The bomb blast at the Ariana Grande concert has brought back terrifying memories for doomsday preppers Jillane and Richard Wilkinson.
Camera IconThe bomb blast at the Ariana Grande concert has brought back terrifying memories for doomsday preppers Jillane and Richard Wilkinson. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Manchester bomb blast brings back terrifying memories for Warnbro couple

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

THE bomb blast at an Ariana Grande concert in the UK overnight that killed at least 22 people has brought back terrifying memories for Warnbro couple Richard and Jillane Wilkinson.

“My family and I were caught up in the terrible aftermath of not one but two terrorist bombing attacks in London,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

“We saw it brought out the best and worst in people.

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“I know what it’s like not knowing if a loved one is alive or dead,”

After the traumatic events, the couple moved to Australia and embraced the doomsday prepping lifestyle.

Mrs Wilkinson said Australians should not be complacent about emergencies.

“We have natural disasters here, from bushfires, floods, storms and power outages,” she said.

But Mrs Wilkinson said people should also be prepared for a man-made disaster.

“They can happen anywhere,” she said.

Mrs Wilkinson urged people to consider:

– Do you know where the safest place to be in a crowd? – Do you have an emergency meeting place with family members? – Do you carry a basic first aid kit with you? – How will you communicate if there is no service to your mobile phone?

“Having a first aid kit, a fire blanket or emergency supplies at hand could make the difference between life or death for you,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

“Prepping, for us, is not about preparing for a doomsday scenario, it’s about being able to care for family, friends, neighbours and our community in a time of crisis.

“We don’t live scared, we live prepared.”

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