All items required in a '72-hour survival kit' as 450,000,000 people warned to prepare due to rising tensions

The European Union has urged households to get their '72-hour survival kits' ready due to the various 'challenges that cannot be ignored'.

450,000,000 people who live in the EU have been told to make sure they have all their essentials ready if 'disaster hits'.

Their 'preparedness strategy' has come about 'from growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats' and issues ranging from 'climate change' to the 'increase in natural disasters'.

President Ursula von der Leyen said 'our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits'.

She used the example of 'families living in flood zones' who 'should know what to do when the waters rise'.

The President also noted that 'early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time'.

The official website for the City of Calgary in Canada has shared what items you need to include in a 72-hour kit.

The European Union has called for everyone to have their survival kit ready 'to prevent and respond to emerging threats' (Getty Stock Images)

All items required in a '72 hour survival kit'

Bottled water

We all need water to survive (Getty Stock Images)

Above all, you need four litres of water per person, per day.

"Ideally, you should replace the water bottles every time you change your clocks. If necessary, you can use the water in your toilet tank or hot water heater," they state.

Although humans can generally survive about three days without water, staying hydrated is crucial.

Food

Canned food is essential (Getty Stock Images)

If you're storing emergency food supplies, you obviously need to make sure to check food expiry dates, and stick to canned food. Don't forget to keep a manual can opener.

Medication

Don't forget your meds (Getty Stock Images)

Be sure to include any prescription medication that you or your family members take on a regular basis.

"Ideally, you should swap the medication out regularly for fresh medication. If you cannot store extra medication in your kit, make sure you take it with you in an evacuation. You may also want to include vitamins and medications to guard you against getting sick," the website states.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is always handy (Getty Stock Images)

A first aid kit 'should be easily accessible in your home and vehicle' and usually consists of the following items:

• gloves

• gauze pads

• a variety of bandages

• antiseptic

• scissors

• tweezers

• needle and thread

• instant ice packs

• survival blanket, if space allows

External battery pack or wind-up phone charger

Not being able to charge your phone during a crisis would become a new crisis (Getty Stock Images)

The most important item on the list, for many of us, is something that can charge your smartphone.

We've become so reliant on our phones these days and not being able to update your Instagram Story during a crisis would be the real tragedy.

"It is important that you are able to use your cell phone to call for help or to receive information. If phone lines are too busy, you can still receive updates and alerts on your mobile device," the website adds.

Cash in small bills and coins

Cash is king, they say (Getty Stock Images)

It's always handy to keep a bit of spare cash around if the digital banking system were to ever go down, or if the power is out.

Of course, not everyone has the luxury of saving money they don't have in a cost-of-living crisis.

But if there are any coin-operated facilities about, it's worth keeping a few pennies on you.

Important documents

Having personal documents on hand is always important (Getty Stock Images)

Obviously it's not very practical to keep all your important documents locked away in a bag.

But consider printing photocopies and including them in your 72 hour kit.

Be sure to review your documents periodically to make sure they're up to date.

Other items:

• non-power consuming entertainment likes board games, cards or books

• supplies for your baby and pet

• warm clothes, blankets and sleeping bags

• personal sanitation items, such as hand sanitiser, masks, and wet wipes

• a whistle to help attract attention if needed

• dust mask and dusk tape to help keep your shelter in place

How do I store my supplies?

Now you have your supplies, where do you put them? (Getty Stock Images)

The website states that 'supplies should be stored in a waterproof, wheeled suitcase or container'.

"Your kit must be portable in case you have to evacuate your home. If you have luggage, bag your supplies and store them in your luggage when you are not travelling. You can remove the bags for travel," it adds.

"Store medications, cash, and important documents in an external pouch for easy access. Your First Aid kit and water supply should also be immediately accessible.

"Make sure that you check your kit and replenish/swap supplies as needed. An easy way to remember is to check your kit when you change your clocks."