Preparedness is not extreme – it is common sense

Why concrete preparedness is decisive today

Recommendations for action from GfKV newsletter #20

Analysing global risks is one thing. Concrete preparation for them is another. While geopolitical tensions, fragile supply chains and systemic dependencies continue to intensify, one central question often remains unanswered: what does this mean concretely for everyday life – and what needs to be done now?

A member of our network has drawn up a structured recommendation for action on this, which deliberately remains pragmatic. It is not aimed at extreme scenarios but at something much more realistic: temporary supply disruptions, shortages and uncertainties in everyday life.

Concrete preparedness: what makes sense now

At its core, there are eight central areas that together create resilience:

• Securing basic supplies Water and food for about 10–14 days form the basis. Not as a crisis scenario, but as a buffer against short-term shortages.
• Energy and heat Simple solutions that do not depend on mains power, such as power banks, gas stoves or LED lamps, keep you able to act during disruptions.
• Medical preparedness An extended home medicine cabinet and stocks of important medication reduce dependence on strained supply chains.
• Mobility and transport Basic preparation – from keeping the tank half full to alternatives such as the bicycle – increases flexibility.
• Communication and information Independent sources of information and data available offline are decisive when digital systems are restricted.
• Financial resilience Cash and financial reserves create room for manoeuvre when systems come under pressure.
• Social networks Neighbourhood and community are often more stable than any individual preparation.
• Mental stability Structure, routines and a conscious approach to information are central factors in remaining able to act.

These measures are deliberately kept low-threshold. They do not follow a “prepper” approach, but the principle: be prepared without falling into alarmism.

Download the detailed recommendation (German)

Why we don’t get round to acting

Psychological perspective

Recommendations for action are often ignored or put off – even when they are understandable and sensible. The reason lies less in a lack of knowledge than in an inner mechanism: when people start implementing concrete measures, the subconscious recognises the underlying information as real.

This means: the abstract possibility becomes a tangible fact.

This creates an emotional consequence – usually in the form of insecurity or fear. And it is precisely this confrontation that is often avoided.

The result: postponing, playing down or ignoring.

This reaction is human – but it prevents exactly what would be decisive in uncertain times: timely preparation.

The decisive change of perspective

Preparedness does not mean assuming the worst. Preparedness means being able to deal with uncertainty.

The measures described are not aimed at states of emergency, but at something much more likely: temporary disruptions, limited availability and systemic friction losses. Those who are prepared here not only reduce risks – above all, they gain room for manoeuvre.

Resilience does not begin in a crisis, but long before. The ability to provide for oneself, to put information into context and to remain able to act is a central component of independence. Freedom does not show itself in the absence of crises – but in the ability to make decisions even under uncertain conditions.

“Preparedness is not a sign of fear – but an expression of responsibility towards oneself and others.”

Christian Ecker

About the source:

The article by Herbert Saurugg, Velina Tchakarova and Marco Felsberger on which this note is based was published by Herbert Saurugg in the GfKV newsletter and shared further on the GAIA platform here:

GAIA post

Original GfKV newsletter (German)