The Polish government has released the Safety Guide – a document that, in the coming months, will be delivered to every household across the country. Prepared jointly by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Government Centre for Security, the extensive publication offers practical advice on how to act in emergencies ranging from natural disasters and infrastructure failures to the threat of war.
During the guide’s presentation, Minister of the Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński stressed:
“Never before has such a comprehensive document been created to guarantee and support public safety. Never before have all essential instructions on how to respond to crises—from natural disasters to the most extreme situations, such as war—been brought together in one place. This guide is designed to make us safer.”
The handbook spans more than 50 pages and is divided into three main sections: preparation, planning, and response. It includes, among other things, checklists of items recommended for households in case of emergency—from water and food supplies to hygiene products, first aid kits, and alternative sources of light and communication. It also provides guidance on developing family contingency plans, preparing so-called “go bags,” and responding to warning signals.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the shared responsibility of citizens and the state: “The defense of our homeland is a task for all of us. Preparing for emergencies is the duty of the state—to raise awareness, educate, and prepare citizens.”
The Safety Guide is available in print, online in digital form, and in Braille for visually impaired readers.
The document can be downloaded from: https://www.gov.pl/web/poradnikbezpieczenstwa.
In drafting the publication, the government drew on the experience of other countries, including Sweden, where a similar guide has been in place for several years. The Polish edition, however, is more extensive and tailored to local conditions. According to its authors, the guide is intended above all to help citizens make quick and well-informed decisions in times of crisis. The government has assured that the brochure will reach every household in Poland by the end of this year.
Photo: Krzysztof Gumul / WCEO / Ministry of National Defence via Flickr
This article was prepared as part of the public task commissioned under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organizations 2018–2030: “Safe Poland of Tomorrow – strengthening the mission-driven activities of the Alioth Foundation.”
