EU Urges 3-Day Emergency Kits After Major Blackouts

The recent massive power outage across Spain, Portugal, and parts of France has sparked renewed emphasis on personal emergency preparedness from both experts and government authorities. Emergency planning specialist Lucy Easthope and various governmental recommendations stress the importance of assembling a basic 'go bag' or home survival kit, which includes essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights with spare batteries, and chargers for electronic devices. The EU and several national governments now advise households to prepare for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency in the face of natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or other crises. This advice is reinforced by recent experiences with blackouts and other emergencies, highlighting the need to be ready for unexpected disruptions to electricity, water, and communications. Practical steps include gradually building an emergency kit, learning basic first aid, and ensuring access to reliable information sources when networks are down. Authorities underscore that preparedness not only provides practical benefits but also reduces anxiety and increases resilience during uncertain times.