In the coming days, you will receive a guide in your letterbox explaining how to remain self-sufficient for 72 hours in the event of an emergency. The checklist is part of Luxembourg’s national resilience strategy. Here, we explain what you should keep at home to be prepared.
Many of the recommended supplies are basics that most people likely already have, such as three litres of water per person per day, non-perishable canned food, a torch, a pocket knife, and a first aid kit. The guide also advises keeping copies of essential documents, including your ID card and driving licence, stored in a waterproof pouch.
However, some suggestions may be less common in households.
For instance, a gas cooker is recommended. While scouts or camping enthusiasts may already own one, not everyone does. Yet, in the event of an extended power outage, having a gas cooker can be invaluable for preparing simple meals or making coffee. The guide also suggests keeping matches or a lighter on hand.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is also considered essential. If the electricity supply is disrupted, a radio may be the only way to stay informed about the situation and receive official updates.
These recommendations are particularly important in the scenario of a prolonged power outage, but the guide also prepares residents for other emergencies.
The guide addresses potential scenarios such as cyberattacks, floods, and, in the case of a nuclear accident, the use of iodine tablets to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine. However, these tablets are only recommended for individuals up to the age of 45, as metabolism changes with age and the tablets may become less effective or carry greater side effects for older people. Iodine tablets are distributed by local authorities and should only be taken if instructed by officials.
Authorities encourage residents to keep recommended supplies at home, but stress that panic buying, such as what was seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, should be avoided. During the presentation of the guide on Friday, the government emphasised the importance of acting responsibly and in solidarity, acknowledging that not everyone has a large cellar or the financial means to build up a perfect emergency stockpile for every potential crisis scenario.
The guide will be distributed in both Luxembourgish and French over the coming days.
