Outta window

If you look closely at this picture you'll see a person perched up on a ladder trying to saw off tree branches. 

I understand the need to keep yourself distracted in this time of self isolation and boredom but why and what is this? 

They've been up at it since morning and why do I feel like they're gathering wood for more difficult times when there will be no more gas and electricity. 

Mind you these are people are from a generation or two above and they've seen things in their times and this novel virus is but another repetition albeit a more modern one and they're trying to only be more cautious. 

Or maybe they're just trying to pass time.