Do you have an emergency kit at home? The Catalan government is urging people to prepare one.

BarcelonaIt was April 28th, a sunny spring Monday that was expected to be calm. It was the day chosen by the Catalan Civil Protection agency to film an advertisement about the kit An emergency kit: it's a backpack everyone should keep in their front door, containing essential items to cope with a crisis for 72 hours. The advertisement explained what should be packed in the kit and why it was important to have one. What happened that day further highlights the need for these kits. kitsSuddenly, the circuit breakers in every house tripped, trains stopped, and cell phone coverage began to fail. in a general blackout on the Iberian PeninsulaThe recording of the advertisement was postponed, and the campaign was finally launched this Monday.

They wanted to launch the campaign – even though Civil Protection has been recommending this for over a decade kit– in a moment of "calm." In the words of the Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, this recommendation should not be received from a position of "alarmism," but rather as something "natural." "We must have a proactive attitude to protect ourselves. We have to be prepared for risk," Parlon said. What risks? A blackout like the one we experienced, but also risks linked to climate change, which are increasingly present. The Minister of the Interior assured that the aim is to promote "prevention" and reduce the feeling of "stress and helplessness" in times of crisis.

In the coming days, the following message will be repeated on social media, in the news, and on the streets of Catalonia: "Prepare yourself. Protect yourself. Yours kit "Always ready!" is the slogan chosen by the Ministry of the Interior to lead this campaign and raise awareness of the kit and the items it should contain. It can be useful in the event of fires, downpours, power outages, heat waves, and other types of emergencies, although Civil Protection reminds everyone that the number one instruction in many cases is to stay indoors and not evacuate until instructed to do so by the authorities.

Water and canned goods

He kit It must allow for self-sufficiency for 72 hours, as stipulated by the European Union. It contains bottled water – one and a half liters per person per day – a battery-operated radio, a flashlight and spare batteries, and long-lasting food – such as canned goods. In addition, it is also recommended to carry documents – ID card, passport, health insurance card, insurance policy – in a waterproof bag, cash, a first-aid kit, spare shoes, a raincoat, personal hygiene products, a mobile phone and its charger, a power bank, and house keys.

Furthermore, Civil Protection warns that the kit It should be adapted to each family. For example, if they have pets, kit It should include their documentation, medication, food, and a means of transportation. It should also be noted if any family member requires daily medication. Finally, it is recommended that the kit It should be stored in an accessible place, such as the entrance to the house, and everyone should know where it is.