France is set to distribute a comprehensive “survival manual” to every household in an effort to prepare citizens for potential crises, including armed conflict on French soil.
The initiative, aimed at bolstering national resilience, mirrors similar measures undertaken by Sweden and Finland amid rising global tensions.
A spokeswoman for Prime Minister François Bayrou confirmed on Wednesday that the manual is designed to equip the public with essential survival knowledge.
“The survival manual aims to encourage citizens to develop their resilience in the face of different crises,” she stated. “This includes natural disasters, technological and cyber incidents, health crises like Covid-19, and security crises such as terrorist attacks and armed conflict.”
The 20-page booklet, which awaits final approval from Bayrou, is expected to be delivered to French households before the summer. Drawing inspiration from Nordic preparedness strategies, it will outline protocols for a range of emergencies, from military conflicts to communications breakdowns and power outages.
The manual will provide practical guidance across three key sections. Citizens will be advised to maintain a list of emergency contacts, including fire services, police, and medical assistance. Additionally, they will be instructed on which radio channels to tune into during a crisis and how to secure their homes in the event of a nuclear accident.
Beyond individual preparedness, the manual will encourage citizens to engage in community defense initiatives. It will highlight ways in which people can contribute to national resilience, such as volunteering for reserve forces or local firefighting groups.
This latest move follows broader efforts by President Emmanuel Macron’s administration to fortify the nation’s defense infrastructure. Speaking at a military base in eastern France earlier this week, Macron emphasized the necessity of readiness in an increasingly volatile geopolitical climate.
“Our country and our continent must continue to defend themselves, equip themselves, and prepare if we want to avoid war,” Macron asserted. “This is the choice we have made, and will continue to make. No one can say what will happen in the months and years to come.”
As part of these measures, Macron recently announced an overhaul of France’s security forces, including a significant expansion of operational reservists. The government aims to increase their numbers from 40,000 to 100,000 by 2035, reinforcing the country’s capacity to respond to potential threats.
While some citizens view the manual as a sensible precaution, others remain skeptical.
Laure Mourgue d’Algue, a 25-year-old primary school teacher, sees the initiative as a step in the right direction but questions its effectiveness without practical training.
“Nordic countries like Sweden and Denmark are psychologically more prepared than France,” she noted. “Having a basic knowledge of what you need to survive—like knowing how to handle electricity—is important in terms of risk management. But psychological safety matters, and a piece of paper won’t provide that. We need training.”
Similarly, Sylvie Langlois, a Paris resident, expressed doubts about the likelihood of war reaching France.
“I don’t think there will be a war. It’s not President Emmanuel Macron’s role to intervene between Trump and Putin. There are other matters that require urgent attention here in France,” Langlois said. “We survived Covid, and we will manage if something else happens.”
Despite such reservations, the government remains firm in its commitment to enhancing national preparedness. The prime minister’s spokeswoman emphasized that information is the foundation of effective citizen engagement.
“The first step in citizen engagement is to be informed about threats and stay updated,” she said. “Engagement can also mean joining associations, such as the reserve forces. We are doing everything we can to ensure citizens are ready to respond in the event of a crisis.”
With security concerns mounting across Europe, France’s initiative signals a growing recognition of the need for widespread public preparedness. Whether the survival manual will be embraced as a necessary measure or dismissed as an overreaction remains to be seen. However, in an era of increasing uncertainty, the government’s message is clear: readiness is paramount.
Main Image: By https://www.parismuseescollections.paris.fr/en/node/402424, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=260827
