### British Prepper Amasses £21,500 Stockpile for Future Emergencies – Urges Public to Prepare
Shahzad Kayani, a self-described ‘doomsday prepper’ from the UK, has devoted nearly two decades to preparing for disaster scenarios, from widespread power outages to global pandemics. Inspired by his childhood fascination with survival expert Bear Grylls, Kayani has turned what began as a youthful curiosity into a comprehensive strategy for crisis resilience, investing more than £21,500 in emergency supplies.
Now aged 31, Kayani’s readiness extends far beyond the casual collector’s hobby. What started with basic firelighters and survival knives has progressed into an entire room in his home dedicated strictly to readiness. His stockpile is reported to be able to sustain his family of five for at least half a year in the event that catastrophe strikes.
Reflecting on his journey, Kayani, who also now writes about preparedness, comments: “I believe every household ought to have an evacuation kit, equipped with absolute essentials such as water, medical provisions, and non-perishable food. Even short-term emergencies can spiral quickly, and being prepared can spell the difference between chaos and calm.”
Kayani’s approach to prepping has evolved as global threats have shifted. Initially planning for wilderness survival, he soon recognised that scenarios such as blackouts, health crises, and natural disasters posed a more immediate risk to everyday life in Britain. His response? A meticulous system for readiness, including ‘grab bags’ for each family member. Each of these rucksacks contains a three-day supply of food and water, along with other survival essentials.
His extensive inventory includes emergency tents, thermal blankets, torches, radio sets for news updates, portable stoves, and, under licence, a small selection of firearms. He boasts a methodical approach to food preservation, storing basic staples such as flour, rice, and beans in oxygen-sealed mylar bags and food-safe buckets—a technique that, according to Kayani, can extend shelf life for up to a quarter of a century.
“I recommend everyone aim for at least two weeks’ reserve of food and water,” Kayani notes. He also champions practical items like pocket torches, propane heaters, power banks, and foldable solar chargers as necessities. Being able to stay warm, hydrated, and informed is vital, he explains, particularly when external infrastructure may fail.
Whilst some may dismiss Kayani’s fervour as alarmist, he maintains that world events increasingly justify a culture of caution. Pointing to rising threats such as cyber attacks, mass power failures, and climate change-induced disasters, he estimates there is a “70% chance” that his preparation will prove essential by the end of this decade. Kayani’s cautious optimism is rooted in careful research—he closely follows trends in geo-political and environmental risk.
Beyond material preparation, Kayani stresses the importance of documentation. Among his top ten must-have items are photocopies of vital personal records, kept at hand in the event of sudden displacement from home. This attention to detail reveals a pragmatic, rather than purely sensational, approach to disaster readiness.
While some still see preparedness as the niche pursuit of the anxious, Kayani’s measured rationale and commitment extend an invitation for broader self-reflection. With uncertainty a staple of the modern era, his story raises timely questions about what it means to be prepared—and whether British households might benefit from heeding some of his advice. The list, in Kayani’s view, ought not be about paranoia, but about building personal and community resilience against a world of unpredictable threats.
In summarising his approach, Kayani champions ten core items for survival: clean water, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, a water filter, torch, emergency blanket, emergency radio, fire starter, robust knife, and crucial paperwork. His practical guidance, underpinned by years of experience, serves as a striking prompt for others to consider what they might do should disaster strike closer to home.
As the conversation around individual preparedness grows, voices like Kayani’s are likely to gain resonance, urging Britons to prepare—not just for an apocalypse, but for the increasingly uncertain challenges of everyday life.