📚 Books you should have in your Emergency Kit

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The European Union is emphasizing that we all have a Emergency Kit —or survival kit— of 72 hours to prepare for a possible climate crisis or war.

I don't know what dark meaning all this has, but there is one thing I do know: knowledge can save your lifeAnd in case of a crisis, don't expect to have your cell phone, television, or internet access. They'll probably be useless.

When all else fails, the books remainIn a crisis—whether a war, a prolonged blackout, a natural disaster, or a climate catastrophe— Having reliable, clear and practical information can make all the difference.

That's why I decided to make this list, which brings together titles that can help you survive, adapt, stay calm, or even find meaning amidst the chaos. Maybe it's 72 hours, or maybe it's longer...

Click on the titles to view them on Amazon.

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🔧 Survival and first aid

In an emergency situation, knowing what to do can save lives. It's no use having an emergency kit if you don't know how to use it.These books teach you everything from basic to advanced survival techniques, first aid, and how to manage extreme situations without relying on anyone.

1. SAS Survival Manual – John "Lofty" Wiseman
   The ultimate manual. Survival techniques for different environments, shelters, fire, hunting, self-defense, and much more. A true encyclopedia of self-sufficiency.
2. First Aid: Complete Guide to Emergency Response  – Sebas Alcaide
   Ideal for non-professionals. Clear, step-by-step instructions for treating everything from simple wounds to serious emergencies.
3. Where there is no doctor – David Werner
   Designed for communities without access to doctors, this book teaches you how to identify illnesses, treat them with available means, and know when to seek help.

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🌱 Autonomy and self-sufficiency

Okay. We've treated the wounded, but what do we eat? What if we're far from civilization? When supplies are scarce, self-sufficiency is powerThese books show you how to grow your own food, preserve it, care for animals, and live without relying on external systems.

4. The self-sufficient garden – Huw Richards
   A complete guide to growing your own food, whether you have a garden or a small urban space, with tips and tricks, including carpentry.
5. The self-sufficient horticulturist and life in the country – John Seymour
   More than a manual: a way of life. Learn to build, harvest, craft, raise animals, and live independently.
6. Preservation of food and artisan products – John Seymour
   From traditional techniques like drying and fermentation to canning and freezing, preserving food can be key to your survival.

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🧭 Orientation, natural resources and DIY

Without electricity, internet, or GPS, our technological dependence becomes evident. Imagine having to navigate like you used to without Google Maps… These books give you back basic skills how to orient yourself with a compass, read nature, or make useful things yourself.

7. Orientation with a map and compass. Practical manual – David Caballero
   A practical and simple guide to avoiding getting lost, ideal for hikers, walkers, or evacuation situations. It might be useful to you.
8. How to Read a Tree: Learn to Interpret Root Shapes – Tristan Gooley
   This book teaches you how to interpret the signs trees provide to help you navigate and survive in nature. You'll learn to find north, predict the weather, and locate water using only tree observation.
9. Easy DIY: Home Repair Guide – Bruno Grelon
   A practical guide offering tips and techniques for simple home repairs. Ideal for keeping your home in good condition during emergencies.

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🧠 Mental and emotional preparation

Surviving isn't just about resisting the physical, but also the mental. They won't tell you this, but philosophy can be really helpful in these cases. These books help you stay calm, find meaning, and strengthen your mind to withstand adversity.

10. Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl
    One of my favorite books, and I'm sure it's really helpful in situations like this. The testimony of a psychiatrist in the Nazi concentration camps. A book about resilience, willpower, and the search for meaning in the midst of horror.
11. Meditations – Marcus Aurelius
    My favorite book. It teaches you everything in its few pages. It will change your perception of your surroundings. Stoic wisdom that has stood the test of time. Ideal for learning to master your emotions, accepting what you can't control, and maintaining clear judgment.
12. Psychoneurobiology of Resilience – Boris Cyrulnik
    A psychological approach to overcoming trauma and building emotional strength through experience. You'll probably benefit from reading it before you actually have to use it.

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📖 To disconnect (and stay sane)

I was going to make a list of recommended books for situations like this, but I thought it better not. My recommendation: Go to your library and pick up a couple of books that you liked., but for real.

Novels, short stories, tales… Something that makes you feel good. In a crumbling world, stories can be a refuge, an escape, and an inspiration.These readings nourish the soul, reconnect you with humanity, and offer respite from the chaos.

And you? What books would you take with you for pleasure?