The first three days of a crisis, or 72 hours, are frequently the most difficult because, in severe crises, emergency services and/or civil protection – if a civil protection system exists at all in the country – can be overwhelmed and aid delivery delayed. Individuals must be able to cope independently during the early stages of a crisis. This includes stockpiling food, water, and other necessities, as well as understanding how to respond to various emergency situations.

In times of crisis, access to trustworthy information is critical. The Latvian authorities recommend¹ that people follow official channels such as the websites of the Ministry of Defence and the Latvian Rescue Service (Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests), as well as social media accounts. It is also critical to be aware of and able to detect the spread of misinformation. Always verify the source and credibility of information before sharing it..

What exactly is the Latvian 72 hours all about??

Making a family plan requires individuals to discuss potential crisis situations with their family members and agree on a course of action. This should include identifying meeting places and communication methods in case the traditional channels of communication are no longer functional. Latvians are advised to stock up on food and water for at least three days. Preference should be given to foods with a long shelf life that do not require special storage. At the same time, a minimum water reserve of 2 litres per person per day should be maintained.

When stocking medicines and first aid supplies, the focus is on ensuring that individuals have a sufficient supply of the medications and first aid supplies they require. This recommendation is sound in theory, but it is difficult to implement in practice because prescription medications cannot be stored in large quantities because they require a prescription. In times of crisis, medicine availability is limited, and obtaining prescriptions can be a major challenge. 

One of the most universal recommendations, as in Ukraine, is to prepare a ‘go-bag’, or emergency bag, for evacuation, containing only the most essential items, such as documents and copies, a torch, batteries, cash, clothes, and other necessary accessories. This bag must be readily available in the event that the individual needs to leave home or the danger zone immediately and indefinitely.

Lastly, the Latvian guide emphasises that preparation is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones in unexpected situations. Although the 72-hour guide offers specific advice on how to prepare for crisis situations, Latvia, like Estonia, lacks a civil defence system and supporting infrastructure. As a result, the guide’s recommendations are most applicable in milder crisis scenarios, but not in the event of a military crisis, which is the threat that 72 stundas was designed to address. 

What’s the problem?

Personal preparedness for survival is critical in long-term crisis situations where traditional support services are unavailable and help arrives late. This is especially important for countries like Latvia, where, like Estonia, resilience capacities are low and the system with its supporting tristura is nearly non-existent.

Preparations for an initial crisis typically last 72 hours, but the reality can be harsher: major natural disasters or military conflicts can leave people without help for weeks. In such cases, survival is dependent on individual preparedness, resource utilisation, and practical knowledge.

Stockpiling food and water for a prolonged crisis

A 72-hour food stockpile is only adequate for a short-term crisis; however, for longer-term emergencies where access to a shop may be denied, stocks must last at least one month. Well-preserved dry foods, such as rice, pasta, and beans, have a long shelf life and are ideal for situations when fresh food is unavailable. This assumes your location is secure, so you can use this stock. Instead of heavy canned foods, consider adding nuts and dried fruit to your stockpile, which provide energy and nutrients while also being much easier to transport. It is also critical to stock only foods that are quick and simple to prepare and contain enough calories to meet daily energy requirements.

Water storage and purification facilities are especially critical in the event of a water outage. In the event of a major crisis involving the loss of electricity, the average crisis victim will undoubtedly be exposed. It is therefore critical that individuals have enough water supplies to last for at least 2-4 weeks, but even more important is the ability to purify and filter water. Water purification tablets or portable water filters that eliminate harmful bacteria from the water can be useful. If clean water is not easily accessible, it is critical to understand the natural water sources in your area, such as wells and springs, from which you can draw if necessary.

Medical and first aid equipment

In a crisis, where medical facilities and pharmacies are unavailable, having a stock of self-help and medical supplies is critical. A first aid kit should include a variety of essential medications, antiseptics, and wound dressings to treat minor injuries. It is a good idea to keep enough medicines on hand to last at least a month, as well as essential medicines for daily use. In addition to first aid supplies, learning basic first aid techniques can help you deal with minor injuries and health issues.

Energy supply and heat sources

To avoid hypothermia and other health problems during power outages and colder months, heat and light must be provided in an emergency setting. Instead of batteries, stocks should include a hand-cranked generator capable of charging a variety of USB devices such as radios and mobile phones, as well as matches, candles, and other forms of alternative energy. Small propane gas stoves can also be used as heat sources, providing warmth and heating food as needed. Insulating blankets, warm clothing, and waterproof equipment can all help keep your body temperature stable.

Establishing security and safeguards

In the event of a prolonged crisis, particularly during military conflicts, protecting your home and property is critical. This is, of course, subject to the individual’s ability to stay and the location’s safety. Under normal circumstances, it is prudent to plan where one can seek refuge in the event of a crisis, as well as what items to use to protect personal safety and property. But what do you do in a country where there are no shelters and public shelters rarely provide protection in the event of an attack? Russia’s attack on civilian infrastructure and people in Ukraine highlights the importance of evacuation as well as the criticality of population protection infrastructure. In their absence, the most effective way to mitigate the risks is to leave the danger zone in a timely manner, but this places the individual in a situation where the state’s capacity and willingness to assist the individual is limited and temporary.

As a result, based on the need and possibilities, and taking into account the situation and the crisis environment, one must reorganise one’s home in a way that is less visible to strangers and more difficult to access. Essential supplies and valuable items should be stored in a way that makes them difficult to locate and access. It will be critical to the individual’s well-being and ability to help themselves.

Psychological resilience and community support

Surviving a crisis requires not only physical resources, but also psychological resilience and mental strength. When things are difficult and the future is uncertain, people who maintain a positive attitude and build a strong social network do better. When a crisis lasts longer than expected, neighbours and community members must come together to help. Creating a common support network facilitates resource sharing and fosters a greater sense of security. At the same time, it depends on other people’s willingness to collaborate.

Long-term individual preparedness as a form of prevention

Preparing for crises can help to avoid many unexpected events and risks. Individual preparedness is more effective when you have the necessary resources and knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones. Food, medicine, heat sources, and mental preparedness are all important factors in ensuring a stable support system, even in the most difficult circumstances.

While a prolonged crisis scenario may appear frightening at first, individual planning provides confidence and action that aids in the maintenance of calm, security, and optimism. In a crisis situation, where public services and rescue support systems occasionally fail, taking on personal responsibility and increasing readiness are essential approaches to limit risks in the midst of potential risks and go on with life.

Photo: evacuated individual in the metro, Ukraine (David Peinado/Pexels, 2022).

Allikad