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European Crisis TV
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Ukraine: Russian air strike on Kramatorsk kills several, injures fourGreece: Storm kills man on Rhodes as floods hit Greece for second dayUkraine: Russian bomb hits Sloviansk shelter, injuring 8; Red Cross team also hurtUkraine: Five Ukrainian soldiers shot dead near Kharkiv; investigators examine Russian linksUkraine: Russian drone attack on Lutsk kills 6, injures 13 at food warehouseUkraine: Russian air strike on Kramatorsk kills several, injures fourGreece: Storm kills man on Rhodes as floods hit Greece for second dayUkraine: Russian bomb hits Sloviansk shelter, injuring 8; Red Cross team also hurtUkraine: Five Ukrainian soldiers shot dead near Kharkiv; investigators examine Russian linksUkraine: Russian drone attack on Lutsk kills 6, injures 13 at food warehouse

Be prepared

How to prepare for a crisis

Power cuts, storms, floods, attacks on infrastructure or war: European governments ask households to be able to cope on their own for at least 72 hours, the advice of the EU's Preparedness Union Strategy (2025). Here is what that means, how you are warned, and each country's official guide.

Your 72-hour kit

  • Water

    About 3 litres per person per day, for three days.

  • Food

    Food that keeps and needs no cooking or little water, for three days; a manual can opener.

  • Light and power

    A torch, spare batteries, a power bank; candles and matches or a lighter.

  • Radio

    A battery or wind-up radio: in a power cut, authorities broadcast instructions on the radio.

  • Medicines and first aid

    A supply of your regular medicines, a first-aid kit, hygiene items.

  • Documents and cash

    Copies of ID and important papers in a waterproof bag; some cash in small notes, as card payments may not work.

  • Warmth

    Warm clothes, blankets or a sleeping bag.

  • Contacts

    Phone numbers written on paper; an agreed meeting point with your family.

Adapt it to your household: children, older people, pets and anyone who needs medicine or care. Check it once a year.

How you are warned

  • 112 is the emergency number in every EU country (and in the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine as well), free from any phone.
  • Most EU countries send warnings straight to mobile phones in the danger area (cell broadcast, “EU-Alert”), without an app.
  • Sirens are tested regularly in many countries; when they sound outside a test, go inside, close windows and doors, and follow the radio or the authorities' channels.
  • Follow official warnings in force right now on our Warnings now page.

Official guides per country

Links go to the official sources; their advice prevails over this summary. Is your country missing or a link outdated? Tell us.

See also: Am I affected? · Travel advice · Explainers