Are you taking any steps because of the Ukraine situation?

[DetailMouse]

The situation for those in the country is heartbreaking, I've sobbed at several news stories this morning and my heart aches for a Ukrainian friend whose family is still there.

On a far more selfish, practical level have you "done" anything to protect yourself and your own situation? If nothing else I can see an impending deepening of the financial crisis. A friend has taken all her money out of the bank, for example, but it's true she's prone to a bit of drama. Gas supply worries me a lot.

Is there anything we should be doing now to help a bit if the situation is prolonged or worsens?

Whilst it’s good that Ukraine are holding out against Russia, I don’t think Putin will admit defeat, and will absolutely escalate the situation if he feels things aren’t going his way. He will not back down as it will be humiliating for him, and the reality is he will do all he can to make sure he wins, which will mean worse things round the corner for us all. This is a no win situation for the Ukrainians.

@starfishmummy

I am busy taking precautions as per the 1980s Protect and Survive leaflet.

You can find it on line if you are interested.

Is that the one where you paint the windows white, get under a table and cover yourself with a white sheet, put your head between your legs and kiss your arse goodbye ?

We've actually been at war with countries ourselves in my lifetime (since 1980) and I don't remember or have heard of people reacting so hysterically. Why now? Am I missing something? Or does the internet just amplify people's responses which have always occurred at time of conflict (even though the UK isn't involved yet).

@SmellyWellyWoo

We've actually been at war with countries ourselves in my lifetime (since 1980) and I don't remember or have heard of people reacting so hysterically. Why now? Am I missing something? Or does the internet just amplify people's responses which have always occurred at time of conflict (even though the UK isn't involved yet).

All of this puts me in mind of when Russia invaded Afghanistan in 1980. We had just got married and I remember feeling very scared and very vulnerable as it was the height of the Cold War and the talk back then was of conscription and speculation about the use of nuclear weapons.

I remember the protect and survive films very well and although it was scary, there was nothing back then to compare with the media frenzy that’s going on now - every little detail being analysed and speculated on. And so I think you’re probably right that the media and the internet are contributing to people’s responses - the internet certainly provides a platform for people to express their fears and, to some extent, look for reassurance.

Ukraine is a modern country, and in the days before the invasion we’ve identified with it’s people going about their normal everyday business much like ourselves, and then we’ve been confronted with the terrible violence playing out on our tv screens just a few days later.

It brings home how easily the world can change and how the unthinkable can happen. The perception is that this is on our doorstep and we could easily be drawn into the conflict - things could escalate quickly by a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication. I’m scared more for the future because the world changed for ever on Thursday and we have yet to realise the long term consequences of that - the relative peace in Europe for the last 30 years that we’ve all taken for granted can no longer be guaranteed.

At times like these I think our awareness of the normal everyday things around us is heightened because it hits home how easily it could all be taken away by circumstances beyond our control. We’re left feeling angry, frustrated and helpless, so maybe however irritating it can be at times, Internet forums like this can serve as an outlet for that. Whatever happens, we’re all in it together.

@SmellyWellyWoo

We've actually been at war with countries ourselves in my lifetime (since 1980) and I don't remember or have heard of people reacting so hysterically. Why now? Am I missing something? Or does the internet just amplify people's responses which have always occurred at time of conflict (even though the UK isn't involved yet).

I was wondering the same thing.

Falklands war
Gulf war x 2
Croatia
Afghanistan

Actually, I do remember when one of the Gulf wars started (2003), my ds was in a London hospital, and there was talk of possibly evacuating hospitals elsewhere. I can’t remember the reasoning now - to protect 8n case of bombs?to free up wards? I remember feeling unnerved by it all.

However, I don’t remember quite the sense of mass doom, panic buying etc. is it because Russia are a mighty force? Putin? China - where do they stand?

However, tempted to reinstate my ‘Brexit cupboard’, to protect against rising prices if nothing else.

And I agree that the internet is probably making it worse.

I've never lived through a war. What happens to inflation? How do we pay our mortgages/rent if we can't work? What about rations??? I know everyone starts growing their own fruit, and veggies and chickens become very popular, bit other than tgat I haven't hit a dicky bird, sorry....

Your friend might be a little quick off the Mark, but I'm def not criticising her. I really have no idea what happens if we end up in another WW.

I sincerely hope China tell Russia to cool it. I suspect N Korea won't be saying that, though :(

@DetailMouse

If there's all out nuclear war or compete breakdown of society of course we're all doomed and stocking up on cyanide pills might be the answer, but there are loads of things that could happen in between here and there. Thinking about how to avoid being one of the people queuing at the bank or unable to get to work isn't stupid.

You’re a moron, sorry.

@Riverlee dont forget the civil war in Northern Ireland and England. That lasted until 1998.

I live rurally and the supermarkets aren't open 24 hours and arent close by. Last week we couldn't go anywhere until a tree had been removed from the road after the storm. We have been snowed in a couple of times and have had more power cuts than most. No one grits our road so we do it with the neighbours.

For us it just makes sense to not let the car run low on fuel and to have a couple of weeks to food in. We always have cash and plenty of torches in the house.

We can't rely on everything working as it should. Surely the last couple of years have taught us that?! I'm not preparing for the worst, I'm just doing what I normally do!

[quote Porcupineintherough]@Riverlee dont forget the civil war in Northern Ireland and England. That lasted until 1998.[/quote]
How could I forget that! Terrorism on our doorstep. Tube trains frequently being delayed due to bomb alerts. It became a way of life. I actually couldn’t quite believe when it all ended, as it had always been there.

We can't rely on everything working as it should. Surely the last couple of years have taught us that?! I'm not preparing for the worst, I'm just doing what I normally do!

If stuff isn't working as it should why would having petrol & some cash protect you?

You might be able to get to the supermarket & have cash to buy goods but what guarantee is there that a cyber attack that stops you from using your bank acc won't also hit companies & the staff that work in these companies.

What I have learnt over the last few years is theres no point in panicking because a short time issue will be sorted out pretty fast. Anything long term will just result in civil unrest

How could I forget that! Terrorism on our doorstep. Tube trains frequently being delayed due to bomb alerts. It became a way of life. I actually couldn’t quite believe when it all ended, as it had always been there.

Well the threat level has only just been lowered from severe so I'm not sure why you think terrorism has gone.

If there was a full scale war here, your money wouldn't be worth much anyway!!

@Bleachmycloths

The sentiments seem over dramatic or unlikely. Actually ‘SOBBING ‘? Sobbing is extreme and I find it hard to believe. Either that that or the OP should have used a more truthful or appropriate word for her reaction. Unless she actually was sobbing... 🤷‍♀️ 🙄

To posters who think I lack sympathy - I am very upset by the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. I am horrified and upset. What I questioned was the use of the word ‘ sobbing’ in the OP original post. We know what, sobbing looks like and sounds like. It is extreme and I was sceptical. It’s like when people use words like torture, devastated, agony. Use words which actually reflect how you reacted. I wouldn’t want to continue in this vein. Enough now.

If everyone took their money out the bank like your friend it would have a massive negative impact on banks and in turn us. People panic buying petrol and food will also cause issues as we've seen before. It's selfish and unnecessary

If you lived through the 70s and 80s bombs going off in London happened quite a lot due to the issues with the IRA which thankfully were resolved

@Dibbydoos

I've never lived through a war. What happens to inflation? How do we pay our mortgages/rent if we can't work? What about rations??? I know everyone starts growing their own fruit, and veggies and chickens become very popular, bit other than tgat I haven't hit a dicky bird, sorry....

Your friend might be a little quick off the Mark, but I'm def not criticising her. I really have no idea what happens if we end up in another WW.

I sincerely hope China tell Russia to cool it. I suspect N Korea won't be saying that, though :(

People still worked in the last world war. Some people changed jobs due to turning factories into manufacturing weapons. Women who had not previously worked had to cover jobs previously done by men who had been conscripted.

@Theunamedcat

I've still got an extra bag of cat food and extra gluten free flour in rotation from brexit and covid shortages the kids are fine with nuggets and chips but I can't eat cheap food due to my food intolerance I bought a couple of bags pre brexit and just rotate through so they are never out of date but honestly I would have had this in anyway as covid taught me shortages can happen anytime

I'm keeping my books that I was going to buy again on kindle and get rid of I have candles anyway I'm popping over to the preppers board for more ideas

Shortages only occurred during the pandemic because selfish people went out and bought far more than they would usually. There was no need for it as we had no issues with supplies here especially bog roll but supply couldn't keep up with demand.

@NobodysGonnaKnow

FFS no. I’m not going to do anything hysterical and I suggest you don’t either. It’s an extremely selfish attitude.

Agree, but it doesn't seem to be British culture to be selfish and sod what anyone else might need. That become obvious in lockdown. If people didn't scaremonger or stopped reacting to the clickbait stories in the media we wouldnt have as many problems

It's human nature to take steps to.look after your own family in times of uncertainty.

It's the most normal thing in the world.

It is sensible to assess likely threats like the banks being temporarily down, cupboards bare, no electricity, and mitigate them. You don't have to build a nuclear bunker to repopulate the earth, but a cushion that means you can get by for a few days, without being a burden on anyone else til things get working again is just basic taking responsibility.

There's miles of open ground between making sure you're not desperate on day 1 of a crisis and single handedly destroying the supply chain for the nation.

I'm baffled by those saying it's selfish, whose plan is to sit there and wait for the government to get round to saving them.
To the government you and your kids are just a number. You can't expect otherwise.

If you lived through the 70s and 80s bombs going off in London happened quite a lot due to the issues with the IRA which thankfully were resolved

I don't think the 70s & 80s experience of London during the Troubles would prep you for war. However Belfast would be another story.

I’m not doing anything.

I will top up petrol when needed. I’ll do my usual weekly food shop. I rarely use cash so won’t be withdrawing a chunk. SM propaganda would surely love to make sure that everyone starts panicking - it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Human nature is our own worst enemy.

I remember the Protect & Survive leaflets. Scared the shit out of me at the time. Looking at them now, it’s nuts. I mean, the list of things you need is large enough - how on earth were people also going to fit into their “safe space” once all the essentials were in there?!

There are probably two things that I am doing. First is just being cautious about links that get posted. It’s fairly well known that Russian bots/trolls will post on almost all SM platforms - so I’m not clicking on links from randoms, I’ll stick with getting news from safe sources. And I’m not going to fall into the “panic” mindset. Instead, I will continue to admire the sheer spirit of Ukrainians that is currently being shown on the news.

As an aside, anyone mentioning iodine - just be mindful. If you have diagnosed thyroid problems, you need to be cautious. But there’s also a lot of people who potentially have thyroid problems (but get fobbed off).

No. I refuse to follow Putin's tantrums in the news.

I am carrying on as normal. Calm is what I need to function clearly.

I will help the Ukranians if they need food/stuff but i will not negotiate with Putin the terrorist by pandering to his madness.

I have - but nowt to do with pepping, petrol, booking flights to Switzerland or building a bunker.