Belgium prepares for emergencies: rescue kits, Be-Alert, and first aid numbers

Brussels – The growing number of emergencies requires European states to be increasingly prepared to deal with the risk of emergencies. Belgium is not unprepared, with the upcoming launch of a large-scale campaign by the National Crisis Center (NCCN) to raise public awareness.

The initiative, as reported by Belga News Agency, aims to prepare residents of Belgium for possible crises by providing information and practical guidance on how to shelter, evacuate, and create emergency plans. “It is important to learn how to take charge in difficult times,” said outgoing Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden. “We cannot rely on the government for everything,” Verlinden continued.

The campaign aims to create an additional level of empowerment, considering the current context of increased global instability. In addition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is on the EU’s doorstep, there are several geopolitical conflicts, and a significant number of natural disasters resulting from the climate crisis, such as the floods in Spain, are creating tension for which states must prepare.

Belgium is not the only country sensing it needs to be on the alert. The new NATO secretary general, Mark Rutte, wasted no time: “It’s time to move to a war mentality.” Even 2 percent as state GDP spending on defense is no longer enough, not so much because of the presence of an immediate warning, but so as not to be found unprepared in the face of changing geopolitical circumstances that have a high impact on the EU.

“There is no reason to panic, but we need to lay the groundwork for a ‘risk culture’ in our country,” the Crisis Center tells Le Soir. The NCCN made several recommendations, including having a kit to keep at home in case of floods, gas leaks, or worse, in cases of armed conflict. They mention a basic first aid kit with water, cell phone chargers and external batteries, insurance policy documents, a flashlight and battery-powered radio, lighters, matches, a Swiss Army knife, and an evacuation checklist. We need “people to be self-sufficient and resilient in an emergency,” a NCCN spokesperson explained. Building a ‘risk culture’ also means increasing awareness of emergency numbers and various risks that could emerge in the years ahead. One example is enrolling citizens in Be-Alert, a tool by which they can be alerted to hazards, which will be one of the campaign’s goals for the coming year.

Without creating unnecessary alarm, the NCCN campaign aims to establish solid foundations for citizens to increase their knowledge and awareness of the need to equip themselves with tools to manage potential emergencies. Additionally, it seeks to gradually and effectively raise awareness, like other European countries like Sweden.

The Swedish model had a more direct approach. Millions of informational pamphlets entitled “In case of crisis or war” were physically distributed. The tone of the pamphlet was markedly more consistent with NATO logic since it speaks of hypothetical attacks in which “everyone must do his part to defend Sweden’s independence and our democracy.” The “part of Sweden’s general preparedness for emergencies” is not a small responsibility for Swedish citizens, including detailed and widespread information.