What’s the next move?
Even if you live under a rock, it’s hard to avoid what is going on in the news right now. As the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, some of our clients are seeking not only the elegance and comfort of our interior design, but also security and resilience in their living spaces. No one wants to talk about it, but in recent weeks we’ve been researching ballistic glass, pre-formed bunkers and even EMP hardened generators.
But what if you don’t have a millionaires budget to prepare for a potential global conflict? You still want to protect your family and live in relative comfort, even if the lights do go out…
With a bit of pre-planning (or ‘prepping’ as the Americans call it) you can withstand some of the potential challenges and fortify your home with some sensible upgrades. These are some of the things we’re advising our clients on…
1. Wood Burning Stoves with Cooktops
A wood-burning stove is not only a charming addition to your home but also a crucial backup for heating and cooking during power outages. Choose models with integrated cooktops to ensure you can prepare meals even when traditional utilities are unavailable. Modern designs offer both efficiency and aesthetic appeal, as well as reducing your energy bills if you happen to have a healthy supply of wood at your disposal. If you don’t have the budget for a wood burning stove, get yourself down to Go Outdoors and buy a camping stove with spare gas canisters as a back up (just be mindful not to light it indoors).
2. Water Filtration and Storage Systems
If the power goes out due to an EMP or cyber attack, so does the water because the local pump stations run on electricity. The UK government recently issued a public notice advising all residents to store at least a 72 hour supply of water, which is about 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking and washing up. Ensure access to clean water by installing filtration systems and ample storage tanks. Collect rainwater and use filtration units to purify it for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. If you’re fortunate enough to have a borehole or well on your property, then now it the time to check it’s properly maintained. Having a reliable water source is crucial for survival and comfort during any disruption.
3. Chemical loo
The toilet roll shortages during covid would seem like a minor hiccup compared to the nightmare of not having flushing toilets. Having no running water also means no flushing toilets. Having a back up of a camping toilet would be an utter luxury and for the sake of spending 30 quid on one now and keeping it in the garage, would be worth it’s weight in loo roll. If you have a bigger budget and don’t want to have to deal with human waste, you could opt for an incinerator loo, but be mindful that these require an electric feed.
4. Wood-Fired Hot Tub
Having no power or running water means you’d be reduced to enduring wet wipe washes…and if you’re already dealing with a crisis, the comfort of a hot bath would be a welcome luxury. These tubs are independent of electrical power and provide a relaxing retreat even during times of crisis. The warmth and relaxation offered by a hot bath are invaluable for mental health and stress relief in uncertain times.
5. Solar Power Systems
If you have the means to do so, invest in a comprehensive solar power system to ensure your home remains powered during prolonged outages. High-capacity batteries can store energy for night time use, keeping essential systems like lighting, refrigeration, and security operational. Solar panels can be discreetly integrated into your home’s design to maintain its aesthetic integrity.
6. High-Quality Insulation
If you’re currently renovating, it’s worth spending the extra budget on enhancing your home’s insulation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without relying heavily on external power sources. High-quality insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.
7. Emergency Power Generators
Diesel or gas generators can provide backup power for essential systems and appliances, particularly if you have electronic medical gear like a CPAP machine, just make sure you keep an adequate fuel supply stored to guarantee functionality when needed.
8. Self-Sustaining Gardens
Remember the empty shelves and long queues during the pandemic? If you haven’t already started growing your own food, there is no better time than now. Incorporate self-sustaining gardens into your landscape design. Grow vegetables, herbs, and fruits to supplement your food supply. Utilise hydroponics or aquaponics systems for efficient indoor gardening, ensuring year-round access to fresh produce regardless of external circumstances.
8. Root Cellar Storage
If you’re growing your own food, you’ll need somewhere to store it. There’s nothing more demoralising than putting time and energy into tending to a garden, only to see it decimated by pests, or worse still – harvesting your produce and then having it rot before you can eat it. A root cellar will keep your produce fresher for longer and if you build it adequately, could also double as an emergency shelter. There are numerous ‘DIY’ versions on YouTube using sandbags and earth, just don’t forget about ventilation.
9. Advanced Security Systems
Install state-of-the-art security systems to protect your home from potential threats. This includes surveillance cameras, motion detectors, reinforced doors and windows, and secure communication lines. A well-protected home deters intruders and ensures your safety during uncertain times.
10. Let there be light
Whether it’s solar powered security lights with a motion sensor to deter intruders, strings of solar powered fairy lights over the garden, or a supply of candles and rechargeable camping lanterns and torches to use in case of a power outage, ensure you have alternative lighting in place that doesn’t rely on a hard wired electricity supply.
By incorporating these ten practical tips in your home design, you can create a resilient, self-sufficient haven that ensures comfort, safety, and peace of mind no matter what the future holds. Embrace these strategies to safeguard your home and family, and whatever the future brings…let’s hope it’s over with quickly.
You can find Studio JQ on socials @thestudiojq or find additional resources here on our website www.studiojq.co.uk