Free download

Prepare,notScare

Because a life lived in fear is no life at all

Get ready, then get living


A warm, practical and sometimes funny guide to getting ready for uncertain times, from power cuts to cyber attacks, without the panic. Simple steps, the old ways our grandparents knew, keeping children happy, and leaning on each other. Then closing the cupboard door and getting on with your life.

Prepare, Not Scare book cover by Cat Douglas-Clarke
The book

What's inside

A calmer mindsetHow to stay hopeful, keep your joys on the calendar and stop the 2am scrolling.
The first 72 hoursSimple, sensible steps for the first three days, and the free conversation that matters most.
Water, warmth, light and foodThe basics, made easy and affordable, plus the old ways that still work.
Children firstHow to talk to kids honestly without frightening them, and turn a power cut into camping at home.
CommunityWhy the neighbour who knows your name matters more than anything in a cupboard.
Checklists you can printEmergency box, grab bag, family plan, street plan and no cook meals, all in one place.
About the author

Hello, I'm Cat

I'm not an emergency planner, a survival expert or someone with a bunker full of tinned peaches. I'm a mum who works in workplace wellbeing, and I spend my days helping people feel more supported, more connected and a little less alone.

Like a lot of people, I found myself watching the news with a knot in my stomach. Instead of letting the fear win, I decided to do something useful with it. This book is the result.

It isn't expert advice. It's common sense, kindness and a few good laughs, written by someone who simply wants to help.

Coming soon
“NOTmyProblem”

Neurodiversity – The Diagnosis Dilemma

Cat Douglas-Clarke

My next book is on its way. It's about the idea of "normal" and what it costs the many of us who never quite fitted it.

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