Short answer. Bulgaria's official emergency kit is the "disaster backpack" (раница за бедствия) from the fire and civil protection service, GDPBZN: a one-page checklist published in January 2025 1. It asks for bottled water and long-life food for the whole family for 72 hours, medicines, cash, documents, a torch, a battery radio, a first-aid kit, masks and a family disaster plan 1.
What is on the official checklist?
Every line of the GDPBZN checklist 1:
| # | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bottled drinking water | Enough for the whole family for three days (no litre figure given) |
| 2 | Tinned and dry long-life food | For the whole family for 72 hours |
| 3 | Your own medicines and those of family members with chronic conditions | Not specified |
| 4 | Cash | Not specified |
| 5 | Pocket knife, can opener or other multi-tool | Not specified |
| 6 | Personal and family documents, valuables | Not specified |
| 7 | Battery torch | Not specified |
| 8 | Whistle, candles, matches, lighter | Not specified |
| 9 | Battery radio with spare batteries for it and for the torch | Not specified |
| 10 | First-aid kit | Not specified |
| 11 | Map of the area | Not specified |
| 12 | Compact blanket or rescue foil, clothes for the season | Not specified |
| 13 | Sanitary and dust masks for the whole family, antibacterial wipes or disinfectant | For the whole family |
| 14 | Family disaster plan with contact details, evacuation meeting point and key rules for each type of disaster | Not specified |
What is optional?
The checklist also lists optional items 1:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Essentials for your child | At least 72 hours |
| Essentials for your pet | Not specified |
| Books, paper and pens; compact puzzles or board games | Not specified |
| Disposable cups, plates and cutlery | For the whole family |
| Mobile phone and charger or power bank | Not specified |
| Toilet paper, sanitary pads, cling film, plastic bags, tape; toiletries | Not specified |
Is the list different for a nuclear evacuation?
Slightly. For evacuation in a nuclear emergency, GDPBZN asks people to take food for 2-3 days, documents, money, medicines, seasonal clothing, hygiene items, baby items and a portable radio 2.
How does this compare with a general 72-hour kit?
GDPBZN's 72-hour horizon 31 matches the common 72-hour approach. Our guide what goes in a 72-hour emergency kit compares recommendations from several agencies. For specific needs, see infant supplies, pets, first-aid kit, emergency radio and how much water per person.
What about ready-made kits?
If you consider a ready-made kit, compare it line by line with the checklist above: the official GDPBZN list is the reference, not any product.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the backpack last?
72 hours for the whole family 31.
Does Bulgaria say how much water per person?
No. The checklist says only "enough for the whole family for three days" 1.
Should I include a paper map?
Yes. A map of the area is on the official list 1.
Where can I download the checklist?
On pojarna.com, GDPBZN's information site 1.
Sources
- GDPBZN (pojarna.com, information site of GDPBZN) — Основни материали и средства необходими за окомплектоване на „Раница за бедствия“ — https://pojarna.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B0-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%8F.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- MVR – GDPBZN — Инструкция за аварийна готовност (при радиационна опасност) — https://www.mvr.bg/upload/15984/avariinagotovnost.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- МВР – ГД „Пожарна безопасност и защита на населението“ (GDPBZN) — При земетресение — https://www.mvr.bg/gdpbzn/info-center/pravila-povedenie/pri-zemetresenie (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Bulgaria, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- GDPBZN (pojarna.com, information site of GDPBZN) · Основни материали и средства необходими за окомплектоване на „Раница за бедствия“ checked 2026-10-20
- MVR – GDPBZN · Инструкция за аварийна готовност (при радиационна опасност) checked 2026-10-20
- МВР – ГД „Пожарна безопасност и защита на населението“ (GDPBZN) · При земетресение checked 2026-10-20