As security fears grip Europe, France plans to distribute a ‘survival guide’ to households
French Prime Minister François Bayrou plans to distribute a “survival manual” to every household with instructions on how to prepare for imminent threats, amid concerns over an emboldened Russia and weakened security support from the United States.
A spokesperson for the prime minister’s office told NBC News that the first-of-its-kind document, which is currently awaiting official approval, addresses preparations for armed conflict, nuclear threats and natural disasters.
According to the prime minister’s office, the 20-page booklet was not designed specifically in response to the current geopolitical climate, but it would seem to align with France’s new defense posture.
During a national address on March 5, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the need to overhaul France’s security stance, saying, “We must equip ourselves better, raise our defense posture, and this for peace, even to deter.”
If approved, the manual would be launched before the summer, according to French broadcaster Europe 1 radio, and aim to offer practical advice to citizens on how they can protect themselves and their loved ones in the face of immediate danger.
Divided into three sections, the manual will include a list of emergency contacts for the police, fire service and ambulance, as well as which radio channels to tune in to for more information.
In the face of nuclear threats, it advises closing doors and windows, along with details on how to volunteer for reserve units or firefighting groups.
The recommendations include putting together a “survival kit” that consists of at least one and a half gallons of water, a dozen tins of food, a first aid kit, medicines, batteries and a flashlight.
In a national address earlier this month, Macron urged his country to prepare to confront “Russian threats,” referring to changing relations between the U.S. and Europe in recent months.
“I want to believe the U.S. will stay by our side, but we have to be ready if they don’t,” Macron said, according to Reuters, adding: “Russia has become, at this moment and for years to come, a threat to France and Europe.”
After visiting a military base in eastern France this month, Macron announced “a major overhaul” of France’s security forces that includes increasing the number of operational reservists from 40,000 to 100,000 by 2035 and more military equipment.
He added that France was willing to discuss offering the country’s nuclear capabilities to European allies given that U.S. military support was no longer guaranteed.
“This is the choice we have made and will continue to make. No one can say what will happen in the months and years to come,” he said.
The move follows in the footsteps of neighbors and NATO allies Finland, Norway and Sweden, which late last year also updated guidance to their citizens on how to survive war.
In Sweden, a pamphlet called “Om krisen eller kriget kommer,” or “If crisis or war comes,” was distributed by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) to all 5 million households over two weeks from Nov. 18, while a digital version was available online.
It was the fifth version of a brochure that was first published in World War II, placing “greater emphasis on preparing for war,” according to the MSB.
