His comments came amid reports of military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting Iranian facilities in late February. According to international reports, the operation aimed to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons capabilities. The situation rapidly intensified afterward, with Iran launching missiles and drones targeting several U.S. assets and regional allies across the Middle East.
These developments have raised fresh concerns about stability in the region and the risk of wider conflict.
Governments Urge Citizens to Prepare for Emergencies
Amid growing uncertainty, governments and emergency planners across Europe are encouraging citizens to be better prepared for large-scale crises. These could include natural disasters, cyberattacks, infrastructure failures, or military conflicts.
Last year, the European Commission advised households across the European Union to keep enough essential supplies to last at least 72 hours during a major emergency.
The recommendation is part of a broader preparedness strategy designed to help people remain self-sufficient during the first critical days of a crisis—when emergency services may be overwhelmed or supply chains disrupted.
European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib emphasized the importance of readiness in a message shared online, saying that being “ready for anything” should become a normal part of modern life in Europe.
Similarly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the changing global landscape requires stronger preparedness across governments, businesses, and households.
Why the First 72 Hours Are Critical
Emergency planners often focus on the first three days after a major crisis because this is typically when disruptions are most severe. Transportation systems may shut down, communication networks can become unreliable, and access to food or water could be temporarily limited.
According to a preparedness document from the EU’s Committee on Security and Defence in February 2026, large-scale crises—including armed aggression or hybrid warfare—could create supply shortages and widespread disruption.
Having basic supplies available at home can help families stay safe and comfortable while authorities work to restore services.
Essential Items for a Basic Emergency Kit
Emergency preparedness guidelines vary by region, but experts generally recommend keeping a small kit with essential supplies that could support a household for several days.
Commonly recommended items include:
- Identification documents stored in waterproof protection
- Non-perishable food such as canned goods and energy bars
- Bottled drinking water
- Matches or a lighter
- A basic first-aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Multi-purpose tools such as a Swiss Army knife
- Cash in small denominations
- Personal medications
- Simple entertainment items like playing cards
These items are designed to help people manage temporary disruptions until normal services return.
Preparation Without Panic
Officials stress that preparing emergency supplies is a precaution—not a signal that a crisis is imminent. Similar recommendations are often made for natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or severe storms.
For many families, simply having a small emergency kit can provide peace of mind and ensure they are ready for unexpected situations.
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