what-you-need-72-hour-emergency-europe
What You Need for a 72-Hour Emergency in Europe
Surviving 3 Days on Your Own: What the EU Recommends
In the event of a major disruption — blackout, flood, cyberattack, or civil emergency — the European Union recommends that all citizens be able to stay safe and self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. But what does that actually mean in practice?
This guide gives you the essential items you should have at home — no exaggeration, no military gear, just practical tools for everyday Europeans.
The Basics: Absolute Essentials
- Water: at least 2 liters per person, per day (or a water filtration system)
- Food: non-perishable, shelf-stable (cans, dried meals, bars)
- First aid: bandages, disinfectants, painkillers, any personal medication
- Lighting: flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Communication: battery-powered radio, backup phone power bank
- Hygiene: soap, wet wipes, disinfectant, toilet paper
- Fire: matches, lighter, or emergency fire starter
- Documents: copies of ID, insurance, emergency contacts
Smart Additions (Highly Recommended)
- Waterproof storage pouches
- Basic tools (multi-tool, small knife, duct tape)
- Whistle or signal device
- Cash in small denominations
- Backpack (if you need to evacuate quickly)
How to Get It All — Without the Stress
Rather than building your own kit from scratch, Directive72.eu makes it easy to choose only the emergency essentials you need. No subscriptions, no unnecessary gear — just a smart, EU-focused 72-hour kit built for real people, real homes, and real situations.
Because Readiness Should Be Simple
You don’t need to become a prepper. You just need to be ready. We’ve taken the European recommendations and turned them into a practical, flexible system that anyone can use.