Preparedness in Times of Crisis: A Practical Guide for 2025

By Alexandre Martins

Since 2020, several European governments, especially within the European Union, have begun encouraging their citizens to maintain household supplies and contingency plans. The escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and intensified on February 24, 2022, has reinforced the perception of vulnerability. In recent months, countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, France, and Belgium have issued official guidelines urging families to be prepared for at least 72 hours of self-isolation, even recommending the assembly of “Bug-Out Bags.”

This new tone from governments has sparked a boom in civilian preparedness (prepping) across Europe, something previously regarded with skepticism or associated with old wartime memories. While there are clear geopolitical and economic interests behind the rise in defense investments, the message is simple: everyone needs a plan for adverse events. Brazil is no different; although we have little prepper culture, individual responsibility for one’s safety and well-being has never been more relevant.

How to Proceed: A Summary to Start Your Preparations

Step 01 – Assess the Threats

• Identify likely risks in your region for the coming decade.
• Understand the global geopolitical landscape and its potential local impacts.
• Maintain a realistic view: neither alarmist nor naive.

Step 02 – Define (and Reinforce) Your Bug-Out Location (B.O.L.)

• Evaluate whether your current residence is suitable to face the identified threats.
• Adapt it or choose another retreat; have redundant options.
• Install alternative sources of power, water, and communication—discreetly.

Step 03 – Evacuation Plans and Support Vehicles

• Design viable evacuation routes and test them.
• Keep vehicles serviced and ready; learn to operate different types of transport.

Step 04 – Supply Stockpiles

• Prioritize non-perishable food and water for at least 90 days.
• Organize items by expiration date; protect them from heat, humidity, and prying eyes.
• Include special needs (children, elderly, pets, medication).

Step 05 – Essential Personal Equipment

• Assemble your Bug-Out Bag (72-hour self-sufficiency) and an E.D.C. (Every-Day Carry) kit.
• Prepare a Bug-Out Vehicle kit with basic maintenance tools.
  

Step 06 – Security

• Train in discreet behavior (Gray Man) and OPSEC protocols.
  Train yourself (and your group) in the responsible use of self-defense tools per local laws.

Step 07 – Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency

• Set up solutions for power generation, lighting, communication, and food production.
• Learn hunting, fishing, farming, and food preservation techniques.

Step 08 – Skills & Mindset

• Acknowledge your limitations, develop practical skills, and strengthen emotional control.
• Train regularly, review your plans, and hold onto the hope that they may never be needed.

Wishing safety and well-being to all.

Alexandre Martins is a Private Security Manager, Registered with the Federal Police as an Instructor for the Training of Private Security Agents, an Instructor for Survival in Hostile Environments, Registered with ANAC as an Instructor for Flight Attendant Training – Survival, Emergency, and Firefighting. Content Producer for the Preparador Anônimo Channel on YouTube, Writer of three books related to the themes of survival, survivalism, and security, Columnist for the Defesa TV website – Defense and Private Security. Technical training in Agriculture and Civil Construction – Building Construction.

Get to know more about him on his Youtube Channel.