Survivalist training demand soars to 75% as Brits brace for Mad Vlad to start WW3
EXCLUSIVE: Fears of Mad Vlad hitting the big red button have sparked a major demand for survivalist training and doomsday 'prepper' goods as Brits look to protect themselves against the apocalypse
Demand for survivalist training has rocketed 75% and "prepper" store sales are booming as Brits brace themselves for Mad Vlad to start WW3. Folk are stocking up on long-life supplies and harsh environment clobber in a bid to protect themselves from a potential apocalyptic blast from push-button Putin.
Store bosses have reported a run on water purifiers – which make rainwater safe to drink - and freeze-dried foods should fresh grub supplies run out. Tins of meat that last 25 years have been flying off the shelves, along with military respirators and ration packs.
The number of folks signing up to bushcraft courses, which teach how to survive in the wilderness, have soared 75% in the past two years. Ray Chin, founder of the Back To Wilderness learning centre in East Anglia, said: "People have been really looking into the fundamental basic skills like how to make fire without any kind of instruments or tools from rubbing sticks together.
"They don’t want to be relying on gadgets which could break or fail.’’ Ex-Army man Leigh Price said business at his The Bug Out shop is booming as Russia wages war on the West.
"Prepping is about self-reliance," he said. "What happens when you suddenly can’t get what you need?
"We’re used to conveniences now but it wasn’t always the case and it won’t always be in the future.” Price has seen a rocket in demand for freeze-dried chicken and beef with 25-year expiry dates and his survival training.
"Over the past couple of years people signing up to our courses has gone up by about 75%," he said. "When we first started the prepping community was small and mostly blokes into outdoor survivalism.
"Now we are dealing with a broader range of people - men and women sometimes with older children - from all walks of life from all parts of the country.’’
He said every Brit should have a `bug out bag’ - a holdall with everything they need to survive 72 hours in the wild.
"The main things to worry about are food, shelter, water, and first aid,’’ he said.
"If you had a small bag with essential supplies in there - a bit of food, a bit of water, warm coats, blankets - then if you were to vacate somewhere you’d be a lot more comfortable.’’
Another prepper store boss said: "We’re seeing big rises across the board but in particular a sharp increase in military respirators and ration packs.
"A lot have been expressing fear and concern over the escalating Russia tensions.’’ Facebook group UK Preppers & Survivalists boasts nearly 22,500 members.
Northern European countries have led the way in emergency planning. Swedish authorities recommend keeping at home bottled water, energy-rich food, blankets, alternative heating and a battery-powered radio.
Norway advises folk to stock up on non-essential medicines including iodine tablets in case of a nuclear attack. German households have been urged to adapt cellars, garages or store rooms for use as bunkers.
Builders in Poland have to put safe shelters in new homes.
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