It's not new but the government definitely has been pushing it significantly harder in the last week after pushing it again over the summer.
It puts us in line with other European countries.
But I do think there's an overall feeling of something amiss or likely to happen too.
I sit up and take notes when the most prepared nation against disasters in the world starts saying similar:
FNN
Minister Hoso Issues "Emergency Request" to All Citizens: Prepare Food, Water, and Toilet Supplies
Japan. This is Japan's Disaster Prevention Minister. Apparently he is launching a new campaign on Nov 2 with the new Disaster Prevention Agency being launched. The campaign is to issue an emergency request to all citizens to stockpile at least 3 days (preferably 1 week) of food, water, and toilets at home. This is to prepare for potential major events like Nankai Trough quakes, not an imminent disaster.
Japans planning request:
Stockpile at Least 3 Days' Worth, Ideally "1 Week's Worth"
For food and drinking water, aim for amounts based on family size × 1 week, and start rolling stock (building reserves while consuming daily).
Prioritize Securing "Portable Toilets" Above All
In past disasters, the most serious issue has been toilets. Prepare for this with equal or greater priority than food or water.
First, Plan for "Sheltering in Place"
Efforts are underway between government and private sectors to improve evacuation shelter conditions (TKB: toilets, hot meals, beds), but if your home is safe, sheltering in place is the baseline. Don't forget to secure safety in your rooms, like anchoring furniture.
Except at this point I think everyone is really struggling with the idea that the whole western world is actively suddenly saying "prepare for disaster" at the same time.
Meanwhile Trump is saying ominous shit again:
“So, I wonder if I should say this. I’d like a little advice from my two people, my two big monsters. My two monsters are going to be the biggest stars in the country in a week.”
One of his big monsters is apparently Russ Vought who did a think tank which included talking of how to invoke the Insurrection Act and introduce martial law. He has the nickname of Shadow President.
Read his wiki for his political ideas.... He's one scary guy. I'd argue anyone who calls themselves a Christian Nationalist is (remember the US is supposed to have a separation of church and state too).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Vought
Meanwhile in Israel:
The Washington Post is reporting that Trump administration officials are secretly exploring a deal that could keep Benjamin Netanyahu in power even if he loses Tuesday’s Israeli election — by forming a unity government with rival Gadi Eisenkot.
Netanyahu has reportedly offered to abandon far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, pitching himself to Washington as its preferred partner for resuming military operations against Iran.
Then we have Haaretz, reporting that the head of the Mossad supports Prime Minister Netanyahu's call for attacks inside Iran, a position that contrasts with that of the Chief of Staff. So the head of Mossad is in direct conflict with the Head of the Army who just refused to carry out orders...
Meanwhile in Brazil:
Bolsonaro has apparently had his passport seized by Federal Police.
Elon isn't happy with the results of the Brazil election btw. Said the math doesn't add up.