What should an EU-recommended survival kit contain?

A basic home survival kit should include:

• Drinking water: at least 2 liters per person per day (for 3 days).

• Non-perishable food : preserves, cookies, nuts, pasta, rice, freeze-dried foods.

• Manual can opener.

2. Lighting and energy

• Rechargeable LED flashlights or lamps.

• Extra batteries .

• Portable chargers (power banks).

• Photovoltaic charging station .

• Candles and matches/lighters.

3. Medications and first aid

• Personal medication (if applicable) for several days.

• Masks and disinfectant gel.

4. Communication and documents

• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio (to receive information if the Internet goes down).

• Copies of important documents (ID, passport, medical insurance).

• Emergency contact list.

5. Other useful elements

• Warm clothing, thermal blankets .

• Cash.

• Reusable cutlery.

• Garbage bags and toilet paper .

• Whistle or personal alarm .

What if you have to evacuate?

The EU also recommends having an emergency backpack (called a "Go Bag") ready in case you need to leave your home quickly. This would include a smaller version of the kit, documents, some food, water, and a change of clothes.

Is it mandatory to have this kit?

No. It's currently a voluntary recommendation, but several countries are launching information campaigns to encourage every household to take preventive measures. The idea isn't to foster fear, but rather individual responsibility as part of a more resilient society.

Having a survival kit isn't a sign of paranoia, but of preparedness . The EU itself presents it as a sensible measure in a world where risks can multiply unexpectedly. Being prepared can make the difference between vulnerability and temporary self-sufficiency.