Brussels wants every household ready for 72 hours on its own, and wants it taught in primary school

EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib presented four non-binding guidelines on Tuesday at the European Civil Protection Forum. The first tells households to be able to get by for 72 hours on their own, with a grab bag, water, food and medicine. The second puts preparedness into early-childhood and primary school lessons, "without creating fear or anxiety." The other two deal with preparedness for people with disabilities and with how governments warn the public about risks.

Lahbib also proposed an annual EU Preparedness Day on Oct. 23, starting in 2027. "Learning what to do when the siren sounds should be as natural as learning to swim," she said.

Education and civil protection are national matters under the EU treaties, so member states can take or leave the guidelines.