All French households are due to receive a ‘survival manual’ from the government before summer, according to Europe 1, a privately-owned radio station.
In a move inspired by that taken in Sweden, the booklet will include guidelines on what to do in the event of a major crisis – including armed conflict, a natural disaster (like floods), a cyber attack or another health epidemic like Covid. “The goal is to tell the French to prepare for any eventuality, not just armed conflict,” a government source told Europe 1.
The source reportedly said that the survival manual is about 20 pages, and sets out all the “right actions to take in the event of an imminent threat in France”.
The French invasion and survival guide is separated into three parts:
- ‘Protect Yourself’ – this section covers protecting yourself, your family and those around you; including making sure you have their phone numbers. Light-hearted ‘pictograms’ recommend what to keep at home in a ‘survival kit‘ (6 litres of water, 10 cans of food, batteries and torch; as well as paracetamol, compresses and saline solution). The government source says the message is: “Be prepared to face a few days on your own.”
- ‘What to do in the event of an alert’ – this section includes what actions to take in the event of a threat. It lists emergency numbers (fire, police, medical) and steps to following, depending on the nature of the crisis. Eg. close the doors and windows if there’s a nuclear leak.
- ‘Get involved’ – this section explains how to register as a reserve in the military, digital or municipal fields. The goal is to raise awareness amongst everyone, young and old, and encourage people to unite.
A title for the French survival manual has not yet been decided.
Nice Matin reports that the booklet is being produced by the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN).
