Lancashire prepper says stockpiling is ‘a way of life’

A self-confessed “prepper” who stockpiles food and supplies in case of disaster, says people who mocked him just two years ago are now appreciating what he does, after government advice to stock around three days worth of food and water.

Dad-of-two Mike Chappell, from Burnley, Lancashire, has food, water and non-mains energy sources to last him and his family for 90 days in case of a disaster.

He said the government’s advice was “a good starting point” but he would recommend no less than 30 days’ supply.

The government issued advice on 22 October in a bid to encourage people in the UK to stock up in case of a national emergency.

Chappell said while he had previously been labelled “a nutter” by some, “now it’s completely different” after “headline after headline about [issues such as] oil, food, drought”.

He said it was now “much more approachable” to talk to people about the subject of prepping.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said that people should stockpile goods to prepare for an emergency such as a cyber attack or an extreme weather event.

On 22 October, he said that people should ensure they have three litres of water per person per day; tinned goods in the cupboard; baby food; battery powered torches and mobile phone charging packs.