Emergency Preparedness Initiative in the Czech Republic Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction of Printed Emergency Preparedness Manual

The Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic has announced that all households will receive a printed emergency preparedness manual this fall. Developed in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Service, this handbook aims to equip residents with practical guidance to manage potential disasters such as floods, war, or chemical accidents. The manual focuses on survival strategies for the critical first 72 hours of a crisis, supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by enhancing community resilience and safety.

Modeling After Nordic Systems and Emphasizing 72-Hour Survival

The handbook is based on the “72-hour rule,” a civil defense principle that encourages individuals to be self-reliant for up to three days during emergencies when external help may be delayed. This initiative supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by promoting basic first aid knowledge and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through community defense preparedness.

• Created entirely in-house by the Ministry of the Interior and Fire and Rescue Service
• Includes instructions on self-protection, first aid, and community support
• Incorporates expert, NGO, and state institution feedback to ensure relevance and effectiveness

Inspiration from International Best Practices

The Czech initiative draws from established models in Sweden, Finland, and France, where similar manuals have long been standard. These countries emphasize preparedness for various emergencies, including nuclear attacks and wartime disruptions, aligning with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by leveraging international knowledge sharing.

1. Sweden’s If Crisis or War Comes brochure offers comprehensive survival tips
2. France’s civil survival manual advises on essential household stockpiling

Czech authorities recommend preparing a “go bag” containing:

• Food and drinking water
• Personal documents
• Hygiene items
• Warm clothing
• Flashlights and medications

This preparation enhances individual and community resilience, contributing to SDG 1: No Poverty by reducing vulnerability during crises.

Nationwide Campaign to Promote Shared Security

Prior to the manual’s distribution, a public awareness campaign will launch in late summer to introduce the guide and emphasize its importance. This campaign will be coordinated by a media agency with logistical support from Czech Post, ensuring broad accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those without internet access. This effort supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

• An infoline operated by firefighters will provide public assistance and answer questions
• The manual will be available in both printed and digital formats to maximize reach

Integration with Broader Government and EU Strategies

The handbook rollout is part of a comprehensive government strategy to strengthen national resilience amid global instability. This includes the deployment of a new early warning system and enhanced civil-military coordination under the European Union’s Preparedness Union Strategy, aligning with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• The EU encourages member states to ensure citizens can sustain themselves independently for at least 72 hours during emergencies
• National focus on defense and emergency readiness is linked to support for Ukraine and European security

Conclusion

The Czech Republic’s emergency preparedness manual and associated campaign represent a significant step toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by fostering resilient communities, promoting health and safety, reducing inequalities, and enhancing institutional capacity. This initiative exemplifies proactive governance and international cooperation in building sustainable and secure societies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Focus on first aid and health preparedness during emergencies.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Enhancing resilience and preparedness of communities to disasters.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Strengthening civil defense, security, and public institutions’ capacity to manage crises.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between government, NGOs, experts, and international inspiration from Nordic countries and EU strategies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters.
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and resilience to disasters.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.d
   • Proportion of population covered by a public health emergency preparedness manual and awareness campaigns.
   • Availability and accessibility of first aid and emergency preparedness information to all households.
2. Indicators for SDG 11.5 and 11.b
   • Number of households equipped with emergency preparedness materials (e.g., printed manuals, “go bags”).
   • Extent of public awareness campaigns and reach among vulnerable populations (elderly, people without internet access).
   • Implementation of early warning systems and civil-military coordination mechanisms.
3. Indicators for SDG 16.6 and 16.7
   • Level of collaboration and feedback integration from experts, NGOs, and state institutions in the development of emergency preparedness materials.
   • Operation of public infoline services by firefighters for emergency preparedness support.
4. Indicators for SDG 17.17
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, media agencies, and international bodies (e.g., EU Preparedness Union Strategy).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: news.expats.cz