A wave of concern has begun to spread on social media following recommendations to stockpile food, water, and basic supplies, as well as the preparedness plans being promoted by various authorities and security agencies.
But what is really happening? Is the United States preparing
for a global catastrophe, or are we witnessing a preventative strategy against
multiple threats?
There are concrete elements behind the concern. The Pentagon
is promoting an initiative called FORTRESS America, aimed at strengthening the
autonomy of U.S. military installations so they can continue operating for
extended periods without depending on civilian infrastructure. The project aims
to guarantee electricity, water, fuel, communications, and supply chains.
Furthermore, in October, Dan Bongino, former deputy director
of the FBI, urged Americans to prepare their homes with food, water, batteries,
emergency radios, and other essential items. It is important to clarify that
his statements were made as a commentator and do not constitute an official FBI
alert.
In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
maintains campaigns to ensure families have access to aircraft and supplies to
cope with natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies.
The international context also plays a role: cyber threats,
geopolitical conflicts, extreme weather events, and the vulnerability of
strategic infrastructure have prompted various governments to strengthen their
prevention efforts.
Should we expect a global catastrophe?
So far, there is no verifiable evidence that the Pentagon or
the FBI has issued a joint appeal to all nations announcing an imminent global
catastrophe.
What is happening, however, is a strengthening of
preparedness and security strategies in the face of different risk scenarios.
The reasonable recommendation is to maintain basic supplies,
have a family plan, and follow communications from official authorities,
without resorting to panic buying or spreading forecasts that are not supported
by evidence.
Prevention is important. But being prepared does not mean
that a catastrophe is about to occur.