European Commission urges households to keep 72‑hour emergency supplies
The Commission advises every household to be self-sufficient for at least three days and to prepare an emergency bag with documents, medicines and basic supplies.
The European Commission has issued updated guidance asking households to prepare basic emergency reserves so they can cover essential needs for at least 72 hours if normal services are disrupted. The recommendations were presented on 3 November by the Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, during a forum on civil protection.
Officials say the minimum supplies should include drinking water, long‑life food, essential medicines, personal hygiene items, battery‑powered torches, spare batteries and devices that allow communication if electricity or telecommunications fail.
Special needs and an emergency grab bag
The guidance highlights additional attention for children, older people and those with chronic illnesses whose normal access to medicines or supplies could be interrupted. Households are also advised to assemble an emergency bag with documents or copies, basic medicines, water, food, a torch, a mobile phone charger and hygiene items so they can leave their home quickly if necessary.
Commission officials stressed that the goal of the measures is not to alarm the public but to foster routine preparedness. The first 72 hours after a crisis are considered critical because emergency services can be overloaded and access to goods and services may be limited.
As part of broader resilience efforts, the Commission is also recommending additional checks of national civil protection systems to assess how well health facilities, rescue services, communications networks and other key institutions can operate under extreme conditions. The strategy calls for stronger coordination between states, the exchange of information and public awareness campaigns.
Hadja Lahbib also announced the creation of an annual EU Preparedness Day, which is planned to be first observed in October 2027, aiming to encourage citizens, institutions and local communities to take preparedness and planning more seriously.
Photo: press material from the event
