Something Is Changing: Governments Across Europe and the United States Are Telling Citizens to Prepare for Emergencies. On October 22, Britain launched its new Be Ready campaign, urging households to prepare for 72 hours without essential services. The European Union has issued similar guidance, while Finland, Sweden, Poland and the Baltic states are strengthening civil defence, shelters and evacuation plans. In the United States, FEMA continues advising Americans to maintain emergency supplies and family preparedness plans. Why now? Governments are increasingly concerned about Russian aggression, cyberattacks, infrastructure sabotage, power failures and extreme weather. The recommendations include drinking water, food, medication, batteries, emergency radios, cash and independent communication systems. Europe is also rebuilding civil defence capabilities neglected since the Cold War. This does not mean war is imminent. But the message is unmistakable: Western governments increasingly recognise that modern societies are dangerously dependent on infrastructure that can fail or be deliberately attacked. Preparedness is becoming a national security priority.