72 Hours: How to Prepare for Crisis Situations and Overcome Them Together
How to handle 72 hours without essential services? When electricity, water or shops temporarily stop working, it is an unpleasant experience. But with this guide, you will be prepared. It contains practical tips and checklists of useful items. Preparing takes just a few hours but it can save you a lot of trouble.
The Czech Republic has already experienced many emergencies and crisis situations, such as floods, tornadoes, or fires. The most challenging are usually the first three days — that is, 72 hours. During this period, we may encounter interruptions in water, heating, electricity, or internet services. Without these essential services, everyday life becomes much more difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared and to have emergency supplies at home that will help us and our family get through this period.
The 72-hour rule applies to events occurring during crisis situations — for example, when there is a power outage or water supply interruption. If we prepare in advance, we can handle these situations successfully on our own. By doing so, we also help others. Rescue services can then focus on assisting people who are in immediate danger.
Important: The 72-hour rule only applies to situations where we are not in immediate danger. When our life is at risk – such as in an accident, injury or acute health problem – help will arrive quickly.
Thorough preparedness saves lives
When we are prepared, we can handle crisis situations better, with less stress, fewer health risks, and less property damage. We will feel calmer and more confident. We will know what to do, and we will also be able to help our loved ones and neighbours.
This guide explains how we can prepare for three days without essential services. It is based on experience from Czechia and abroad. It contains exactly the information and procedures that have proven most useful in practice. More information is available at www.72h.gov.cz.
We can handle it together
In difficult times, we are able to help each other. When things are at their worst, we stand together. We are adaptable and resourceful.
The information in this guide strengthens what we already know. When we are prepared, we can protect not only ourselves but also our loved ones.
Recommendation: Read the guide, prepare the items listed, and keep it in an accessible place in case of a crisis situation.