Extreme weather events are becoming less and less rare, but the French are generally poorly prepared for the risks! Here are the contents of the emergency bag that should always be in your home. And you, would you be ready to react in the event of a disaster?
Life often throws the unexpected, but it’s better to plan ahead! Extreme weather events are unfortunately not rare and most French people are not prepared to react accordingly. Around 41% think they will be affected by heatwaves, but less than a quarter believe they will be affected by floods, storms and cyclones according to figures released by the Red Cross in 2023. So to remedy this, the association humanitarian aid has established an emergency bag called the “Catakit” in order to be able to react in the event of a problem…
Last October, bad weather shook the South of France and caused floods, mudslides and the emergency evacuation of many people. And the French are not immune to other extreme weather events hitting them. It is therefore better, as the Red Cross advises, to have a “Catakit”, a bag allowing you to “hydrate, feed, care for, protect and report” in case of emergency, according to the association’s recommendations.
To meet these needs, it is essential to prepare in this bag – which contains 12 products – medications or possible treatments that you are used to taking, as well as a first aid kit with dressings, compresses, a thermometer, scissors, etc. It is also advisable to put a radio with batteries in the bag in order to know any safety instructions from the authorities, a flashlight with spare batteries, matches, a lighter, as well as basic tools like knives multifunction table, cutlery and non-perishable food (cans and baby food), and plenty of drinking water.
The Red Cross also recommends bringing a hygiene kit including shower gel, periodic protection and toothbrushes. You must also prepare warm clothing and a survival blanket in case of extreme cold, for example, tools to signal your presence, such as a whistle.
Finally, it is wise to keep a waterproof pouch to store your identity papers, keys or even cash, as well as a notepad with pens. It is recommended to keep this bag in an easily accessible place and to check its contents every year, for example to check the expiration date of medications. Finally, don’t forget to restock this bag if you end up using it!
