What should go into an emergency kit?

The day of the general blackout, 28 April 2025, revealed two essential truths about Catalan civil society. First, that there is nothing quite like being forced to drink up the bar's beer supply, pay in cash, and play football during working hours; second, that nobody is prepared for a catastrophe of that magnitude. Everyone likes to think they would survive an apocalypse straight out of a television series or film, yet the reality is that our reliance on electronics runs so deep that few think to keep a backpack stocked with tinned food, pouches of water, or even a battery-powered radio. The blackout acted as the catalyst for a wake-up call on the part of the public administration, and while nobody is demanding an underground bunker in the garage, the Department of the Interior and Public Security has made a list of essentials available to everyone – so that if we are ever invaded by zombies, the Russians, or robots, everyone will be ready.

“In an emergency, whether you have to spend several days without electricity, water, or gas, or if an evacuation is required, having an emergency kit prepared can help you act swiftly and calmly,” states the public administration's website. On this portal, visitors will find an explanatory video and not just one, but three types of emergency kit depending on your needs at the moment of departure – whether by car, on your own, or with pets. The same page urges citizens to keep the kit ready in an accessible place that is easy to grab in an emergency.

Basic emergency kit

• Drinking water (at least 1.5 litres per person per day)
• First-aid kit and chronic medication
• Torch with spare batteries or head torch
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio
• Personal identification and documents (national ID card, health card, insurance policies, and so on), preferably inside a waterproof pouch
• Cash and a bank card
• Mobile phone with charger and, if possible, a power bank
• Assistive items, such as glasses, crutches, a walking stick, a walking frame, a hearing aid and batteries, a breathing device, etc.

However, if the plan is to remain indoors, you should also include:

• Long-life food that does not require cooking

On the other hand, if the relevant authorities order an immediate evacuation, the basic kit changes slightly:

• Spare clothes and shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Personal hygiene products
• House and car keys

Furthermore, citizens are advised to take into account the specific needs of every member of the household, particularly children. In this case, you should pack nappies, baby food, and an identification wristband in case young ones get lost or disoriented.

Kit if you have to take the car

Not all emergencies are alike, and there may be times when you have to leave home using the family vehicle. The Generalitat confirms that such scenarios can arise during severe weather emergencies or other disasters requiring you to travel far from home under your own steam. For that reason, there is also a dedicated kit to keep in the car boot. Beyond drinking water and non-perishable, high-energy foods – including unsalted nuts, dried fruit, and boiled sweets – these are the extras you should carry in the car:

• Blanket or warm clothing
• Snow chains for the tyres
• Multi-purpose toolbox
• Torch with spare batteries
• V16 emergency beacon and brightly coloured clothing to make your vehicle more visible
• First-aid kit containing gauze, adhesive tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, painkillers, latex-free gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, a thermometer, tweezers, and an instant cold pack
• Snow shovel or brush

Emergency kit for pets

Since December 2021, pets have ceased to be regarded as objects in the eyes of the law and have become full-fledged members of the family. It follows, then, that in an emergency, your pet must be factored into your plan before, during, and afterwards to minimise the impact of high-risk situations, as animals can get injured, become lost, or bolt. Accordingly, the kit includes the essential items required to ensure the animal's wellbeing:

• Proof of identification or ownership and a photograph of you with your pet
• Food, water, and bowls for several days
• Medical records, an up-to-date veterinary passport, and any medication they may be taking
• Carrier or crate
• Lead and muzzle
• Blanket, sheet, or toys to help keep them calm
• Hygiene supplies for picking up waste and cleaning them if necessary, such as wet wipes

Alongside this, the administration also offers several tips and recommendations, such as ensuring your pet is properly microchipped and that contact details are up to date; designating a trusted contact, such as a neighbour or relative, who can handle their evacuation if you are not at home; drawing up a list of places like hotels or shelters that accept pets should you need to spend a night away and no one else can look after them; practising moving them in their carrier or crate from time to time so they are accustomed to it if needed; and locating local vets as well as keeping their regular vet's phone number to hand.

Ultimately, a great deal was learned from the general blackout, and even if there is no imminent danger, the public administration recommends staying prepared. Basics like water, tinned food, or a battery-powered radio can prove vital in the middle of a disaster. At the same time, authorities also advise keeping calm, following official instructions, and not losing your head. We are neither under threat nor living through the first season of The Walking Dead in real time, yet there is no harm in keeping a packed backpack under the bed just in case.