As Europe faces an increasingly uncertain security landscape, with the specter of war with Russia looming, Belgium’s National Crisis Centre is urging citizens to prepare for potential crises by assembling an “emergency kit” at home.
This advice comes amidst rising concerns over the continent’s preparedness for conflict, following recent remarks from NATO Chief Mark Rutte.
In a speech delivered last Thursday, Rutte called for Europe to adopt “a wartime mindset,” warning that the continent is “not ready” for the challenges expected in the next four to five years.
His comments have spurred a surge of interest in the Belgian Crisis Centre’s guidelines for emergency preparedness, which have gained traction among the public.
“The population should always be resilient and prepared for a crisis or war,” a spokesperson for the National Crisis Centre told The Brussels Times. “Having an emergency kit at home would make it easier for people to respond quickly to a crisis.”
The Crisis Centre’s call to action emphasizes that having an emergency kit on hand can significantly improve a household’s ability to manage in a crisis, whether that involves evacuation or enduring power outages during an electricity blackout.
In light of the evolving geopolitical climate, the Centre’s guidance has resonated strongly with Belgians eager to ensure they are ready for unforeseen emergencies.
While the threat of war with Russia remains a central concern, the Crisis Centre stresses that preparing for emergencies is beneficial in any circumstance.
“This is good. But even without a threat, it is always better to have an emergency kit at home,” the spokesperson added.
The proposed contents of an emergency kit are straightforward yet essential. Households are advised to include the following items:
- A basic first-aid package: Bandages, plasters, compresses, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, painkillers, disinfectants, and an extra supply of essential medicines.
- Bottles of water: Sufficient to last several days.
- A mobile phone charger or power bank: To ensure communication during a crisis.
- Important documents: Copies of identity documents, insurance contracts, and any other critical papers.
- A torch: Preferably wind-up, but if using a battery-operated one, spare batteries should also be included.
- A battery-powered radio: To stay informed during power outages.
- Lighter or matches: For fire-starting purposes.
- A multifunctional pocket knife: For various utility needs.
- Evacuation checklist: A list of personal items like toiletries, identity cards, and anything else deemed essential.
The Crisis Centre encourages individuals to tailor their emergency kit to their specific needs, acknowledging that family circumstances vary.
“Families with small children could put toys in there, for example. Or people with elderly neighbours can consider that too,” the spokesperson noted.
To ensure the kit remains effective, the Centre advises that it be stored in an easily accessible location in the home.
Additionally, family members should be informed of its whereabouts, and its contents should be regularly checked and updated to replace expired or used items.
Despite recent efforts in other countries, such as Sweden’s distribution of a comprehensive booklet on wartime preparedness, the Belgian Crisis Centre emphasizes that the approach here must be tailored to the country’s unique circumstances.
“We are a different country from Sweden: the population composition is completely different here, so we cannot just copy their approach,” the Centre explained.
The risks and geographical conditions differ significantly, with Belgians typically having access to nearby shops, unlike Sweden, where individuals might face long travel times for basic supplies.
With growing concerns over the possibility of conflict, the call for personal preparedness reflects a broader trend across Europe, highlighting the importance of resilience in uncertain times.
