Since the Luxembourg government published its new crisis preparedness guide on 9 October, retailers across the country have reported a surge in sales of emergency supplies.
Supermarkets have seen increased demand for bottled water, pasta, rice, and flour in the days following the guide’s release, according to Michael Vanden Herrewegen, manager of Delhaize in Walferdange.
Outdoor and camping shops have also felt the impact. Items such as small gas cookers and hand-crank emergency radios have become particularly popular, says Diane Nicolas of A.S. Adventure.
Radios, in particular, have been in such high demand that new deliveries often sell out within days. Sleeping bags are also selling more frequently than before.
The government’s 72-hour guide, distributed to all households after its launch, recommends that everyone stock enough provisions and equipment to be self-sufficient for at least three days in case of a crisis.
The guide includes a checklist of essential items to keep at home, such as food, water, and other necessities.
In addition to stockpiling supplies, residents should also be ready to evacuate if necessary, advises security expert Stéphane Kowalik of SK Consult.
He recommends preparing a so-called "grab bag", which is a backpack containing the most important items that can be taken quickly in an emergency.
Ideally, this bag should have a capacity of 30 to 40 litres to make it comfortable to carry. Essential contents include a stainless steel water bottle, first aid kit, batteries, vital medication, and water purification supplies. Additional items can be tailored to personal needs.
Kowalik points out that simply acquiring emergency equipment is not enough. People must also know how to use it.
It is advisable to practise with items like camping stoves or other gear before an emergency arises, as trying to figure out how equipment works during a stressful situation can be much more difficult.
