The French will receive survival manuals, Macron: I want us to be ready

The French government is reportedly planning to send a "survival manual" to every family with instructions on how to prepare for an "imminent threat" including armed conflict, a health crisis or a natural disaster.

If approved by François Bayrou, the prime minister, the 20-page brochure will be sent to families before the summer, French media report, the Telegraph reports.

It will be divided into three parts with advice on how to protect “yourself and those around you”, what to do if a threat is imminent – ​​with a list of emergency numbers, radio channels and a reminder to lock doors and windows if the threat is nuclear – and details on how to get involved in protecting your community, including signing up for reserve units or firefighting groups.

According to Europe 1 radio, which reported the story, it will also suggest putting together a "survival kit" consisting of at least six liters of water, dozens of cans of food, batteries and a torch, as well as basic medical supplies, including paracetamol and compresses.

He quoted a spokesperson from the prime minister's office as saying: "The aim of this document is to ensure the resilience of the population in the face of all types of crises, be they natural, technological, cyber or security-related."

The report comes after Emmanuel Macron said France would accelerate and increase orders for Rafale fighter jets, boosting the country's air force "to prepare if we want to avoid war."

Earlier this month, Macron urged France and Europe to prepare to confront the "Russian threat" and the possibility of America's disengagement from the continent.

"I want to believe that the US will stand by us, but we must be ready if they don't," he said in a national address, adding, "Russia has become, at this moment and for years to come, a threat to France and Europe."

Visiting a military base in eastern France on Tuesday, Macron said the decision on additional investment in military equipment to respond to the "acceleration of events" would be announced in the coming weeks.

"Our country and continent must continue to defend, equip and prepare if we want to avoid war. No one can say what will happen in the coming months or years. What I want is for us to be ready. What I want is for us to be protected," he added. /Telegraph/