The European Commission has launched its first preparedness strategy, urging EU citizens to take proactive measures to prepare for crises. In light of rising global risks, the commission is calling on individuals to stockpile essential supplies and develop household emergency plans.
The European Commission has launched its first preparedness strategy, urging citizens to take proactive measures to prepare for crises. The strategy recommends making household emergency plans and stockpiling essential supplies, such as ‘food, water, and medicine.’
The European Union's (EU) preparedness strategy focuses on mitigating and managing crises, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and cyber-attacks.
The strategy involves coordination among member states, EU institutions, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a unified response.
It also includes measures for disaster risk reduction, emergency planning, and crisis management.
According to the European Commission, the preparedness strategy is essential for protecting citizens, preserving economic stability, and promoting trust in the EU's ability to respond to crises.
The EU’s new preparedness strategy aims to increase readiness for catastrophic floods, fires, pandemics, and military attacks. The European Commission has identified several potential risks, including:
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Extreme weather exacerbated by climate change
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Pandemics
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Cyber-attacks
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Military invasions
To address these risks, the commission is calling for a Europe-wide preparedness day, inclusion of emergency planning in school curriculums, and an EU stockpiling strategy to ensure adequate supplies of raw materials, shelters, generators, and potentially food and water.
The European Union has established a robust framework for crisis management and preparedness.
The EU's Civil Protection Mechanism enables 'member states' to request assistance in case of emergencies, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
The mechanism is supported by a network of emergency response teams and equipment pools.
Additionally, the EU has implemented the EU Emergency Response Coordination System (ERCS) to facilitate coordination and information sharing among member states during crises.
These measures aim to enhance the 'EU's' preparedness and response capabilities in the face of emergencies.
Citizens are advised to stockpile enough supplies for at least 72 hours in case of a disaster or attack. The recommended items include:
- ‘Food’
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‘Water’
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ID documents
- Canned goods
- Bottled water
- Matches
- Cash
- Medicines
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A small radio
In case of an emergency, having a well-stocked supply kit can help you and your family stay safe.
Essential items include non-perishable food, bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), first aid kit, flashlights, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries.
Don't forget important documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records.
A portable charger for your phone or other devices is also crucial.
Keep these supplies in an easily accessible location to ensure you're prepared for any situation.
Some northern European countries have already implemented emergency planning measures. For example, Swedish authorities recommend keeping a good supply of water, energy-rich food, blankets, and alternative heating at home, while Norway advises people to stock up on non-essential medicines, including iodine tablets in case of a nuclear incident.
Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu has responded to accusations of scaremongering, likening preparedness to taking out accident insurance. She emphasizes that the goal is not to alarm citizens but to minimize damage and suffering.
