Experts urge households to prepare for 72 hours without help

Latvian emergency services and other experts have urged residents to prepare to cope on their own for the first 72 hours of a crisis. They shared advice during a discussion on Latvian Television on Wednesday, LSM reported.

Recommendations included getting to know neighbours so people can help one another, discussing emergency plans with family members and practising a day without phones or electricity. Experts also suggested setting aside a little cash for an emergency bag each month, learning how to use the 112 app and giving emergency-kit items as Christmas presents.

A 72-hour bag should contain enough resources to manage for three days without assistance, experts said. During that time, state services may have more urgent issues to address, with all rescue services involved.

Emergency Medical Service director Liene Cipule said households should keep basic medicines for fever and pain, first-aid supplies, gauze, burn foam and antihistamines. People who rely on prescription medicines should also keep a reserve in case pharmacies are temporarily inaccessible.

Cipule advised residents to check expiry dates and regularly replenish supplies of water, food and medicines, including first-aid items.