The French government is preparing to send a new survival manual to households across the country, offering guidance on how to respond to potential emergencies. The 20-page booklet outlines steps to take in case of armed conflict, natural disasters, industrial accidents, or a nuclear leak.
The document, which reportedly includes 63 measures, will provide instructions on how to protect oneself and those nearby, as well as details on how people can contribute to local defence efforts, such as joining reserve units or firefighting groups. The French government has insisted the manual is not a direct response to the war in Ukraine, despite President Emmanuel Macron’s previous warnings about the growing “Russian threat” and the possibility of the United States reducing its military presence in Europe, The Telegraph reported.
If approved by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, the booklet is expected to be sent to households before the summer, according to reports in French media.
Among the recommendations, the manual suggests that people prepare an emergency survival kit.
This includes a stockpile of food, water, batteries, and medical supplies such as paracetamol, compresses, and saline solution.
In the event of a nuclear leak, it advises locking doors and staying inside. A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s office said the manual is designed to improve “the resilience of populations in the face of all types of crisis, whether natural, technological, cyber, or security-related”.
Other European countries have introduced similar initiatives in recent years.
In late 2023, Sweden distributed five million leaflets to households titled “If Crisis or War Comes”, encouraging people to prepare for potential armed conflict.
The document warned that military threats were increasing and advised stockpiling food and water, keeping cash on hand, and growing fruit and vegetables.
Finland also launched a government website dedicated to helping citizens prepare for different types of crises.
Both Sweden and Finland have joined NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ending decades of military neutrality.
In France, the release of the manual has sparked mixed reactions. Some have questioned the timing of the publication, with Le Figaro suggesting that it “could easily be interpreted as a reaction to the unstable international situation.”
Others have mocked some of the recommendations. Comedian Matthieu Noel, speaking on France Inter radio, joked about the advice to “shut doors” in case of a nuclear attack, sarcastically saying that “Putin can drop a nuclear bomb on Paris, Ebola can hit the Cantal region, we’ll be ready.”
He added: “While you’re at it, how about, in case of a tsunami, no snorkelling?”
The French government has said the manual is part of a national resilience strategy developed in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Officials claim the aim is to prepare the population for various crises and improve public communication during emergencies.
