Government sends safety handbook to every household in Poland

The Polish government has begun distributing physical copies of a comprehensive safety handbook to all 17 million households in the country, a move prompted by escalating regional threats including Russia's war in Ukraine, cyberattacks, and hybrid warfare. Published by the defense and interior ministries, the guide provides practical advice on preparing for various crises—ranging from natural disasters and disinformation to military conflicts—and includes a "ten commandments" of safety such as preparing evacuation backpacks and locating the nearest shelters. While officials emphasize that the initiative aims to build national resilience and ensure citizens are "wiser before the event," some experts have criticized the handbook for providing occasional conflicting instructions, such as simultaneously advising residents to keep cars fueled while limiting their use to keep roads clear for emergency services.