Emergency Preparedness

Be ready for any situation -- from natural disasters to power outages. Practical plans, checklists, and essential knowledge for European families.

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Building a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

European civil protection agencies recommend every household maintain supplies for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency. This gives emergency services time to reach affected areas and set up assistance. Here is a comprehensive, prioritized checklist for a family of four.

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Water & Food

checkWater: 2 litres per person per day = 24 litres for family of 4
checkWater purification tablets (backup)
checkNon-perishable food for 72 hours: tinned goods, dried fruit, energy bars, crackers
checkManual tin opener
checkBaby food/formula if applicable
checkPet food if applicable

medical_services

First Aid Kit

checkAdhesive bandages (various sizes)
checkSterile gauze pads and medical tape
checkAntiseptic wipes and solution
checkTriangular bandage and elastic bandage
checkParacetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines
checkPrescription medications (7-day supply, rotated)
checkScissors, tweezers, safety pins
checkDisposable gloves and CPR face shield

description

Documents & Cash

checkCopies of passports and ID cards (in waterproof bag)
checkInsurance documents (home, health, car)
checkEmergency contact list (printed)
checkMedical information cards for all family members
checkCash in small denominations (200 -- 300 EUR) -- ATMs may not work
checkUSB drive with digital copies of all important documents

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Tools & Equipment

checkBattery-powered or hand-crank radio (for emergency broadcasts)
checkTorch/flashlight with spare batteries
checkUSB power bank (fully charged, 20,000+ mAh)
checkMulti-tool or Swiss Army knife
checkWhistle (for signaling)
checkDuct tape and plastic sheeting
checkWrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

checkroom

Clothing & Shelter

checkChange of warm clothing per person
checkWaterproof jacket and sturdy shoes
checkEmergency thermal blankets (space blankets)
checkSleeping bags or warm blankets
checkRain poncho

sanitizer

Hygiene & Sanitation

checkToilet paper and wet wipes
checkHand sanitizer
checkRubbish bags (heavy duty, can also serve as waterproofing)
checkNappies and wipes (if applicable)
checkToothbrush, toothpaste, soap
checkMenstrual products

lightbulb

Tip: Maintain Your Kit

Set a calendar reminder every 6 months to check expiry dates on food, water, batteries, and medications. Rotate tinned food into your regular meals and replace. Update clothing sizes for growing children. Charge power banks quarterly. Store the kit in an accessible location that all family members know about.

family_restroom

Emergency Plan for Families

An emergency plan ensures every family member knows what to do, where to go, and who to contact when disaster strikes. Practice it twice a year -- once in summer and once in winter -- so it becomes second nature.

location_onMeeting Points

Establish three meeting points for different scenarios:

looks_oneImmediate (house fire): The front letterbox, a specific tree, or the neighbor's driveway -- somewhere visible but safely away from the building.
looks_twoNeighborhood (local emergency): A specific landmark within walking distance, such as a school, church, or community center.
check_circleOut-of-area (evacuation): A relative's house, hotel, or campsite in a different region where the family would regroup if separated.

contact_phoneEmergency Contact Cards

Create laminated wallet cards for every family member, including children, containing:

check_circleFamily members' phone numbers
check_circleOut-of-area contact person (someone in a different city/country)
check_circleHome address and meeting point locations
check_circleMedical conditions and allergies
check_circleBlood type
check_circleInsurance policy numbers

eventPractice Drills

Fire Evacuation Drill

Practice getting out of every room in the house with two exits identified. Time it -- you should be able to evacuate in under 2 minutes. Practice at night with lights off.

Shelter-in-Place Drill

Identify the safest room in your home (interior, no windows). Practice moving there quickly with your emergency kit, sealing doors and windows if needed.

Communication Drill

Practice the "I'm safe" message chain: each family member contacts the out-of-area person to confirm safety. Test that everyone knows the numbers without their phone.

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First Aid Essentials

Basic first aid knowledge can save lives. The following guidance provides an overview of critical skills, but it is not a substitute for hands-on training. We strongly recommend taking a certified first aid course through your national Red Cross or equivalent organization.

warning

Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional first aid training or medical advice. Always call 112 in an emergency.

monitor_heartCPR Basics (Adults)

1.Check safety and response: Ensure the scene is safe. Tap shoulders and shout. If no response, call 112 or ask someone else to call.
2.Open the airway: Tilt head back, lift chin. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for up to 10 seconds.
3.If not breathing normally: Begin chest compressions. Place heel of hand on centre of chest, other hand on top. Push hard and fast: 5 -- 6 cm deep, 100 -- 120 compressions per minute.
4.30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths: Pinch nose, seal mouth, blow for 1 second. Watch chest rise. Continue 30:2 ratio.
5.Use an AED if available: Turn on, follow voice prompts. Apply pads as shown. Do not touch the person during analysis/shock.

emergencyChoking Response

Adults and Children Over 1:

1.Encourage coughing if they can still breathe partially
2.Give up to 5 sharp back blows between shoulder blades
3.If unsuccessful, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
4.Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts
5.If unconscious, begin CPR and call 112

Babies Under 1:

1.Lay baby face-down along your forearm, supporting the head
2.Give 5 back blows between shoulder blades
3.Turn over, give 5 chest thrusts (2 fingers, centre of chest)
4.Never use abdominal thrusts on a baby

bloodtypeSevere Bleeding Control

1.Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing. Press firmly and continuously.
2.Call 112 or have someone call while you maintain pressure.
3.Do not remove the first dressing if it soaks through -- add more on top.
4.Elevate the injured limb above heart level if possible.
5.Treat for shock: Lay person down, elevate legs, keep warm. Do not give food or drink.

local_fire_departmentBurns Treatment

1.Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for at least 20 minutes. This is the single most important step.
2.Remove jewellery and clothing near the burn (unless stuck to the skin).
3.Cover with cling film loosely laid over the burn (not wrapped around a limb) or a clean, non-fluffy dressing.
4.Never apply: butter, toothpaste, ice, or adhesive dressings to a burn.
5.Seek medical help for burns larger than a credit card, on the face/hands/joints, or if blisters form.

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Natural Disaster Preparedness by Region

Europe faces distinct natural hazards depending on the region. Understanding your local risks and preparing accordingly is essential. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across the continent.

flood

Flooding (Northern & Western Europe)

Risk areas: Netherlands, Belgium, Germany (Rhine/Elbe), UK, Northern France, Scandinavia (spring melt)

checkKnow your flood risk zone (check EU Flood Directive maps)
checkStore sandbags and flood barriers if in a risk zone
checkMove valuables and electrical equipment upstairs
checkNever drive through floodwater -- 30 cm can move a car

earthquake

Earthquakes (Mediterranean)

Risk areas: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Romania, Southern Spain, Portugal

checkDrop, Cover, Hold On -- get under sturdy furniture
checkSecure heavy items to walls (bookcases, water heaters)
checkKnow how to turn off gas supply
checkAftershocks can follow for days -- stay alert

thunderstorm

Severe Storms (Central Europe)

Risk areas: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, France (all regions can experience severe convective storms)

checkMonitor weather warnings via METEOALARM.eu
checkMove to interior rooms during tornado warnings
checkSecure outdoor furniture and trampolines
checkStay away from windows during hailstorms

local_fire_department

Wildfires (Southern Europe)

Risk areas: Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy, Greece, Croatia

checkCreate defensible space: clear vegetation 30 m from buildings
checkKnow your evacuation route and have your go-bag ready
checkClose all windows and shutters if fire approaches
checkEvacuate early -- do not wait for official orders if you feel unsafe

ac_unit

Extreme Cold (Northern & Eastern Europe)

Risk areas: Scandinavia, Baltics, Finland, Poland, Romania, mountain regions

checkInsulate pipes to prevent freezing and bursting
checkKeep emergency heating source (ensure ventilation for fuel-burning heaters)
checkKeep vehicles winterized with emergency kit in boot
checkRecognize hypothermia signs: shivering, confusion, drowsiness

heat

Heat Waves (All of Europe)

Risk areas: Increasingly all of Europe, particularly Mediterranean, but Northern Europe is poorly adapted

checkDrink 2 -- 3 litres of water daily, even if not thirsty
checkStay indoors during peak heat (12:00 -- 16:00)
checkCheck on elderly neighbors -- heat-related deaths primarily affect over-65s
checkNever leave children or pets in parked cars

power_off

Power Outage Preparation

Extended power outages can occur during storms, grid failures, or infrastructure attacks. Being prepared means maintaining comfort and safety when electricity, heating, and digital services are unavailable.

battery_charging_fullBackup Power

checkUSB power banks for phones (20,000+ mAh keeps a phone charged for days)
checkSolar charger for extended outages
checkPortable power station (500 -- 1000 Wh) for essential devices
checkBattery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency broadcasts

kitchenFood Preservation

checkKeep fridge and freezer doors closed -- food stays safe for 4 hours (fridge) or 24 -- 48 hours (full freezer)
checkUse perishables first, then frozen, then tinned food
checkA camping stove (used outdoors only) can heat food
checkWhen in doubt, throw it out -- food poisoning is a serious risk

thermostatHeating

checkGather family in one room and close doors to retain heat
checkLayer clothing and use sleeping bags
checkNever use gas stoves, barbecues, or generators indoors (carbon monoxide risk)
checkIf using a fireplace, ensure chimney is clear and flue is open

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Emergency Communication & EU Civil Protection

When phone networks are overloaded during emergencies, alternative communication strategies become critical. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism coordinates assistance between member states during major disasters.

smsWhen Phones Do Not Work

check_circleText messages work when calls fail: SMS uses less bandwidth and can queue for delivery
check_circleUse an out-of-area contact: Local networks may be congested, but long-distance calls may go through
check_circleSocial media check-in features: Facebook Safety Check, WhatsApp status updates use minimal data
check_circleBattery-powered radio: Official emergency broadcasts provide critical information
check_circlePhysical meeting points: When all else fails, go to your pre-arranged family meeting point

shieldEU Civil Protection Mechanism

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) coordinates emergency response across member states and participating countries. When a disaster overwhelms a country's capacity:

check_circleThe affected country requests assistance through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) in Brussels
check_circleMember states voluntarily provide resources: rescue teams, medical supplies, shelter, water purification
check_circleThe EU covers at least 75% of transport costs for deployed assistance
check_circleThe rescEU reserve includes firefighting planes, medical stockpiles, and CBRN detection equipment

call

Emergency Numbers by Country

While 112 works in all EU countries, many nations maintain additional service-specific numbers. Save the numbers for countries you visit frequently.

Country	General Emergency	Police	Fire	Ambulance
Austria	112	133	122	144
Belgium	112	101	112	112
Czech Republic	112	158	150	155
Denmark	112	114	112	112
Finland	112	112	112	112
France	112	17	18	15
Germany	112	110	112	112
Greece	112	100	199	166
Ireland	112 / 999	112 / 999	112 / 999	112 / 999
Italy	112	113	115	118
Netherlands	112	0900-8844	112	112
Poland	112	997	998	999
Portugal	112	112	112	112
Spain	112	091 / 062	080	061
Sweden	112	114 14	112	112
Switzerland	112	117	118	144

info112 works from any phone (including locked phones and phones without a SIM card) in all EU/EEA countries. Operators speak English in addition to local languages.

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