“Prudent is always insured” — officials stress preparation, not panic.

In light of growing global uncertainties and an increase in public discourse around potential threats, including armed conflicts, the Government Centre for Security (RCB) is urging all citizens to prepare for crisis situations by assembling an evacuation backpack.

While the government emphasizes that this is not a cause for panic, officials maintain that preparation is a critical step toward ensuring personal safety. The initiative is part of the broader “Be Ready” campaign, which provides guidance on how to act in emergencies such as power outages, floods, fires, and in the worst-case scenario, war.

“An evacuation backpack is not a sign of panic — it’s a form of protection,” the RCB explains in its new guide. “Early preparation increases your chances of survival and minimizes material losses.”

What to Do Before a Crisis Hits

The RCB recommends several essential steps:

• Talk to family members about possible risks and establish plans for different scenarios.
• Designate safe zones in your home, such as basements or interior rooms without windows.
• Agree on a meeting point in case of separation, ideally a location accessible to all members.
• Prepare a backpack with enough supplies to survive without electricity, food, or water for seven days.
• Avoid misinformation, especially on social media. Always rely on verified sources like the RCB website (www.gov.pl/rcb) and official alerts.

In the event of an emergency, RCB will issue warnings via multiple channels — including sirens, radio, megaphones, and even church bells. Citizens are advised to act immediately upon hearing these signals.

How to Recognize an Emergency Alarm

According to the RCB guide:

• Sirens will emit a modulated tone for three minutes.
• Radio stations will issue a triple announcement: “Attention! Remark! I am announcing the alarm…”
• Visual signals such as a yellow triangle may also be used.

During such alerts, individuals should stop work, turn off electricity and gas, and follow instructions from official government channels.

Pack Wisely — It Could Save Your Life

The evacuation backpack should be packed thoughtfully, not hastily. In a crisis, there’s no time to consider what to bring — preparation must happen in advance.

Essential items include:

• Drinking water and non-perishable food
• First-aid supplies
• Flashlight and batteries
• Important documents (preferably scanned and stored digitally)
• Basic tools and hygiene products
• Extra fuel and car emergency gear (like a spare tire)

Label your backpack with your name and address to assist emergency responders, and consider keeping additional kits at work or in your vehicle.

A Call for Community and Compassion

Officials stress that during a crisis, mutual support becomes vital. Help elderly neighbors or those living alone to prepare their backpacks. If necessary, offer shelter or assistance. As the RCB puts it, “In a crisis, we cannot rely solely on the system — we must rely on each other.”

The guide also includes information on responding to extreme scenarios, such as active combat or the presence of foreign troops, as well as first aid procedures.

While no one wants to imagine the worst, being prepared is a simple, responsible way to protect ourselves and our communities.

For the complete evacuation checklist and more emergency preparedness advice, visit www.gov.pl/rcb.