Be prepared. Protect yourself. Your kit always ready!

An unexpected flash flood. A power outage that lasts longer than expected. A forest fire that forces people to stay home. Emergency situations, increasingly common in a context of climate change and heavy technological dependence, can catch us off guard. But, according to the new Civil Protection campaign From the Generalitat, it doesn't have to be that way. The key is as simple as having a kit Prepare an emergency kit at home to face any unforeseen event and be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours, that is, three days.

Emergency kits are a basic and essential tool for dealing with extreme situations, reducing stress, and promoting a culture of self-protection. "We are facing a society with increasingly greater risks," acknowledges the Minister of the Interior and Public Safety, Núria Parlon.

With the slogan "Prepare. Protect yourself. Yours kit “Always ready!”, the campaign consists of an educational video explaining what you should have at home and what it's useful for. The video will be shared on social media. In addition, there will also be print and digital ads, billboards, and influencer marketing efforts targeting specific groups.

What should be included in the

He kit A basic kit should include a backpack with a battery-powered radio, a flashlight with spare batteries, a small first-aid kit and any necessary chronic medications, as well as a credit card and cash protected in a waterproof bag. It is also advisable to have water, approximately 1.5 liters per person per day, and non-perishable food. Furthermore, the kit It should contain the essential documents in a waterproof bag, your mobile phone and a charger.

According to the Catalan Civil Protection Agency, the best place to keep it is near the front door, for example in a hallway closet, so that it is easy to grab in case of evacuation.

In homes where children, elderly people, or people with special needs live, the kit You should also pack any specific items you may need: diapers, specific medications, a cane or walker, or certain foods. The same applies if you have pets, which will require their food, documentation, medication, and a carrier. In the event of an evacuation, you will also need spare clothing and one kit personal hygiene.

Are we ready?

Catalonia has been experiencing events for years that test its response capacity. Torrential rains are more frequent and destructive, and the floods of autumn 2025 in the Terres de l'Ebre region are a recent example. Many families had to remain locked in their homes for hours, waiting for updates from Civil Protection. The risk of forest fires, exacerbated by a persistent drought, is also relentless. In situations of active fire, emergency teams can request preventive confinement until the flames are under control. And this is where one kit In emergencies, it is especially useful.

Added to all this is a growing technological dependence. The "great blackout" of April 28, 2025, demonstrated the extent to which daily life can be disrupted in a matter of minutes: payment systems crashed, offices shut down, families without electricity or up-to-date information. Many people had no cash, no flashlights, no candles, no battery-powered radios. Nor did they have basic supplies to get through a few hours without services.

European strategy

This has led both the European Union and the Spanish and Catalan governments to emphasize the need for adaptation and awareness so that citizens can be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours. Even organizations like the European Central Bank have suggested that each household keep between 70 and 100 euros in cash to cope with potential disruptions to digital services. The Catalan Civil Protection Agency reminds us that self-protection guidelines are essential and that it is necessary to share them within families, workplaces, and communities to minimize the impact of adverse events and strengthen collective resilience.