French government expected to issue all citizens with survival manual

  • Hey Guest, Early bird pricing on the Summer Moot (21st July - 2nd August) available until March 31st, we'd love you to come. PLEASE CLICK HERE to early bird price and get more information.
In an attempt to bring this somewhat back on track in a non political way - does this sort of minor level of domestic resilience not also apply to such things as pandemics. That's more of a rhetorical question than anything else.

The wording from the specific article , of which there have been similar ones from multiple countries over the last 18 months has been mostly the same.

"instructions on how to prepare for an “imminent threat” including armed conflict, a health crisis or a natural disaster.
It quoted a spokesperson from the PM’s office saying: “The purpose of this document is to ensure the resilience of populations in the face of all types of crisis, whether natural, technological, cyber or security-related.”


Yes conflict in certain areas probably was a hard catalyst for such documents to be circulated to the gen -pop but its application is suitable for a multitude of circumstances.


Although this section ( without seeing it maybe just reporters fantasy ) sounds a little homeguard / militia

"It will be divided into three parts with advice on how to protect “yourself and those around you”, what to do if a threat is imminent – with a list of emergency numbers, radio channels and a reminder to close doors and windows if the threat is nuclear – and details of how to get involved in defending your community, including signing up for reserve units or firefighting groups."
 
While I doubt that Europe could ultimately withstand any of the supercontinents, the reaction measures might be different.
Some referred to the Ukraine war as

"500 million Europeans are waiting for 340 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians who haven't been able to win against 40 million Ukrainians in 3 years. "

I think that Europe could protect itself very well indeed if it had the will to do so
 
In an attempt to bring this somewhat back on track in a non political way - does this sort of minor level of domestic resilience not also apply to such things as pandemics. That's more of a rhetorical question than anything else.
It does but many people simply now expect that things will be done for them. I recall major, prolonged power cuts following a storm about 20 years ago in Cheshire. Guy on the TV saying "my children have had nothing hot to eat for 3 days". He was interviewed in the garden of his house. There was a town with takeaways and camping stores open less than 3 miles from him.

People don't believe that interruption to supply is imminent so holidays and phones are a higher priority.
 
I never understood the toilet roll panic, given just about every house has a shower, which is more effective and practically free... I suppose rules drummed in during infancy are hard to shake off for some.
 
I suppose there's different levels of preparedness. I can last for one day, I can last for one week, I can last for one month, I'm allowed to hunt my neighbours sheep and tie up anyone with a foreign accent, etc.

I do find these leaflets a bit strange as I expect those that read them don't need to and those that don't do. I also get the general feeling most of the governments actions are to make people less able to look after themselves.
 
Well yes.. governments need rampant consumerism for the economy to work and grow, which requires resources and minerals which lead to unstable global situations and wars.

But probably more in line with your point is that consumerism works best when the masses are encouraged to outdo their neighbours, fear other people and the outdoors, and tuck themselves away in their own little world. A community spirit on the other hand would be far more resilient in difficult times.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gibson 175
I suppose there's different levels of preparedness. I can last for one day, I can last for one week, I can last for one month, I'm allowed to hunt my neighbours sheep and tie up anyone with a foreign accent, etc.

I do find these leaflets a bit strange as I expect those that read them don't need to and those that don't do. I also get the general feeling most of the governments actions are to make people less able to look after themselves.
Whilst I agree that part is probably very true i guess you can only move the needle millimetre by millimetre , one person at a time.
I suppose with what is going on in the world currently - the best time for any government to not so subtly suggest such precautions is NOW as opposed to time of peacetime.
There are always global conflicts but this one gets the most media attention and is used as a fulcrum point for ideologies and a rallying point.
 
It does but many people simply now expect that things will be done for them. I recall major, prolonged power cuts following a storm about 20 years ago in Cheshire. Guy on the TV saying "my children have had nothing hot to eat for 3 days". He was interviewed in the garden of his house. There was a town with takeaways and camping stores open less than 3 miles from him.

People don't believe that interruption to supply is imminent so holidays and phones are a higher priority.

I agree.

I don't live in a VERY rural location ( I can think of far more remote areas on Moorland etc ) but have experienced many blackouts on the last 12 months.

We are now so used to immediate gratification of consumer delivery ( Prime ) , digital to door food delivery and media and wifi communication access its very difficult for people to envisage a situation where its not a 'given'

Take peoples phones off them for 48 hours and see how digital cold turkey looks.
 
A community spirit on the other hand would be far more resilient in difficult times.
Ain’t THAT the truth!

Take peoples phones off them for 48 hours and see how digital cold turkey looks.
That is an exercise that I find well worth doing for myself from time to time.

Obviously I’m concerned about family issues. With nine grandchildren SOMETHING needs help or back up in a 48 hour period but others step in.
If I’m camping I do miss my stargazer and my weather reports but that’s survivable.
 
A friend of mine just returned from Bangalore. Everything by app, pretty much consumer deliveries within 30 minutes or less.
 
Best way I think to help build some community spirit is to have some extras put aside for the immediate neighbours.

Blackout - pop around with some candles - costs pennies , will create gratitude and hopefully , spirit.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Pattree
I think it's a great exercise to turn everything off for 48 hours. No mains water shows how silly 6 litre a day estimates are
It is a great 'gut check' exercise but not sure how many people would willingly entertain doing it apart from the mentally-already-converted types.

Even of those of us that are moderately onboard would find it an uphill struggle I imagine selling it to the spouse/children.

I guess the governments are trying to create a very slim , easy to swallow notion that a few basic items over and beyond the normal shopping trip is worthwhile.
 
Best way I think to help build some community spirit is to have some extras put aside for the immediate neighbours.

That it’s exactly what will be needed! Share resources, share skills and share food/water.
If your community has a good organiser with good leadership and negotiation skills you have the key to managing the situation.
 
That it’s exactly what will be needed! Share resources, share skills and share food/water.
If your community has a good organiser with good leadership and negotiation skills you have the key to managing the situation.

Unfortunately my experience of those type of people that put themselves forward for those sort of positions tend to be doing it for the wrong reason or are lacking a basic prerequisite skill set. YMMV

I Think it just needs to be more immediate and low key - keep an eye on your immediate neighbours , help if you can without shooting yourself in the foot and generally try to be a good egg as opposed to a bad apple.
 
Sometimes I'm glad we were born during WW2 and had childhoods full of rationing, shortages and simple living without telephones, televisions or computers. We need little help to imagine what is needed for an emergency. Our home always has always had ample supplies of food, fuel and water. And wine.

We have also taken the precaution of living in a close-knit and supportive community.
 
Back along last summer there was a short Internet/phone outage..forget the details now, as it realy didn't affect me very much. Anyway, no Internet, no phones working, no tills etc and there was a lady outside the supermarket with 3 unhappy kids, she was trying to placate them and seemed to be in a bit of a fix. Everyone was just walking past her, so I asked her what the problem was.
The kids are hungry and thirsty, and my phone's not working, so I can't buy anything.
She had no cash, or card,(not that cards were working either)
Well, I popped into the store, payed cash for a litre of water and a bag of apples for them. Came out and gave it to her, and told her she should always keep some cash on her no matter what, then she asked me where she could get petrol!!
I asked her how she was going to pay for it...took a moment for it to to sink in, then she said I'll phone my husband....I smiled, wished her good luck, and walked away.
Sometimes you just can't fix stupid.
 
Just today, neignbour told me they bought a new phone. £700.

They only use it for emergencies.

I suspect the mobile company is laughing at such a good sale.
 
  • Wow
  • Eh?
Reactions: GreyCat and MrEd
It is a great 'gut check' exercise but not sure how many people would willingly entertain doing it apart from the mentally-already-converted types.

Even of those of us that are moderately onboard would find it an uphill struggle I imagine selling it to the spouse/children
That was very much the point I was making. People really don't want to contemplate even short term outages as they prefer life comfortable
 

BCUK Shop

We have a a number of knives, T-Shirts and other items for sale.

SHOP HERE