The European Commission has presented its ‘survival kit’ recommendation for emergencies within the framework of its preparation strategy. The European Crisis Management Commissioner, Hadja Lahbibhas been responsible for making known the essential elements that citizens should have ready to face a crisis. In a video he has published on his social networks he has detailed everything necessary, in a tone with a certain humorous touch, perhaps so that he is not interpreted as a video to instill fear in Europeans.
A 72 -hour survival kit
In a video titled What’s in My Bag Survival Edition, Lahbib has detailed the essential objects to survive at least 72 hours in an emergency situation. Among the outstanding elements are:
– Glasses: “Super important if you want to see what happens … or not,” says the curator in the video-
– Documents in a waterproof case: Keys to maintaining important identification and papers protected from moisture, “important in the rainy Brussels.”
– Lantern and matches: To guarantee lighting in case of electricity cuts.
– Drinking water: A vital resource for hydration, “because water is life.”
– Swiss razor: With 18 tools “an essential”.
– Medications: Especially those for chronic or essential use in emergency situations “because you never know.”
– Non -perishable foods: Lahbib indicates it with a comment: “You could be hungry, a lot of hunger.”
– Cash: Since in the middle of a crisis, cash may be more useful than bank cards. “Cash, the credit card can be a piece of plastic,” he says.
– External charger and battery: To maintain communication in operation.
– Game Letters: A form of entertainment in times of tension, since “they have never hurt anyone.
– Long wave portable radio And the video ends with a “prepare yourself, stay safe.”
Preparation against possible crises
During the press conference of the document, the Commissioner for Preparation, Crisis Management and Equality joked to suggest that it would also be advisable to have “everything necessary to cook some spaghetti to the putnesque: pasta, tomato and olives“However, the background message is serious and seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of being prepared.
Although the presentation avoided making direct reference to a possible aggression of Russia, the geopolitical context is a relevant factor in the EU preparation strategy. In this sense, the Community Employment Vice President, Roxana Minzatu, defended that these plans do not seek to generate panic, but to act as an “insurance against risks.” “It’s about fixing the roof while the sun still shines to minimize the damage that the rain could cause if the roof was not fixed,” Minzatu explained.
A flexible approach according to El País
The European Commission acknowledges that not all Member States face the same risks. For example, Finland can have different concerns from those of Spain, Portugal or Greece, where forest fires are a constant threat. Lahbib admitted that the kit could vary depending on the geographical situation and the predominant threats in each country.
This initiative comes after the worrying finding that Half of the European population does not have food reserves for more than three days, and that 40% depends on gas to cook and heat their home In case of emergency, according to Eurobarometer data.
