You don't
have to be a "prepper," but contributing to your preparedness for
emergencies should be a matter of course. Not only is it enshrined in our legal
system, but it's simply logical.
When a problem occurs in a large area, rescuers simply cannot be everywhere and provide for the needs of everyone who needs something. They will address priorities, and the highest priority will be saving lives. So if you have a less serious problem, you may have to wait a long time for help, or you may not get it at all. It is therefore essential that you are able to take care of yourself for a period of time.
In some countries, the law requires citizens to be prepared for 72 hours without energy, water, food, or medicine. This is not the case in the Czech Republic, but it is a recommendation that has a realistic basis.
Of course, each of us has different options. It makes a difference whether you live in an apartment or a house, whether you live alone or with a large family. In any case, it is neither complicated nor expensive. It is also not necessary for everyone to have all the items. Of course, it is possible to share and borrow some things with your neighbors.
Keep in mind that in a crisis situation, stores may be closed or goods may be sold out. Similarly, ATMs may not work, and shopping options will be significantly limited.
Food
It is ideal to always have some extra non-perishable food at home, which you can use for cooking and replenish regularly. The best foods are those that provide enough calories and do not spoil. It is also advisable to consider the speed of preparation and its energy consumption or water consumption. You can use camping stoves to heat food, if you have them. Recommended foods are:
Fluids
Allow at least three liters per adult per day (especially for drinking and cooking). If you are unsure about the quality of the water, you need to be able to boil it. Mineral water or fruit juices are also options, but these can be stored at room temperature. For storing unpackaged water, you can use canisters, ideally with a tap, and store them in a cool, dark place, if possible. Find out what to do in the event of a water outage here.
Heat
Everyone probably has warm clothes and blankets at home. However, additional heating may be more difficult to come by. There are a number of different portable heaters available, but make sure they are designed for use in enclosed spaces. Find out what to do in the event of a heat supply failure here.
Hygiene
If there is no running water, flushing the toilet can be one of the biggest problems. If you have a water source within reach (a pond, river, or fire reservoir), you can carry water in cleaning buckets. If this is not possible, you can use plastic garbage bags and place them in the toilet bowl. After use, tie the bag, place it in another bag, tie it again, and dispose of it in the mixed waste. Bathing and showering will probably have to be skipped, but keep in mind the basic hygiene rules for maintaining your health. You can use wet wipes or hand sanitizers. Also consider other hygiene items such as diapers and sanitary pads, etc. Find out what to do in the event of a water outage here.
Communication
In the event of a serious emergency, you need to be able to obtain important information from the authorities, primarily on radio stations Czech Radio and Czech Television CT24. If you have an internet connection, you can also visit verified websites, such as Security Portal of the City of Prague. Of course, you also need to be able to stay in touch with relatives and friends and call the emergency services in case of an emergency. Be prepared for the possibility that you will not be able to charge your cell phone, and even if the connection is working, your battery may run out. Find out what to do in the event of a power outage here.
Other recommended equipment:
And a few things that are not related to power outages, but should not be missing: