yesterday 14:16

NotPerfectlyAdverage · Yesterday 13:53

But if you book a package holiday now aren't you protecting yourself from fuel hikes next year? The price you pay when booked is fixed so the flight then triples in price, you don't pay more?

I'm very tempted to book my annual trip to Ireland for October rather than wait until 2027 as my Ryan air flight is surely only going up?

They might cancel flights though. Or less flights. They also do have a right to charge you more after you have booked, in some cases. SAS are warning for this today.

NotPerfectlyAdverage · Yesterday 15:13

HeckYeah · Yesterday 14:16

They might cancel flights though. Or less flights. They also do have a right to charge you more after you have booked, in some cases. SAS are warning for this today.

Edited

But if they cancel the flight and its a package at worse you get a refund? We had a holiday booked with TUI for 2000. They couldn't have been more helpful to fully refund us as soon as it clear it wasn't possible to fly. 100% refund as soon as we said we wanted that and not a voucher.

Holeymoley28 · Yesterday 15:32

Grabbed a few more gas canisters today in Homebargains £3.99 for four.

HeckYeah · Yesterday 15:48

NotPerfectlyAdverage · Yesterday 15:13

But if they cancel the flight and its a package at worse you get a refund? We had a holiday booked with TUI for 2000. They couldn't have been more helpful to fully refund us as soon as it clear it wasn't possible to fly. 100% refund as soon as we said we wanted that and not a voucher.

Yes you should. Although we had booked flights to America, it was cancelled (because of covid though, but still) and we had to wait for a year to get the money back with SAS. After we basically threatened to go to the police. It was 7K.

RedToothBrush · Yesterday 17:45

NotPerfectlyAdverage · Yesterday 13:53

But if you book a package holiday now aren't you protecting yourself from fuel hikes next year? The price you pay when booked is fixed so the flight then triples in price, you don't pay more?

I'm very tempted to book my annual trip to Ireland for October rather than wait until 2027 as my Ryan air flight is surely only going up?

A few things

Book with a UK or EU airline. Do not be tempted to go with a cheaper non UK or EU airline. You will have way more rights and be a higher priority for repatriation if necessary.

If there's an aviation fuel shortage, you might want to consider this in multiple ways. Yes there may be surcharges or cancellations. The worse case scenario, is going somewhere and finding yourself stranded. Keeping an eye on the aviation fuel situation is probably wise - noting the UK is particularly vulnerable to this.

Make sure you have more funds available to cope with significant delays or cancellations if necessary. I think these are going to get more common due to more disruptions across the board for multiple reasons over the next few years. Don't just max your credit cards to go on a holiday - as this might just leave you really up shit creek.

Have insurance. Check the small print for what it covers and what it doesn't. Pay extra for good coverage. Don't go cheap. It's not worth it. Know what you are covered for... And what you are not.

Don't rule out airlines going pop - there's a few reasons brewing that make this a distinct possibility - one being locked into flights bought at unaffordable prices followed by a severe hike in aviation fuel prices. Or a massive stock market crash.

All the US airlines have more or less said that they are seriously considering cutting their schedules in December. I expect we are likely to start hearing noises to this effect in Europe soon enough, like we did over the summer (that didn't happen). So just because you have booked, don't assume you are going. On this note try not to book flights separately - book at the same time through a single vendor as it protects you more.

With all this talk of Russia 'doing something', if they do this could have ramifications: check your travel insurance for the war exemptions. Few policies cover you in the event of war. It sounds extreme - but it is worth having a solid think about what you would have to do to get home in that situation (or if you even could for some destinations). I think this is still unlikely at this point but it can't be ruled out. See above points about sufficient funds.

Re above point about cancellations and refunds. Be really careful about vouchers over refunds. An airline in administration won't pay up for a voucher. Aviation companies are absolutely on the front line of any global crisis in financial terms - severe weather, air traffic issues (potentially through cyber warfare issues), severe economic shock like a stock market crash, supply line issues such as aviation fuel or an actual physical war - they are liable to be one of the first industries impacted. This is why I say about making sure you have some money put aside for emergency in addition to your normal holiday fund if you really do want to still go away because all these fragility issues in global stability means the chances of you needing it getting higher.

But above all my thoughts process on this is be flexible and what can you afford to lose. If things do start to look fragile, I wouldn't have the mentality of "well I've pay X and it's my holiday I'm not prepared to miss it". I'd seriously say watch the news very closely and consider the risk on departure day - you don't have to get on that flight even if you have paid for it and really want to go. I think this is the scenario that has caught people out with lockdown - it was ultimately anticipated but people still went ahead and got stuck because they were bloody minded about going.

I wouldnt let it put you off booking and hoping you can go. We can't put life on hold. But do consider the finer points above which you might well have taken for granted in the past.

I have two trips booked. One for this year and one smaller one for later next year. I am not certain either will happen, but I also think living in total fear isnt healthy - it might be the last time we can too.

NotPerfectlyAdverage · Yesterday 21:04

I'd not want to fly too far. We mainly go to Europe. If we do go to Ireland we could get a ferry back i guess. I have always thought I'd still fly to America after Trump got back in, and still think it might be good to go back before he goes completely nuts

RedToothBrush · Yesterday 21:10

NotPerfectlyAdverage · Yesterday 21:04

I'd not want to fly too far. We mainly go to Europe. If we do go to Ireland we could get a ferry back i guess. I have always thought I'd still fly to America after Trump got back in, and still think it might be good to go back before he goes completely nuts

still think it might be good to go back before he goes completely nuts

Before?!

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