France is reportedly preparing to distribute a “survival manual” to every household, offering guidance on how to respond to various imminent threats, including armed conflict, natural disasters, or health crises.
The 20-page booklet, pending approval by Prime Minister François Bayrou, is expected to be sent to homes across the country before summer, according to French media.
The manual will be divided into three sections. It will provide advice on personal and community protection, outline steps to take in the event of an immediate threat—such as emergency numbers, radio channels, and instructions for securing homes in the event of a nuclear threat—and encourage citizens to contribute to their communities by joining reserve units or firefighting groups. A “survival kit” list will also be included, suggesting essentials like six liters of water, a dozen tins of food, batteries, a flashlight, and basic medical supplies such as paracetamol, compresses, and saline solution, as reported by Europe 1 radio.
A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s office emphasized, “The purpose of this document is to ensure the resilience of populations in the face of all types of crisis, whether natural, technological, cyber or security-related.”
This initiative follows statements from President Emmanuel Macron, who recently announced plans to accelerate the procurement of Rafale fighter jets to strengthen France’s air force in preparation for potential future conflicts. Earlier this month, Macron stressed the importance of preparing for the “Russian threat” and the potential for a reduced American military presence in Europe.
“I want to believe the US will stay by our side, but we have to be ready if they don’t,” Macron said during a national address. “Russia has become, at this moment and for years to come, a threat to France and Europe.” While visiting a military base in eastern France, Macron also mentioned that further military investments would be disclosed in the coming weeks in response to the “acceleration of events.”
“Our country and our continent must continue to defend itself, to equip and to prepare if we want to avoid war. Nobody can say what will happen in the months or years to come. What I want is for us to be ready. What I want is for us to be protected.”
