When preparing for crisis situations, you need to think about five areas in particular. They are food, water, heat, medicine and communication. Needs will vary depending on the specific type of emergency. This follows from the information published by the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic in the brochure What to do in the event of a crisis or armed conflict.
- The Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic has published a manual for managing crisis situations.
- He recommends preparing supplies of water, food and alternative sources of heat.
- It is important to have a first aid kit with the necessary medicines and medical supplies.
- Citizens should follow official sources of information during crises.
- The manual is available on the web, it refers to the experience of other countries.
“You, as a private person, also have a responsibility, and with your preparedness you can contribute to a more efficient handling of crises. Proper preparation will allow you to cope with a crisis situation, regardless of what caused it. In the event of a crisis situation, aid will be provided first of all to those who absolutely need it, and therefore a part of the population must also be prepared to cope with the crisis situation on their own for some time,” the ministry wrote.
The Ministry recommends having three to five liters of clean drinking water per person per day at home. By freezing water, it is possible to create cooling compresses and have additional water in stock. In case of uncertainty about the quality of the water, it is possible to boil it. It is also a good idea to have a plan to deal with visits to the toilet and hygiene in the event of a water or electricity failure.
According to the manual, households should have a stock of non-perishable food in case of an emergency. “Choose meals that can be prepared quickly and can be stored at room temperature. With a camping stove, grill, fuel and matches, you can simplify cooking during a power outage.” advises the Department of the Interior. According to him, you should especially think about the fact that, first of all, you need to consume food from the refrigerator. There is no need to open the freezer unnecessarily. Some foods can be stored outside in the winterbut watch out for birds and other animals. When preparing water and food supplies, do not forget pets.
In the event of a crisis, the guide advises to obtain an alternative source of heat. It can be, for example, a fireplace, a stove, but also candles. However, it is necessary to think about the risk of fire. Ideally, gather in one room, seal windows and doors, and dress in layers.
In case of emergency, it is advisable to have a small first-aid kit with the necessary equipment at home. “Have a stock of medicines that you take regularly and basic medicines for common ailments (temperature reduction, pain…). Do not stock up on large amounts of medicine unnecessarily and keep an eye on the expiration date,” the Ministry of the Interior said. Equipment for treating injuries should also be prepared.
In crisis situations, according to the brochure, it is necessary to follow official sources of information on television, radio or local radio. It is generally recommended to have a flashlight radio and plenty of spare batteries at home. It is necessary to stay in touch with loved ones and surroundings. You need to communicate with children calmly and simply. They should be encouraged to express their feelings and questions. They should know that they are not alone in their situation.
The Ministry of the Interior presented the brochure What to do in the event of a crisis or armed conflict. During its creation, it was based on experience from the Czech Republic and the Nordic countries. The manual is also available on the resort’s website. According to him, this is material that is the first step towards general public information and a standard in terms of crisis communication.
