The French government is set to distribute a survival manual to all households by the summer of 2025, designed to guide citizens on appropriate actions during crises, including armed conflict. Reported by Europe 1, this initiative comes amid growing concerns about various threats that the country faces, including natural disasters and health epidemics.
According to Matignon, the aim of this approximately 20-page booklet is to ensure the resilience of populations against all types of crises — from natural and technological threats to cyberattacks and terrorism. The survival manual will be modeled on a similar guide implemented in Sweden.
This proactive approach reflects a larger trend in Europe, where various nations have begun distributing similar survival guides. Poland, for instance, is preparing to send its own crisis survival manual to households this year, which outlines actions citizens can take during emergencies, such as dealing with extended power outages.
In essence, the French manual will be divided into three main sections. The first part, titled “Protecting Yourself,” focuses on raising awareness of solidarity among the population. It features practical advice such as keeping emergency contact numbers for family and neighbors at hand, and outlines the essential ‘survival kit’ that households should prepare. Recommendations include having at least six liters of bottled water, ten cans of food, batteries, and a flashlight for power outages. Additionally, it suggests maintaining essential medications like paracetamol and saline solutions on hand.
“The objective is to say to the French: ‘Be prepared to face some days on your own,’” a government source relayed, reiterating the importance of personal preparedness in the face of increasing threats.
The second section, titled “What to Do in Case of Alert?”, details immediate actions citizens should take during impending crises. This includes a list of emergency numbers for the fire department, police, and medical assistance (SAMU), as well as specific instructions tailored to different types of crises in progress, like those arising from nuclear accidents.
“In the event of a nuclear accident, for example, it's crucial to remember to close all doors of one’s home,” highlighted the information outlined in the manual.
The final third of the guide, “Get Involved,” emphasizes civic participation, explaining how individuals can join reserves, whether military, digital, or municipal. This section aims to empower all segments of the population, from youths to retirees, encouraging a communal spirit of preparedness and responsibility.
The development of this survival guide echoes the Swedish manual “If Crisis or War Comes,” which has undergone updates and was reissued in November 2024. In fact, the Swedish government took a substantial initiative to enhance its citizens’ readiness against the backdrop of deteriorating global stability, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions.
As part of this collective movement towards readiness, other Nordic nations have also been preparing or distributing similar materials, including:
- Finland, which offers a digital booklet titled “What Do I Do? Preparing for Incidents and Crises,” covering various scenarios from health emergencies to extreme weather.
- Norway, where the Director of Civil Protection distributes guides to help citizens prepare for various crises, urging them to stock essential supplies.
- Denmark, which previously circulated a guide advising citizens on what to equip themselves with for three days in case of emergencies.
Moreover, documentation from Lithuania focuses on different emergency strategies, especially amid rising tensions due to neighboring threats. Such initiatives have highlighted the essential role of public preparedness within the broader context of national security.
As these measures gain momentum, questions arise regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of such manuals. While France’s manual aims to be an instrument of resilience, it is part of a broader European initiative indicating a serious consideration of potential crises to enhance public readiness.
In the face of uncertainties, this survival guide reflects the French government's commitment to enhancing the resilience and preparedness of its citizens against multiple facets of crises. ‘This document aims to ensure the resilience of populations against all types of crises, whether natural, technological, cyber, or security-related,’ Matignon officials have stated, reiterating the manual's vital role in navigating potential emergencies.
As discussions about the final titles for the manual are ongoing — a neutral title, “Instruction Manual in Case of Crisis,” and another aiming for a more mobilizing effect — the focus remains on ensuring that every French household recognizes the importance of preparedness. No matter how the final version of the manual is framed, its delivery is scheduled for the approaching summer, marking a significant step toward community healthcare and crisis management.
