Nearly 450,000,000 people warned to prepare '72 hour survival kits' following growing tensions in Europe
The European Union is urging people to prepare 'survival kits' which will tide them over for at least 72 hours due to the 'threats' the continent faces.
Households have been told to make sure they have all the essentials - such as food, medication, bottled water, torches and cash - on standby amid increasing tensions across the globe.
It's all a part of the EU's 'preparedness strategy', as the bloc warned that there are 'increasingly complex crises and challenges that cannot be ignored'.
"From growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, to climate change and increasing natural disasters, the EU needs to be ready to protect its citizens and the key societal functions that are crucial for democracy and daily life," it said.
Advert
As a result, nearly 450,000,000 people have been urged to take 'proactive measures' and do their bit to ensure they are ready for anything.
"We are saying to member states: 72 hours of self-sufficiency is what we recommend," the EU commissioner for preparedness and crisis management, Hadja Lahbib, told reporters on Wednesday (26 March).
When asked what kind of things people should be stuffing in their survival kits, she directed people to her social media page to watch a 'what's in my bag: survival edition' video she produced.
Take a look at it here:
The tongue-in-cheek video shows Lahbib revealing what 'must have' items are in her emergency bag which would help sustain her for at least 72 hours.
She packed her glasses, stuffed her personal documents in a waterproof pouch, and emphasised the importance of bringing a source of 'lighting' - whether that be a torch, matches, or a lighter.
As well as this, she explained people ought to have a good supply of water, medication and food, while Lahbib said a Swiss Army knife wouldn't go amiss either.
She said: "18 tools in only one knife. A must have," before going on to explain the importance of having physical currency rather than relying on online banking.
"In the middle of a crisis, cash is king and your credit card might just be a piece of plastic," the crisis commissioner continued, while adding: "A charger and a power bank, because a dead phone is a dead end."
Lahbib also suggested including playing cards and perhaps a small radio, as a 'bit of distraction never hurt anyone' in a crisis, before finishing off by saying: "Be prepared, be safe."
Although her recommendations were laid out in the clip, she said it was up to the 27 member states to decide what they need in their survival kits 'on the basis of the geopolitical and geostrategic position they’re in'.
"Today's threats facing Europe are more complex than ever, and they are all interconnected," Lahbib said.
"Knowing what to do in case of danger, gaming out different scenarios, that’s also a way to prevent people from panicking. All of this comes in addition to national strategies.
"It's about better coordinating, supporting member states in their strategies."
Lahbib hopes this preparation will allow people to avoid pandemonium.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said of the survival kits scheme: "New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe.
"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.
"Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise.
"Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time. Europe stands ready to support Member States and trusted partners in the neighbourhood to save lives and livelihoods."
There's also talk of a handbook being doled out, which would detail how European households can prepare for 'various crises, from potential conflict to climate disasters, pandemics and cyber threats'.
Topics: World News, News, Politics
Olivia Burke