Terror attack survivors open emergency 'preppers' store in Mandurah

Richard and Jillane Wilkinson survived the London bombings in 2005 and another terrorist attack on the city in 2007 before moving to Australia in 2008.

The couple, who have just opened an emergency supplies store in Dolphin Quay, said the attacks showed them how unprepared people were for an emergency situation.

“After the London bombings phone lines were completely down and no one really knew what to do. I remember just being so worried because Richard was using London public transport that day,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

“There were people just running around screaming and crying and no one really had much of an idea. I remember taxis charging people hundreds of dollars to take them out of the city.

“It really exposed how few people knew what to do or had the right equipment for a situation like that.”

The pair moved to Australia after the second attack, which they said was the final straw.

“We were sick of looking over our shoulder whenever we were out in public,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

But the two self-confessed “preppers” are now helping people ready themselves for disasters such as bushfires and car accidents.

“You can be a prepper and not believe in the end of the world,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

“We’re not here because we think doomsday is coming and we don’t think the world is going to end, but things like bushfires wipe out houses here every year and they might not ruin lives if people are just a little more prepared.

“It can be as simple as having water at the ready or a first-aid kit.”

But despite not wanting to be labelled apocalyptic kooks, the couple have embraced the judgement day theme dressing the store up with end-of-the-world props.

Among necessary emergency supplies like fire extinguishers, compasses, flashlights and life jackets, you will find alien heads, zombie fighter kits and plenty more doomsday-inspired wares.

Not to mention the store’s two resident zombies stationed out the front.

You will have to spot it through the camouflage, but you can visit the store at shop 16, Dolphin Quay, Mandurah.