Thirty-three countries urge households to stockpile essential supplies for emergencies

At least 33 nations around the world have issued advisories urging citizens to stockpile essential supplies for potential emergencies, according to international media reports. The recommendations, which emerged amid escalating geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events, and risks of power outages and cyberattacks, vary by country.

France and the United Kingdom suggest maintaining provisions for a minimum of 72 hours, with Normandy's regional government in France urging residents to proactively prepare before an emergency strikes. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham similarly encourages households to store non-perishable food items like canned beans and soup.

Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the Netherlands recommend three-day supplies, while Sweden and Norway advise a week's worth of stockpiled essentials. Germany recommends a more substantial 10-day supply to aid households if emergency services or critical infrastructure are compromised. In the United States, official guidelines advise maintaining several days' worth of food, water, and emergency supplies, while India suggests families keep disaster emergency kits, though the exact duration is unspecified.

The European Union launched a preparedness strategy in March 2025 to address rising geopolitical risks and climate-related disaster threats. The U.S. military has also launched the FORTRESS initiative to bolster the resilience of military installations, enabling them to operate independently for up to 90 days without external supply chains.

However, the military initiative operates independently from public guidance on household emergency preparedness. The emphasis on preparedness does not imply an imminent threat of war or major disaster. Instead, the recommendations aim to help communities endure temporary disruptions while awaiting emergency assistance to arrive.