How much emergency supplies does Belgium recommend?

Short answer. Belgium's National Crisis Centre (NCCN) asks every household to keep an emergency kit that keeps it self-sufficient for at least 72 hours ¹. The kit has two parts: a grab-and-go backpack and a home stock for sheltering without power, water, phone or internet ¹². Plan 3 to 10 litres of water per person per day; an adult drinks 1.5 to 2 litres of it ¹².

How long should a Belgian household be self-sufficient?

At least 72 hours. The NCCN puts it this way: "72 heures : dans toute l'Union européenne, il est recommandé de disposer à domicile d'un kit d'urgence permettant d'être autonome pendant au moins 3 jours (72 heures)" (72 hours: across the European Union, it is recommended to keep at home an emergency kit that lets you be self-sufficient for at least 3 days) ¹.

The home stock is meant for sheltering without power, water, phone or internet ¹².

How much water does Belgium recommend?

Our calculation, not an NCCN figure: for a household of four over 72 hours, the range works out at 36 to 120 litres (4 people × 3 days × 3 to 10 L). Bottled drinking water goes in the home stock; one or two bottles (1 litre per person) go in the backpack ¹.

For the general reasoning on water quantities, see How much water to store per person per day?.

What food should be in the home stock?

Long-life food that needs no water, gas or electricity to prepare, enough for at least 72 hours: canned meat, fish, vegetables or pulses, nuts, dried fruit, crackers and energy bars ¹². Add a can opener or pocket knife ¹². Plan baby food and nappies if you have young children ¹², and food and water for pets for 3 days ¹.

In the backpack, the NCCN advises biscuits, nuts or energy bars rather than cans, to keep the bag light ¹².

What else goes in the home stock?

The official list also includes a first-aid kit, hygiene items, a torch (preferably wind-up), a radio (preferably DAB+ and FM), spare batteries, a lighter or matches, candles, blankets and warm clothing, and a box of iodine tablets, to be taken only on the authorities' instruction ¹²³. The full list, line by line, is on Belgium's emergency kit checklist.

Where and how should supplies be stored?

• Keep the kit in a fixed, accessible place that everyone in the household knows ¹.
• Rotate food and water before they expire ¹.
• Be careful with cellars and garages: they are more exposed to flooding ¹.
• A small kit in the car or at work is also advised: a water bottle, a warm jumper and a blanket ¹.

For rotation, see How long does emergency food last?.

Frequently asked questions

Does Belgium recommend 72 hours or more?

At least 72 hours (3 days), in line with the recommendation across the European Union ¹.

How much water for a family of four in Belgium?

The NCCN gives 3 to 10 litres per person per day ¹²; over 72 hours that makes 36 to 120 litres in total (our calculation).

Should I keep large amounts of cash at home?

No. The NCCN advises some cash for about 72 hours of basic needs in the backpack, and no large sums at home ¹.

Is the cellar a good place for the kit?

The NCCN warns that cellars and garages are more exposed to flooding; choose a fixed, accessible place ¹.

Sources

1. Centre de crise National (NCCN), SPF Intérieur — Un kit d'urgence à la maison — https://centredecrise.be/fr/que-pouvez-vous-faire/preparez-un-kit-durgence/un-kit-durgence-la-maison (accessed 2026-10-20)
2. Nationaal Crisiscentrum, FOD Binnenlandse Zaken — Samen voorbereid. Praktische gids. Bereid jezelf en je omgeving voor op noodsituaties — https://crisiscentrum.be/sites/default/files/documents/files/WEB-Brochure%20Samen%20voorbereid-NL.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
3. Centre de crise National (risquenucleaire.be) — Aller chercher des comprimés d'iode chez le pharmacien — https://risquenucleaire.be/fr/comprimes-diode/aller-chercher-des-comprimes-diode-chez-le-pharmacien (accessed 2026-10-20)