There was a time when the word prepper made you think of people building underground bunkers, stockpiling years’ worth of food, and preparing for the end of the world. For most people, it seemed a little extreme.
But things are changing. Governments are taking emergency preparedness more seriously, and some of the recommendations sound a lot like what preppers have been saying for years.
In the United States, the Pentagon is reportedly developing plans for major military bases to operate independently for up to 90 days if power grids and supply chains are disrupted. Meanwhile, the British government is encouraging families to keep enough food, water, and other essentials to get through at least three days without everyday services.
The Pentagon Wants Military Bases Prepared for 90 Days Without Outside Support
The Pentagon is reportedly developing a plan to let major U.S. military bases operate for at least 90 days without outside electricity, water, fuel, or communications.
The initiative, known as FORTRESS, was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in September 2026. According to Fox News Digital, internal planning documents outline a proposed 90-day requirement to keep bases operating if a major conflict disrupts power grids and supply chains.
While the plan is intended for military installations rather than American households, it shows how seriously the Pentagon is taking the possibility of extended disruptions.
Britain Is Telling Families to Prepare for Three Days of Disruption
Across the Atlantic, the British government is encouraging families to prepare for at least 72 hours without access to essential services.
Through its Be Ready campaign, officials recommend keeping extra drinking water, canned food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and cash at home.
The advice is intended to help households manage emergencies such as severe weather, cyberattacks, and disruptions to essential supplies.
And while this campaign is getting attention in Britain, the idea isn’t new in the United States. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has long encouraged American households to keep emergency supplies and have a family plan for unexpected disasters.
What Should Families Actually Have on Hand?
The emergency supplies governments recommend aren’t particularly unusual. Many of them are things you probably already buy and use regularly.
A basic household emergency kit should include:
- Drinking water: Enough for each person in your household for several days.
- Nonperishable food: Canned goods, crackers, peanut butter, and other foods that don’t need refrigeration.
- A manual can opener: Especially important if your emergency food includes canned goods.
- Flashlights and extra batteries: So you don’t rely entirely on your phone for light.
- Medications and first-aid supplies: Including essential prescriptions and basic medical necessities.
- Portable phone chargers: Preferably charged and ready before an outage.
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio: For receiving emergency information when internet access is unavailable.
- Cash: Small bills in case ATMs or electronic payment systems aren’t working.
- Important documents: Copies of identification, insurance information, and emergency contacts.
- Personal hygiene supplies: Toilet paper, wipes, soap, and other everyday necessities.
- Pet and baby supplies: Food, medications, diapers, or formula, if needed.
The goal isn’t to purchase everything at once. It’s to make sure you have the essentials available before an emergency happens.
