As you will have noticed, the current situation is rather tense, with threats of conflict and climatic events. From France to Scandinavia, here’s a tour of Europe’s emergency kits, survival guides and weather alerts.

Europe in the face of crises: an inescapable reality

Between military tensions and natural disasters, Europe is involved in global crises. The fires in Greece, the floods in Germany and Spain and the cyber attacks on critical infrastructures illustrate the protean nature of today’s threats.

Faced with this reality, one thing is clear: preparation, whether individual or collective, is an essential tool for building resilience.

Against this backdrop, European countries are adopting a variety of approaches, combining institutional prevention and empowering the public. From the organisation of refuges in Scandinavia to local weather alerts in France, the initiatives show that preparedness is above all a shared challenge.

A non-exhaustive tour of Europe’s survival guides and practical emergency information.

Germany: A national plan for public safety

Faced with increasing international threats, Germany has undertaken to strengthen its civil protection by drawing up a national plan for bunkers and shelters. The Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz (Federal Office for Civil Protection) is working to identify, restore and convert public and private structures into potential shelters, including cellars, underground car parks, underground stations and, of course, bunkers.

The country currently has 579 public shelters capable of accommodating around 480,000 people, an insufficient number for a population of over 83 million. To make up for this shortfall, a mobile application is being developed to enable citizens to quickly locate the nearest shelter, based on the current inventory of protection structures and potential public shelters.

At the same time, the authorities are encouraging people to create protective spaces in their homes, such as cellars and garages.

Map of bunkers in Germany
Historical map of bunkers in Germany* (Screenshot)

Protection structures and public shelters

In addition to the bunkers built between the Second World War and the 1980s, the aim of identifying and adapting structures that can be used as a refuge in the event of a crisis is to improve what already exists while providing the public with more information.

The website of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK) has a dedicated section providing information on protection structures in Germany:

  • Questions and answers about public shelters
  • A dedicated hotline
  • A brief history
    Protection structures in Germany over the course of international policies and events.
  • Specific information on protection
    Protection against natural hazards, geological hazards, technical hazards and weapons.

Want to find out more about protective structures (shelters, bunkers, multi-purpose facilities) in Germany? Go to this page (German)

air-raid shelter in Germany
Former air-raid shelter in Hamburg, Germany

Prepare for emergencies

This is the title of another German web section devoted to precautions to be taken, with a practical emergency guide to dealing with possible crises. It is divided into 3 main sections:

  • Questions and answers on emergency situations
  • Preparing for emergencies
    Food, drink, medication, documents and hygiene are covered.
  • Advice for various emergency situations
    In the event of fire, flood, storm, power cut, toxic release and other situations.

In addition, the BBK government office website offers downloadable guides in German, English and French, in PDF format.

Survival guide, French version
French version
  • Other languages: German and English
  • Personal checklist for emergency preparedness, in German

Also available online are a simplified version ↗, educational videos and an English-language version on the conflict in Ukraine and the reception of refugees ↗.

Scandinavia: When preparation becomes a culture

The Scandinavian countries stand out for their systemic preparedness strategy and are frequently cited as an example of crisis management. Their approach is based on individual and collective organisation, supported by robust infrastructures and clear instructions. Here is an overview of the strategies adopted by Sweden, Norway and Finland, with related links.

Map of Scandinavia
Map of the Scandinavian countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland / PAT* (in French)

Sweden: Conflict preparedness and collective resilience

Sweden has an exemplary approach to preparedness. Every household receives an official brochure entitled In Case of Crisis or War, distributed by the Swedish Crisis Management Agency (MSB*). This practical guide explains how to react to various scenarios, including power cuts, water shortages and air raids. It also includes instructions detailing what to do in the event of a crisis or war, and advice on how to prepare for emergencies.

in the event of war, a guide to survival in Sweden
Front page of the emergency guide in the event of a crisis, Sweden

If crisis or war comes, emergency guide

This emergency guide covers the essential points for preparing for all types of crisis. In mid-November, the If Crisis or War Comes brochure was updated and is now available in a range of languages for you to read or listen to:

  • The brochure in other languages
    Arabic, English, Farsi, Finnish, Meänkieli, Polish, Chib Romani, Somali, Northern and Southern Sami, Ukrainian.
  • The audio version, to be listened to and downloaded in MP3 format in Swedish and below in English
In case of crisis or war
H 1. To all residents of Sweden
H 2. In incertain times it is important to be prepared
H 3. Together we make Sweden stronger
H 4. Swedish defence
H 5. Civil defence
H 6. Total defence duty
H 7. Warning systems
H 8. Seeking shelter during an air raid
H 9. Home preparedness
H 10. Evacuation
H 11. Civil defence shelter
H 12. Psychological defence
H 13. Digital security
H 14. Terror attacks
H 15. How to stop bleeding
H 16. Extreme weather events
H 17. Pathogens
H 18. If you require special assistance
H 19. If you have pets
H 20. If you are worried
H 21. Talking to children about crises and war
H 22. Important phone numbers
H 23. Emergency warning sirens

Advice to individuals and mapping

In addition, you will also find a dedicated section with advice for private individuals by theme ( Swedish version, to be translated online). Note the existence of a complementary website providing emergency information from the Swedish authorities, Krisiinformation .

Finally, a mapping tool provides geographical information on risks and solutions across Sweden, including a map showing the location of shelters in the event of a crisis .

Map of shelters in Sweden (screenshot) / MSB* (in French)

Norway: Preventing natural and geopolitical crises

Norway is focusing on climate crisis prevention and energy security. The national civil protection agency DSB (Direktoratet for Samfunnssikkerhet og Beredskap) coordinates risk management and public awareness.

The main measures for prevention and emergencies are :

  • Precise information on floods, landslides and fires.
  • Promotingself-preparedness for each household: food, water, electricity, payment, warning service, etc.
  • The maintenance of a network ofunderground shelters, although less systematic than in Sweden.

Norway is also a forerunner in bunkers for the preservation of humanity’s heritage, with the Svalbard World Seed Reserve* and the World Artic Archive*. One for the seeds of the world’s food crops, the other for digital archives.

Here are the guides and web pages to consult for more information on civil protection in general and climate crisis management in Norway.

Climate risks, crises and conflicts

Civil security in Norway

Dedicated to all emergencies, the National Department of Social Security and Civil Protection (DSB) provides an information site on everyday risks with laws, regulations and themed areas including:

  • Electrical installations and equipment
  • Fire protection, fire service and emergency network
  • Dangerous substances, explosives and dangerous goods
  • Consumer products and services
  • Risk, vulnerability and preparedness
  • Emergency and preparedness communication
  • Surveillance areas
  • Access to the DSB website (Norwegian)

More specifically, the DSB has set up a thematic web space offering advice in several languages on how to find out about the various risks and prepare for crises and disasters on an individual basis, under a number of headings:

  • Individual self-preparation and national plan
  • Safe products and standards
  • Electricity
  • Fire and conflagration
  • Fireworks and explosives
  • Toys and equipment for children
  • Gases and flammable liquids
  • Visit the councils website for information and preparation

You will find practical information and guides for local authorities and individuals, as well as crisis scenarios (Norwegian).

Norway survival guide: self-sufficiency and self-preparedness
Norwegian preparation guide (Photo: Daniel Fatsnes/DSB)

Emergency preparedness guide

How would you and your loved ones survive if the electricity went off for
for an extended period?
What would you do if the tap water went off?
What would happen if you couldn’t do your shopping for a week?

With these introductory questions, the guide presents self-preparedness as a way of preparing yourself for such situations in the future, based on the following topics

  • Drinking water
  • Heating and lighting
  • Food
  • Payments and money
  • Checklist for your preparation
  • Medicines and first aid
  • Hygiene
  • Information and communication
  • Group self-preparation
  • Mental health in crisis situations
  • Places of refuge
  • Emergency numbers


This guide to self-preparation (French) is available as a downloadable version in many languages (including English)

Link to Webzine Voyage
French version

Varsom, prevention and information

Focusing on weather conditions and natural hazards, the Varsom website covers all regions of Norway. It includes warning services and resources relating to :

  • Avalanches
  • Landslides
  • Landslides
  • Weather (rain, lightning, water level, wind, fire risk, polar pressure)
  • Winter conditions (ice, snow)

Here are the pages you need to consult to get started online with Varsom:

  • News and events
  • Natural hazard warnings in Norway (Norwegian)
  • The list of tools offered by the platform (Norwegian)
  • Useful links about natural events in Norway (Norwegian)

Another key feature of the service is a mobile application, with a handy page for checking alerts and conditions at any time . You can download it from Google Play (Android) ou App Store (iOS) ↗.

Civil security in Norway
Civil protection helicopter response (Photo DSB)

Norwegian natural hazard maps

And to finish with some geography, here are 4 interactive maps of Norway on the theme of prevention and information: collaborative, historical, real-time and aquatic.

  • Rain and snow map (SeNorge)

To find out the amount of precipitation, between rain and snow across the country

  • Sightings map (Regobs)

This is a collaborative map that lists and shares hundreds of climatic and geological observations

  • Map of water levels (Sildre)

Like Vigicrues in France (French), this map lets you monitor water flow, level and temperature, with a choice of filters and backgrounds

  • Map of past natural events (Naturhendelser)

To go back in time, here is a map showing the location, description and photos of natural events since 2015 (Norwegian)

Map of natural events in Norway
Map of the history of natural events in Norway (Screenshot 12/2024)

Finland: A deep-rooted culture of preparation

Finland’s comprehensive defence system combines integrated civil and military preparedness. This system, coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior, involves citizens, businesses and public institutions. The aim is to guarantee the continuity of essential services in the event of a major crisis. The system includes

  • A dense network of bunkers, particularly in Helsinki, adapted to war and natural disasters
  • Regular training of the public in emergency procedures, including in schools
  • Initiatives to raise awareness of cyber security, one of Finland’s strategic challenges.
Emergency guide: autonomy for 72 hours

Being self-sufficient for 72 hours: Survival and safety guide

This practical guide is designed to help you prepare for 72 hours of self-sufficiency in the event of weather disruption or emergency situations.
Available as a website and downloadable brochure, it covers the following topics:

  • Power cuts
  • The emergency food reserve at home
  • Water
  • Taking shelter indoors
  • Psychological resilience
  • Reliable communication and information
  • Cybersecurity
  • Infectious diseases.

Public presentations and webinars accessible in every region of Finland complete the package.

To consult the guide online or download it in PDF format, go to the 72h in autonomy dedicated website:

Preparing for incidents and crises

Another practical, interactive guide, this one answers the question: What should I do in a crisis situation? It covers a number of subjects under 3 main headings to help you prepare for a crisis:

  • Information on incident and crisis preparedness
  • Instructions on how to prepare in advance
  • Practical instructions on what to do in various situations.
What does preparation mean? (Diagram taken from the guide)

The full guide contains the following information:

  • How can I prepare for incidents and crises?
  • What does preparation mean?
  • What kinds of situations are we preparing for?
  • Could you cope with an incident that affects your daily life?
  • Epidemics and pandemics
  • Cyber attacks or cyber incidents
  • Natural phenomena and major accidents
  • Disruptions to payment systems
  • Military conflict
  • Power failure
  • Terrorism
  • Disruption to communications infrastructure
  • Water shortage and water contamination
  • Maintaining your functional capacity in times of crisis
  • Preparation is a question of cooperation
  • How can I help and get involved?
  • People and everyday safety
  • Preparation in housing companies
  • How are the various parties prepared?

You can create your own tailor-made guide by filling in a questionnaire to choose the subjects you want to cover, consult the whole guide directly online, download a summary in different languages with a checklist to help you prepare. A video version dubbed in sign language is also available on the Youtube platform.

Prepared people cope better”, slogan of crisis preparedness guide

In Germany and the Scandinavian countries, robust infrastructures such as anti-aircraft shelters and underground refuges bear witness to extensive anticipation and the political will to improve civil protection. These initiatives are not just reserved for military crises: they also include climate and environmental risks, which are now a central concern.

This culture of collective resilience, combining education, preparation and infrastructure, is inspiring beyond the Nordic borders.

France: Initiatives in the making

Although France has not yet introduced the same widespread preparedness tools as its Scandinavian neighbours and Germany, there has been notable progress. For example, heatwave and flood plans, which are widely communicated via town halls and prefectures, make it possible to respond effectively to climatic emergencies.

However, awareness remains uneven. Many French people are still unaware of the basics of personal preparedness, such as the need to stock up on water or to learn first aid techniques. Local authorities, in conjunction with associations and emergency services, play a key role in spreading this good practice.

72-hour emergency kit

Based on the Scandinavian model, the government’s risk information website, Géorisques, offers an emergency kit to take along in the event of a crisis or disaster, so you can leave or stay at home independently.

72-hour emergency kit in France

The infographic can be viewed or downloaded from the dedicated page on the Géorisques website , under the heading My 72-hour emergency kit.

Maps, prevention and climate information

When it comes to climate prevention and weather warnings, France has a number of complementary tools for informing its citizens. Here are the main ones, covering fires, seasonal risks, floods and rising water levels.

  • Forest weather forecast
    Launched in 2023, the French forest weather forecast (French) produced by Météo France provides a summer map of fire risks by department.
  • Vigicrues and rising water levels
    French rivers, Vigicrues (French) is the reference site for information on rising water levels, flows and possible flooding.
  • Weather watch
    Floods, rain, flooding, waves and submergence, avalanches and wind are on the programme on this map-based French weather watch (French) page for your daily information by region and department.
  • Find out about the risks
    All these subjects are described with links to additional and related information on the French Georisques site with
    • Natural hazards
      Flooding, forest fires, earthquakes, coastal hazards, landslides, cyclones, storms, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, radon, drought, shrink-swell of clay
    • Technological risks
      Industrial and nuclear accidents, dam bursts, transport of hazardous goods, pipelines for transporting hazardous materials, mining risks, polluted sites and soils.

Travel+

  • Federal Office for Civil Protection draws up bunker plan for Germany, Welt (German)
  • Decision support for Swedish emergency services, MSB RIB (Swedish)
  • What happened to Europe’s atomic bunkers? Courrier International (French)
  • World Artic Archive, Actualitté (French) and Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Wikipedia
  • Maps of Scandinavia, PAT
  • List and maps of bunkers in Germany
  • Shelters for the population in Switzerland
  • Passive defences and shelters by country in the world, Wikipedia (French)