Study: Sentimental items often top disaster go-bag lists
A survey of 1,000 UK adults found that many prioritize sentimental belongings, such as childhood teddy bears, when preparing emergency go-bags. Most respondents had less than half of the supplies recommended by government agencies, and only 4 out of 1,000 were fully prepared. The research is part of the After the End project, which examines how people experience and recover from crises.
The survey, conducted in April 2026 as part of the After the End project, questioned 1,000 UK adults about their readiness for sudden crises. Results showed most respondents possessed less than half of the supplies recommended by government agencies, with only 0.4% reporting full preparedness. This aligns with a separate 2025 UK survey of over 10,000 adults, where just 13% felt largely or totally prepared.
Researchers noted that standard preparedness advice emphasizes practical items like food, water, and medicine, but may overlook psychological needs. Participants frequently cited sentimental possessions—jewelry, photographs, childhood objects, and even pets' ashes—as critical for post-disaster well-being. The extended self theory suggests such items help people maintain identity and emotional stability during upheaval.
This research could influence how governments frame emergency preparedness guidance, potentially broadening recommendations beyond practical supplies to include psychological resilience. Individuals may feel validated in prioritizing sentimental items, which could improve emotional recovery after disasters. However, the low preparedness rates suggest a gap between official advice and public action, which may prompt more accessible, realistic planning strategies from agencies. Communities with limited resources could particularly benefit from guidance that acknowledges emotional needs without adding financial burden.