Dorset Man Stockpiles 600 Cans of Food in Case of an Emergency

A man from Weymouth, Dorset, has collected 600 cans of food to prepare for a possible emergency. Ian Ferguson, 71, started building his stockpile about two years ago after watching events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine unfold. He says those events taught him that everyday life can be disrupted very quickly, and he wants to be ready.

Every time Ferguson went to the supermarket, he picked up six extra cans on top of his normal shopping. Over two years, those cans added up to 600. He figures that six cans a day would be more than enough food for one person, meaning his supply could last him around 100 days. But he does not plan to keep it all for himself — he says he would share with family, friends, and neighbours if disaster struck.

Ferguson has also prepared in other ways. He bought a gas stove with extra fuel canisters so he can cook even if the power goes out. In his back garden, he has a water butt — a large container that collects rainwater — fitted with special filter sticks so he can drink the water safely. He also keeps sleeping bags indoors in case he cannot use his heating.

Ferguson explained that the COVID-19 pandemic was a big wake-up call. He watched people panic-buying and emptying store shelves, and decided he never wanted to be caught unprepared like that. The war in Ukraine made him think even more seriously about threats closer to home. He worries especially about cyber attacks — where hackers could shut down computer systems that control power, water, and food supplies.

The UK government has been giving similar advice to the public through its 'Be Ready' campaign. The campaign tells households to keep at least three days' worth of food, bottled water, and other supplies at home. It also recommends items like wet wipes, a torch, and some cash, in case banks and card machines stop working.

Government officials say this kind of preparation is becoming more important. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the advice was about building 'national resilience' — meaning the country's ability to bounce back from problems. He pointed to extreme weather events, which are happening more often because of climate change, as well as the growing danger of cyber attacks by hostile countries or terrorist groups. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also encouraged everyone to keep emergency supplies at home.