France is set to distribute a 20-page survival guide to households nationwide, advising citizens on how to respond to crises, including armed conflicts, natural disasters, and nuclear incidents. This move comes amid growing geopolitical instability in Europe and heightened concerns over Russia’s aggressive actions.
The Purpose of the Survival Guide
The booklet, reportedly containing 63 key measures, aims to bolster public preparedness and resilience. It will provide guidance on assembling a ‘survival kit’ with essentials such as six liters of water, canned food, batteries, a flashlight, and basic medical supplies like paracetamol and bandages. Additionally, the manual will outline steps to take in case of an imminent attack, including joining local defense efforts, such as reserve units or firefighting groups.
One controversial piece of advice suggests that, in the event of a nuclear incident, citizens should ‘lock their doors,’ a recommendation that has drawn some ridicule from commentators.
Government’s Stance on the Initiative
Despite speculation, French officials insist that the booklet is not a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Instead, it is positioned as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national resilience against various threats. The initiative reportedly dates back to 2022, following the COVID-19 pandemic, and is being overseen by the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN).
However, the timing of its release—expected before the summer pending approval from Prime Minister François Bayrou—has raised questions. French newspaper Le Figaro noted that while the government denies any direct link to current geopolitical tensions, the move could be perceived as a reaction to the volatile international situation.
European Neighbors Take Similar Measures
France is not the only country taking precautionary steps. Sweden and Finland have already distributed similar survival guides to their citizens. In 2024, Sweden sent out five million copies of a 32-page booklet titled If Crisis or War Comes, urging citizens to stock up on food and water while preparing for potential military threats. Finland has also launched an official government website with crisis preparedness information.
Poland, which shares borders with both Ukraine and Russia, is also preparing to issue a survival guide. The Polish government has warned its male population of potential mandatory military training and aims to provide citizens with guidance on handling hazardous situations. The country’s interior ministry has confirmed that the pamphlets will be distributed later this year.
Public Reactions and Criticism
The announcement of France’s survival guide has been met with mixed reactions. While some citizens appreciate the government’s proactive approach, others, including public figures, have mocked its recommendations.
French comedian Matthieu Noël sarcastically suggested that the guide’s advice to ‘lock doors’ in the face of a nuclear threat was simplistic, joking, ‘Putin could drop a nuclear bomb on Paris, Ebola could strike the Cantal – we’ll be ready.’
Meanwhile, the UK has not announced any similar measures. The last major government-issued survival guidance in Britain came during the Cold War with the infamous Protect and Survive booklet, which advised citizens to paint windows white and build fallout shelters. An updated version was briefly circulated after the 2004 Madrid bombings, but there has been little public discussion on national crisis preparedness since.
Moving Forward
As Europe grapples with an increasingly unpredictable global landscape, governments are taking proactive steps to prepare their populations for potential crises. While the effectiveness of survival manuals remains debated, their distribution reflects a broader shift toward ensuring civilian readiness in an era of geopolitical uncertainty. France’s new initiative highlights the growing emphasis on national resilience, a trend that may soon be mirrored by other nations.