France Is Sending Every Household a SURVIVAL Manual — What Do They Know That We Don’t?
The French government plans to distribute a 20-page survival manual to all households during the summer of 2025.
Inspired by similar guides in Norway and Sweden, this booklet aims to prepare citizens for various crisis scenarios, including armed conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies.
The manual contains three main sections. The first, “Protecting yourself,” focuses on building community solidarity and details essential survival supplies. Your home emergency kit should include at least six liters of bottled water, ten canned food items, batteries, and a flashlight for power outages.
The second section, “What to do in the event of an alert,” provides practical guidance for imminent threats. It includes emergency contact numbers, radio frequencies to monitor, and specific instructions, such as closing doors during a nuclear incident.
The final section, “Get involved,” explains how Parisians and other French citizens can join military or community reserve forces to help during crises.
Government officials have yet to finalize the booklet’s title, though “French Resilience” and “All Resilient” are the leading contenders. Distribution methods also remain considered as the document awaits the Prime Minister’s approval.
This initiative has sparked mixed reactions across France. Some critics view it as fear-mongering or a waste of resources compared to Cold War-era pamphlets. Others question the timing, after President Macron’s March 5th speech warning about potential armed conflict with Russia.
However, according to the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security, this manual is part of a national resilience strategy developed after the COVID-19 pandemic. The planning predates Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though recent geopolitical tensions have indeed made such preparations feel more urgent.
Some Parisians have responded with characteristic humor, noting the absence of zombie apocalypse protocols and questioning whether simply closing doors would truly help during a nuclear event.
The manual reflects a broader European trend toward civilian preparedness. In 2018, Sweden distributed its crisis handbook “Om krisen eller kriget kommer” to households, providing a template for France’s current effort.
While the government describes the booklet as a tool to “ensure the resilience of populations in the face of all types of crises,” its reception will likely depend on its tone and practical value. Effective emergency guidance must balance honest risk assessment with actionable advice that doesn’t overwhelm citizens.
As tensions in Europe persist, this manual represents France’s attempt to strengthen civilian readiness without creating unnecessary panic. The challenge lies in providing helpful information that empowers rather than frightens the public.
For residents of Paris and beyond, this summer’s mail delivery will include more than the usual bills and advertisements—it will carry instructions that hopefully none of us will need to use.
