Create an emergency preparedness plan.

Without wanting to sound defeatist and while trying to avoid undue pessimism, I cannot for the life of me see how any emergency plan to which I might aspire, could save me, should the portent of disaster become a reality.

I am more than worried about the state of anger and war preparation happening within countries, between countries, encompassing regions and increasingly becoming a matter talked about and prepared for – and that is the likelihood of increasing civil unrest wars between countries and ultimately (and often it seems not in too distant future) engulfing the world.

It seems to me that the 539-day war between Russia and Ukraine is just the taste of what is to come. Then there is the situation of China and Taiwan, with absolute certainty that if war was to break up between those two entities, America, Japan, and Australia would become involved.

My sensitivity is enhanced by the fact that, living in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia, put us first in the firing line for any retaliation from China against Australia should all happen. The fact that Darwin is a major military base and the militarisation of this area is increasing makes us particularly vulnerable.

Talking about an emergency plan is almost pointless. There is nowhere to go and it would be nowhere to shelter if bombs and missiles from planes and drones were to come hurtling Earthwood down upon us.

In the case of a natural emergency, I feel that we’re prepared for eventualities like cyclones and floods but wonder with increasing apprehension about the possibility of a major earthquake in this area. They have been increasing numbers of earthquakes in the Banda and the Arafura Seas, to the north of Australia and, uncharacteristically, an increasing number of earthquakes happening within central Australia and in the remote areas of our country.

While insurance might take account of natural disasters, Insurance against war, some aspects of terrorism, and induced destruction based on human wall-like behaviour is not possible.

So in terms of war and its likelihood, I feel vulnerable and more so for my children and their children.

I wonder if an emergency plan would be at all of any help.