Several European countries are advising their citizens to stockpile emergency provisions and essential goods, a measure not seen in decades but considered increasingly necessary due to a confluence of potential threats including severe weather, cyberattacks, and foreign aggression, particularly from Russia.
Britain has recently urged its citizens to stock enough supplies to survive for 72 hours, including nine liters of water per person, non-perishable foods that do not require electricity to cook, backup chargers, and pet food. The guidance also suggests having enough cash on hand in case electronic payment systems fail.
Across Europe, preparedness measures vary. Germany, with Cold War-era guidance recommending a 14-day supply of tinned goods, has softened its advice. While nearly half of Germans still fall short of even the minimum recommended supplies, the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance suggests stocking long-life foods that can be eaten without cooking and water. Official recommendations also include keeping a hand-crank or solar-powered radio, candles, matches, a list of essential telephone numbers, and a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
France advises citizens to monitor official news updates during a crisis and to keep an emergency kit with food, water, medicine, and cash. The French government also suggests packing spare keys, warm clothing, and photocopies of important documents. The strategy emphasizes community resilience, encouraging people to stay in contact with family and friends, look out for vulnerable neighbors, and resist the spread of rumors.
Denmark has implemented stricter guidelines, mandating that all households be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. This includes a requirement for high-dose iodine tablets for individuals under 40, pregnant, or breastfeeding mothers, to protect against potential radiation leaks. The Danish checklist also calls for nine liters of bottled water per person, non-perishable foods requiring no heat or water, off-grid hygiene supplies like wet wipes and hand sanitizer, and heavy-duty rubbish bags. Families are also advised to stockpile warm blankets and thermal clothing.
Norway's national resilience plan urges citizens to fortify their homes against total infrastructure collapse, citing threats from extreme weather and hybrid warfare. Like Denmark, Norway recommends potassium iodide tablets and comprehensive first-aid kits. Citizens are advised to keep physical cash at home due to the vulnerability of ATMs and digital payment systems. The government also promotes alternative heating sources like firewood or paraffin heaters and emphasizes stockpiling long-life food items. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is also recommended for receiving emergency broadcasts.
Sweden has taken a proactive approach by mailing a civil defense booklet titled "If Crisis or War Comes" to five million homes. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency recommends that citizens be prepared to survive independently for a minimum of seven days. Swedish law also mandates that regional councils maintain essential resources for 14 days. For households, the guidance includes stockpiling high-energy, fast-cooking foods and preparing for potential failures in water and heating systems. Families are instructed on how to manage waste without running water and to conserve body heat by gathering in a single, small room. A stash of physical cash and a battery-powered radio are also recommended.