The National Crisis Center (NCCN) launched the Prepared Together campaign on April 21, 2026. The central message: ensure your household can manage independently for a period during an emergency and know where to find reliable information.
A practical emergency kit helps with this. Below you will find the checklist from the existing guide, clearly organized and supplemented with points of attention for both home and evacuation.
In short
- Distinguish between an evacuation bag that you can take with you quickly and an emergency supply at home.
- In addition to food and water, also think about communication, lighting, first aid, medication, and important documents.
- Adapt your kit to children, pets, medical needs, and your living situation.
- Keep everything accessible and check the contents regularly.
Why the Crisis Center recommends an emergency kit
In an emergency, emergency services are not always immediately available everywhere. The better households can manage on their own for the initial period, the more space emergency responders have for those who need immediate support.
Therefore, preparation is not just about equipment. It is also about knowing what to do, how to receive information, and which risks are relevant to your environment.
What is in an emergency kit?
It is useful to organize your preparation into two parts: items you take with you quickly during an evacuation and a supply for when you need to stay at home.
Evacuation bag
- Identification documents: copies of ID cards, insurance, and relevant medical information.
- Cash: for situations where electronic payment is unavailable.
- Basic pharmacy: plasters, bandages, disinfectant, and standard pain relief.
- Necessary medication: tailored to yourself and your family members.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Pen and paper.
- Important phone numbers also on paper.
Emergency supply for home
- Water: sufficient supply for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.
- Non-perishable food: products that require little or no preparation.
- Radio and power bank: to follow information and charge communication devices.
- Flashlight and spare batteries.
- Emergency blanket and warm clothing.
- First aid kit.
- Hygiene items: for example, disinfectant gel, toilet paper, and wet wipes.
Do you have babies, pets, or family members who depend on medication or aids? Add the necessary supplies and items for them separately.
Practical tip: store your emergency kit in a dry place where you can reach it quickly. Do not choose a location that is vulnerable to the risk you are preparing for, such as a flood-prone basement.
Assemble it yourself or buy a ready-made emergency kit?
You probably already have many items at home. Assembling it yourself gives you maximum freedom to tailor the kit to your household. A ready-made kit can save time and provide a useful foundation, but always check for yourself whether it suits your situation.
Would you like to start with a basic kit? View the 72-Hour Basic Emergency Kit or compare all emergency kits.
What else can you do besides your emergency kit?
The Prepared Together campaign also emphasizes information and preparation. Three practical steps from the existing guide are:
- Register for BE-Alert to receive official warnings.
- Follow the channels of your municipality and province for local information.
- View the risks in your region via the Belgian Crisis Center.
Frequently asked questions about emergency kits in Belgium
Is an emergency kit legally required?
No. An emergency kit is not a legal requirement, but preparation is recommended by the National Crisis Center.
How much water should I store?
The required amount depends on your household and what you need the water for. Take into account drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene, and supplement your supply if necessary with a suitable water purification solution.
What is the difference between an emergency kit and a first aid kit?
A first aid kit focuses on first aid. A complete emergency kit also contains, for example, water, food, lighting, communication, and other basic necessities.
Is assembling it yourself better than buying one ready-made?
Not necessarily. Assembling it yourself allows for more customization; a ready-made kit can provide a quick foundation. In both cases, it remains important that you check and personalize the contents.
Start with what your household needs
A good emergency kit does not have to be complicated. Start with the basics, add personal necessities, and ensure everyone at home knows where the items are kept. This makes preparation practical rather than abstract.
