The European Commission has published new guidelines for citizens of the European Union, calling on them to be better prepared for emergency situations, such as power cuts, cyber attacks and various disasters.
According to recommendations, each family should have food supplies, water and other basic articles for at least 72 hours of a crisis until the organisation and arrival of aid from public services.
The instructions were presented at the European Forum for Civil Protection in Brussels by European Commissioner for Hospitality and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib.
She stressed that the first few hours are crucial in emergency situations and that citizens should know how to protect their families and how to help others. According to her, preparation should start at home, schools and local communities.
One of the main recommendations is to prepare an emergency case with the most necessities, if citizens are forced to leave their homes quickly.
The European Commission also requires that children be educated for crisis situations in gardens and schools, through appropriate activities for their age and without creating fear. Special attention is also given to protecting disabled persons and improving authorities ‘ communication of potential dangers.
October 23rd Proposed as European Day of Readiness
Under these measures, the European Commission has proposed that October 23rd be proclaimed the European Day of Readiness, which would be marked annually by 2027.
This date relates to the establishment of the European Civil Protection Mechanism in 2001. The aim is to raise the awareness of citizens and local authorities of the risks, as well as to organise regular exercises to cope with emergencies.
Meanwhile, member states have been called on to hold regular tests on the assessment of readiness and to draft plans to continue operating services in crisis situations.
National Civil Protection Centres must ensure constant co-ordination of aid, 24 hours a day, even in the event of power cuts, collapse of communications networks or cyberattacks.
Although guidelines are not legally binding, they are part of the EU’s broader strategy for strengthening resistance to crises. This strategy also relies on last year’s report by former Finnish President Saul Niinistö, stressing the need for Europe to create a culture of readiness in the face of climate disasters and geopolitical threats.
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Source Layer: Signal