EU Issues Nonbinding Guidance on 72-Hour Preparedness

The European Commission has issued nonbinding guidance asking national authorities to help households prepare to meet essential needs for at least 72 hours during a crisis, alongside measures on school education, disability inclusion and risk communication. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib presented the four Population Preparedness Guidelines on November 3 at the opening of the European Civil Protection Forum in Brussels. The guidance is directed at public authorities in EU member states and participating countries, rather than imposing rules directly on households. National authorities will decide how to put it into practice, and the Commission says the recommendations may be revised after feedback. The 72-hour baseline is intended to help households manage while emergency services respond to a crisis. The Commission identifies food, water, medicines, communication and cash as essential needs, but does not prescribe a single EU emergency kit or set quantities. Its advice is meant to be adapted to household circumstances. Supporting material describes practical considerations including food that needs little or no preparation, water for drinking and basic hygiene, medicines,...