You are bringing memories back....lol
Sealing a room, keeping a stock of water and foodstuffs.
And how about the gas masks that Tom & Jerry were selling, those with the long snout. Cost of QR2,000 but the cartridge only lasted for 12 hours and gas is active for 24 hours.
I still have my gas mask (one of three that we were issued) despite the British Embassy trying to charge £80 for each mask after the war. They knew where I lived so I told them to come and fetch them.
If you were in the souk (where the embassy had said you shouldn't go) you were treated like VIP's. I think the locals were pleased to see people staying as it had a settling effect.
I was a deputy warden for the embassy and there are some amusing tales to tell about that period.