An unexpected flood. A blackout that lasts longer than expected. A forest fire that forces confinement. Emergency situations, increasingly common in a context of climate change and strong technological dependence, can catch us off guard. But, according to the new Civil Protection campaign of the Generalitat, it does not have to be that way. The key is as simple as having a kit emergency prepared at home to face any unforeseen event and be self-sufficient for a maximum of 72 hours, that is, three days.
Emergency kits are a basic and essential tool to deal with extreme situations, reduce the feeling of stress and promote a culture of self-protection. “We are facing a society that has increasingly greater risks,” recognizes the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Núria Parlon.
With the motto “Be prepared. Protect yourself. Yours kit always ready!”, the campaign consists of an educational video that explains what to have at home and for what cases it is useful. The audiovisual material will be disseminated through social networks. In addition, there will also be advertisements in the written and digital press, billboards on the street and influence actions for specific groups.
What should be included in the ‘
He kit Basic equipment should include a backpack with a battery-powered radio, a flashlight with spare batteries, a small first aid kit and the necessary chronic medication, as well as a credit card and cash protected in a waterproof bag. It is also advisable to have water, approximately 1.5 liters per person per day, and food that does not spoil. Furthermore, the kit It must contain the essential documentation in a waterproof bag, the mobile phone and a charger.
Radio and battery-powered flashlight, water, food and first aid kit: the essential ‘kit’
According to the Civil Protection of the Generalitat, the best place to have it is near the entrance door, for example in a hall closet, so that it is easy to grab in case of evacuation.
In the home where children, elderly people or people with special needs live, the kit You should also incorporate your specific products: diapers, specific medication, cane or walker, or certain foods. The same applies if there are domestic animals, which will require food, documentation, medication and transportation.
In the event of having to be evacuated, it is also necessary to have spare clothing and one kit of personal hygiene.
Are we prepared?
Catalonia has been experiencing episodes for years that test its ability to respond. Torrential rains are more frequent and destructive, and the autumn 2025 floods in Terres de l’Ebre are a recent example. Many families had to remain locked up at home for hours, pending updates from Civil Protection.
The risk of forest fires, aggravated by a persistent drought, also gives no respite. In active fire situations, emergency teams can request preventive confinement until the flames are under control. And this is where one kit emergency is especially useful.
Added to all this is a growing technological dependence. The “great blackout” of April 28, 2025 showed to what extent daily life can be altered in a matter of minutes: payment systems down, offices stopped, families without electricity or updated information. Many people had no cash, no flashlights, no candles, no battery-powered radios. Nor basic provisions to spend a few hours without services.
European strategy
This has led both the European Union and the state and Catalan governments to insist on the need for adaptation and awareness so that citizens can be self-sufficient for a maximum of 72 hours. Even organizations such as the European Central Bank have come to suggest that each household have between 70 and 100 euros in cash to face possible interruptions of digital services.
Civil Protection of the Generalitat reminds that self-protection guidelines are essential and that it is necessary to socialize them in the family, work and community environment to minimize the impact of adverse episodes and strengthen collective resilience.
