🌍 France and Germany Tell Citizens to Prepare — Why Is the UK Staying Quiet?
Preparedness isn’t a fringe activity — it’s a mainstream public policy in much of Europe. Yet in the UK, many households remain largely unaware of what to do in the event of a disaster, blackout, or supply disruption. By looking at how France and Germany actively communicate with their citizens, it becomes clear that the UK is lagging behind.
🇫🇷 France: Survival Manuals for Every Household
In 2025, the French government reportedly began issuing survival manuals to all households, providing guidance on how to cope with emergencies such as power cuts, severe weather, and supply shortages.
The manuals include practical instructions on:
- Maintaining a basic emergency supply of food and water
- Ensuring heat and lighting during short-term outages
- Planning for communication and safety during unexpected events
This approach is proactive, clear, and designed to ensure every citizen is aware of potential risks. (Source: Sky News)
🇩🇪 Germany: Civil Defence Communication
Germany has a long tradition of civil defence messaging, including:
- Encouraging households to maintain emergency food and water supplies
- Providing official channels for updates during crises
- Promoting community preparedness initiatives
The goal is simple: give citizens the tools to stay safe and self-sufficient when infrastructure or services are disrupted.
🇬🇧 The UK’s Quiet Approach
In contrast, the UK does have an official preparedness guide: the Prepare campaign. It covers hazards, emergency planning, and practical advice for households.
However:
- It’s online only, buried deep within government websites
- Promotion is minimal — most households don’t even know it exists
- The advice, while useful, isn’t reinforced through leaflets, outreach, or mandatory guidance
In short, the UK government recognises the importance of preparedness but has not effectively communicated it to the public.
⚡ Why This Matters
Events like the near blackouts of 2024/25, supply chain pressures, fuel shortages, and cyber attacks on essential services show that household preparedness is no longer optional. Waiting for the government to actively inform you may leave you unprepared when the unexpected occurs.
By contrast, France and Germany’s approach shows the benefits of clear, proactive guidance: citizens are aware, households are stocked, and stress during emergencies is reduced.
🏡 Practical Takeaways for UK Households
Even if the UK isn’t distributing manuals, you can still take action:
- Keep a small emergency food and water supply for 3–7 days
- Have flashlights, candles, and batteries ready
- Know your load block letter and plan for scheduled power cuts (see first post for details)
- Maintain mobile devices and power banks charged
- Stay informed via official channels and news updates
Preparedness isn’t about fear — it’s about practical, realistic steps to maintain comfort, safety, and peace of mind when infrastructure fails.
🔗 Learn More
For a complete guide on UK household preparedness, including food, power, first aid, and essential planning, check out our Preparedness pillar page.