72-hour survival kit: why Europe is urging us to be better prepared
Earthquakes, floods, cyberattacks, power outages... What if tomorrow you had to urgently leave your home or live without running water or network access for several days?
Faced with the acceleration of natural, technological, and geopolitical risks, the European Union now recommends that every citizen have a 72-hour emergency kit. A commonsense measure, inspired by Nordic countries and validated by civil safety experts.
But concretely, what should such a kit contain? How can you prepare without falling into paranoia?
In this article, we'll guide you step by step to understand the importance of a 72-hour survival kit, choose the right products, and prepare for the unexpected... simply and intelligently.
1. Why a 72-hour survival kit is becoming essential?
The idea of an emergency kit is not new. It's even mandatory in Japan, widespread in Norway, Sweden, and Canada, and regularly promoted by US authorities. What's changing is that the European Union itself now recommends getting started.
Behind this initiative:
- The increase in extreme climate-related events (storms, heat waves, sudden floods).
- The pressure on essential networks: water, electricity, Internet, which can be locally cut off for several days.
- The rise of geopolitical tensions, with an increased risk of cyberattacks and shortages.
- The need to be self-sufficient for a few days, until help arrives or services restart.
The objective is simple: survive 72 hours autonomously, at home or on the move, with the essentials to survive, feed oneself, provide light, stay informed, and remain safe.
2. What should a 72-hour kit contain?
There is no single model, but a common base. Here are the essentials to include in your kit:
Drinking water (and treatment methods)
- 2 liters per person per day minimum (that's 6 liters for 3 days).
- Purification tablets or portable water filter as a supplement.
- Freeze-dried meals or survival rations.
- Energy bars, dried fruits, ready-to-eat foods that don't require cooking.
- Manual can opener if you have canned goods.
Emergency cookie - Multi-vitamin - 10 years
NRG-5 emergency ration - 20 years
Emergency cookie - Crispy Choco - 10 years
Lighting and Energy
- Headlamp + flashlight with dynamo or batteries.
- External batteries for smartphone, charged.
- Candles, matches, lighter.
First Aid Kit
- Bandages, disinfectants, sterile compresses.
- Personal medications + basic painkillers.
- Emergency blanket.
Communication and Information
- Crank or battery-powered radio (FM + emergency frequency).
- Whistle to signal presence.
- Notebook with emergency numbers and copies of important documents.
Clothing and Protection
- Warm and waterproof clothing.
- Masks, gloves, beanie, pair of sturdy shoes.
- Tarp or poncho for rain protection.
Multipurpose Tools
- Swiss Army knife or multi-tool pliers.
- Duct tape, cable ties, thin rope.
- Quick repair or sewing kit.
Everything should fit in a backpack or a case that's easy to carry.
3. Practical Tips for Good Preparation
A good kit is more than just a pile of equipment. Here are some concrete tips to make it a true resilience tool.
Adapt it to Your Situation
- Young children? Add infant milk, diapers, comfort toy.
- Pets? Prepare food and leash.
- Health issues? Duplicate medications, paper prescription.
Store it Within Reach
- It should be accessible in 30 seconds, even in the dark.
- Avoid the basement or attic if you need to leave quickly.
Check it Regularly
- Verify expiration dates every 6 months.
- Recharge batteries and update your documents.
Involve the Whole Family
- Everyone should know where it is and how to use it.
- Do an evacuation drill once a year.
4. What Happens During a Disruption of Normality?
When a serious event occurs — storm, flood, cyberattack, conflict, electrical blackout — normal life can quickly change. We then speak of a disruption of normality, meaning the sudden, temporary, or prolonged end of usual living conditions.
Here's what generally happens in the first 24 to 72 hours:
Widespread Power Outages
- No more light, no heating, no electric stoves.
- No elevators, no traffic lights, no bank cards working.
- Gas stations cannot operate without electricity.
Communication Networks Saturated or Cut Off
- Mobile networks become unstable or stop (no calls, SMS, or Internet).
- Official information becomes rare or delayed.
- Panic can amplify through rumors and misinformation.
Stockouts in Stores
- In just a few hours, supermarket shelves are emptied (water, pasta, batteries, etc.).
- Deliveries are stopped or slowed down.
- Card payments may become impossible.
Water Access Disrupted
- Pressure drop in water pipes.
- Water becomes non-potable without treatment.
- Closure of certain public services (toilets, showers, etc.).
Overwhelmed or Inaccessible Emergency Services
- Emergency services focus on the injured or vulnerable people.
- In hard-to-reach areas, help might take several days to arrive.
- Small incidents (wounds, burns, stress) become problematic without a first aid kit.
5. Why the 72-hour Kit Makes a Difference?
In this context, the first hours are crucial: either you are in a position to suffer, or you are able to act.
Having a 72-hour kit means:
- Being able to light up and navigate in the dark.
- Eating and drinking without depending on anyone.
- Protecting yourself from cold, rain, or insecurity.
- Informing your loved ones or emergency services if needed.
The goal is not to live cut off from the world, but to hold out until a form of normality returns — or until help arrives — without panic or dependence.
Conclusion: A Simple Reflex, Not a Fear to Maintain
Preparing a 72-hour kit is not paranoid. It's a civic, pragmatic, responsible gesture. Like wearing a seatbelt or having a fire extinguisher at home.
In an interconnected but vulnerable society, 72-hour autonomy becomes a basic minimum safety measure. And the best time to prepare... is before it becomes necessary. So now.
Emergency cookie - Multi-vitamin - 10 years
NRG-5 emergency ration - 20 years
Emergency cookie - Crispy Choco - 10 years
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