The French government is reportedly planning to send a “survival manual” to all households containing advice on what to do in the event of an armed conflict, natural disaster or health crisis.
The document consists of around 20 pages and is divided into three parts, according to Europe 1 radio, the first being protecting “yourself and those around you”.
It suggests items people should prepare as part of a “survival kit”, including at least six litres of bottled water, 10 cans of food, batteries, a flashlight and medical supplies including paracetamol, compresses and saline solution.
The second part describes actions to take in the event of an imminent threat and lists emergency numbers as well as the steps to follow depending on the type of crisis. One part recommends closing all doors in the event of a nuclear accident.
The third section details how to “get involved” in defending the community, including by signing up for reserve units or firefighting groups.
If it is accepted by French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou it will be sent to all houses by the summer, Europe 1 reported.
“This document aims to ensure the resilience of populations in the face of all types of crises, whether natural, technological, cyber, or security-related,” a spokesperson for the French prime minister’s office told the radio station.
French newspaper Le Figaro said the timing of the manual’s release “could easily suggest that the state is reacting to the unstable international situation”.
Read more from Sky News:
PM makes rare visit to nuclear-armed sub to show UK’s strength
Defence firms demand ‘patriotic’ banking
New rules may stop Musk making unlimited donations to Reform
Previous guidance from the French government issued in 2023 for an “emergency kit” suggested:
• At least six litres of bottled water;
• Cans of food;
• Batteries and a flashlight;
• Medical supplies, including paracetamol, compresses and saline solution;
• A battery-operated radio;
• Basic tools;
• Warm clothes;
• Phone chargers;
• Cash;
• Prescription glasses;
• Duplicate keys;
• Photocopies of essential documents;
• Games to pass the time.
Follow our channel and never miss an update.
While French media said the manual does not mention Russia or the Ukraine war by name, earlier this month French President Emmanuel Macron warned the nation of “the Russian threat” faced by Europe as the US disengages from the continent.
“The Russian threat is here and is affecting European countries, affecting us,” Mr Macron said. “I want to believe that the US will stay by our side, but we have to be ready if they don’t.”
Europe correspondent
Since Donald Trump’s inauguration there has been a definite shift in mood in Europe.
No longer certain the US will step up if things get tough, the EU is trying to fast-track itself to a place where it no longer has to rely on America for its security and defence needs.
That involves turbocharging militaries and arms production, but also getting civilians in more defensive mind frames.
It is reported France is planning on sending a 20-page “survival manual” to every household. The booklet gives advice on preparing for a range of emergencies including war.
If approved, it would be sent out before the summer and provide similar information to a government website launched in 2022. There people can find an online graphic showing what to put in a survival kit including chargers, spare keys, warm clothes and six litres of water per person.
France isn’t alone in issuing these updates, Germany is doing something similar, last year using war games to test how the military and civilians responded.
It’s also working on a bunker app which will show people where to take shelter if the country is attacked and has drawn up a top-secret document called Operation Deutschland detailing how it would protect critical infrastructure and mobilise its forces in times of war.
Like France, the advice relates to a range of threats including pandemics, natural disasters, and attacks.
Last year, several Nordic countries also issued pamphlets informing civilians what to do in a crisis.
“Armed conflicts are currently being waged in our corner of the world,” the Swedish version warned. “If Sweden is attacked, everyone must do their part to defend Sweden’s independence — and our democracy… In this brochure, you learn how to prepare for, and act, in case of crisis or war.”
After three years of war in Ukraine fought in the shadow of the pandemic Europe is preparing its people for an increasingly uncertain future.
It comes after Sweden sent out a new version of a Cold War-era emergency booklet in October last year, advising its citizens on what to do in the event of crisis or war.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
The 31-page brochure, which came after Sweden formally joined NATO and was titled If Crisis Or War Comes, was intended “to strengthen household preparations for crises and war”, its government said.
