Former British Army serviceman stockpiles food for national emergencies
Ian Ferguson has accumulated 600 cans of food and various survival tools in his Dorset shed to prepare for potential lockdowns.
Ian Ferguson, a 71-year-old former British Army serviceman living in Weymouth, Dorset, has spent up to £1,000 building a food stockpile. According to the Times of India, Ferguson has collected approximately 600 cans of food, including stews, beans, and fruit, to prepare for a 100-day lockdown or a major national emergency.
The collection, which is stored in 13 large delivery boxes in his garden shed, began in 2022 following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Ferguson, who runs a taxi company, said he started by adding extra items during weekly grocery trips but now intends to continue growing his supplies.
Beyond food, Ferguson has gathered various survival equipment such as portable radios, camping stoves, sleeping bags, water filtration tools, and basic implements like a saw and an axe. He also suggested that people should keep physical cash available in case digital payment systems fail during a crisis.
Ferguson expressed concern regarding the threat of cyberattacks on essential services like supermarkets and water companies. He noted that modern supply chains are heavily reliant on digital systems and could freeze if attacked.
While preparing for himself, Ferguson emphasised the importance of community support and sharing resources during emergencies. He stated that he aims to be an active member of his community rather than just focusing on his own survival.
Regarding his spending, Ferguson said he would rather lose the money spent on supplies than face a difficult situation without food. He said he is hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.