A woman who has built a doomsday bunker has revealed how she has spent £61,000 on supplies amid ongoing wars across the world and cost of living crisis.
Rowan MacKenzie, who believes it’s necessary to prepare for the end of the world, previously hit the headlines after revealing the hidden bunker within her home.
The 38-year-old began stocking up her cupboards 12 years ago and initially, bought long-life essentials, such as beans and rice, which she taught herself to preserve through trial and error.
As her stock grew, the homemaker spent over $10,000 (USD) (£8,000) on having the underground space built into the basement of her home, where she keeps food and water, as well as defence weaponry.
Now, with several wars and a strain on the economy across the globe, the “prepper” has taken to new measures to ensure her family are kept safe – and has spent over $75,000 (USD) (£61,000) on her stockpile in total.
“I’m preparing, as a whole, for war, inflation, nuclear disaster and all out chaos,” Rowan told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“The price of everything has gone up so much and I need to ready myself, as well as my family, for any disaster situation.
“Our stock should last us a year or more [once used and not replenished] and I’ve had new plans made to build a second bunker in case one is compromised.”
Rowan, who is from the US, claims most of her stockpile won’t expire for another 25 years, and it’s all thanks to her “flawless” rotation system to ensure there’s little-to-no wastage.
With the recent outbreak of war in Israel and Palestine, as well with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the mum-of-three believes it’s important to get geared up for any scenario.
She said: “I’ve got a new hydroponics system, which is a technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution, rather than soil.
“I’ve updated our electricity and plumbing, as well as our weaponry stash.
“The bunker has been fully furnished to feel like a ‘home away from home’ and we’re in the process of getting a clean air system installed.
“My food stock is forever replenishing, as we also eat daily from it to prevent spoilage, but we’ve added another year’s worth to it already.”
While the family don’t celebrate Christmas, they’ve prepared for price hikes around the holiday season.
Rowan added: “Start saving food, weapons and water, which will help you survive any disaster – even the increasing costs.
“That one extra canned or boxed good each time you shop will add up and you’ll be grateful for it later.
“You also need to protect yourself, especially in a ‘dog-eat-dog’ situation.
“My friends and family think I’m crazy, but when the time inevitably comes, they won’t be calling me crazy then.
“My biggest advice; don’t panic.
“Breathe, make a list and execute.
“There is no better feeling than knowing you are ready for anything that could happen and having your family protected.
“The main thing is to remain calm and have a plan.”