“World in Crisis”: France Unveils National Emergency Survival Guide
PARIS — The French government has released a new national emergency survival guide, warning citizens to prepare for an era of “global instability” marked by climate disasters, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and the risk of armed conflict. The 27-page document, titled Tous Responsables (“Everyone Responsible”), was published this week by Matignon and is designed to strengthen France’s civilian readiness in the face of mounting international tensions.
The guide urges every household to assemble a 72-hour survival kit, including six litres of water per person, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, essential medicines, identity documents, warm clothing, and cash in small denominations. Additional advice is offered for families with infants, pets, or people with medical needs.
Beyond basic supplies, the guide provides step-by-step instructions for responding to a range of threats: nuclear accidents, floods, major fires, cyber crises, chemical hazards, and information-warfare scenarios. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and shut ventilation during nuclear or chemical alerts, avoid underground areas during floods, and exercise strict digital hygiene during cyber incidents.
Rather than a wartime manual, officials insist the document is a resilience guide. Inspired by existing Nordic preparedness booklets, it places equal emphasis on community cooperation and civic responsibility. A dedicated section encourages French residents to join civil, digital, or military reserve units to strengthen emergency response capacity nationwide.
The publication comes as Europe confronts volatile geopolitical conditions, energy uncertainty, and an uptick in extreme weather events. While some critics accuse the government of stoking fear, supporters argue the guide is a long-overdue tool for strengthening national security and public awareness.
