Throughout November, Czech households are receiving a printed guide on how to handle crisis situations, from floods and fires to power outages and other emergencies.
The Ministry of the Interior is distributing 5.2 million copies as part of a nationwide effort to ensure residents can manage the first 72 hours after a disaster, giving emergency services more time to focus on life-threatening situations.
The guide, titled 72 Hours, is also available online in Czech, English, and Ukrainian, with a Vietnamese translation planned. It provides practical advice and checklists for essential items, such as bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlight, cash, power banks, and copies of important documents.
Practical tips for the first three days
The first three days after a crisis—whether a blackout, flood, or storm—are often the most difficult. The guide explains how to cope when electricity, water, heating, or internet are unavailable, including ways to stay warm, access food, and maintain hygiene.
It also emphasizes planning for family members who may be in different locations and saving important contact information. The guide’s authors drew inspiration from Finnish crisis-preparedness materials and consulted with rescue services, humanitarian organizations, and universities.
“Thorough preparation saves lives,” said Ministry spokesman Adam Rözler. “Investing just under four crowns per household provides highly effective preventive measures, protecting people and property during emergencies.”
Fire Chief Vladimír Vlček added that the guide is intended for non-military crises, but could also support households in broader emergency scenarios.
Encouraging community resilience
The English version stresses that preparedness strengthens collective resilience: “When we are prepared, we can handle crisis situations better, with less stress, fewer health risks, and less property damage,” it reads. “We will feel calmer and more confident and will also be able to help our loved ones and neighbors.”
The printed guides are being delivered throughout November, and residents are encouraged to read and store them in accessible locations. Online copies can be downloaded from the official website in Czech, English, and Ukrainian.