Border guard official: in a crisis, everyone should be able to survive at least 72 hours

In an interview with the regional outlet Ziemeļlatvija, Mārcis Krams, deputy head of the Vidzeme service of the State Border Guard's Riga Board in Latvia, explained how residents can prepare for possible threats. The backdrop is a steady flow of information about threats posed by Russia and Belarus to European Union countries, including Latvia. In Valka municipality, Krams is also known as a sports organiser in the Ērģeme and Kārķi parishes.

First, avoid panic

Krams stresses that the key in a crisis is to stay calm, switch on available communication devices (radio, television, smartphone) and find out what has happened. In his view, people should not rush off by car, since traffic jams could form. The right response depends on the type of threat. As an example he cited the storm in late August, when power was lost for a long time.

What to have ready

According to Krams, a 72-hour bag is more of a label for a set of essentials that should be easy to find. Important documents should be kept in one place in the household. Instead of candles, he recommends power banks, which are portable batteries for charging devices. In an apartment, a small camping stove with a small gas canister may help with cooking. Water is the most important item, and large food stocks are not necessary.

He suggests families practise leaving the home quickly on a signal and then review what each person took along. Krams also notes that many municipalities are holding civil defence exercises.

Border guard work in Vidzeme

The Vidzeme service covers the municipalities of Ādaži, Sigulda, Limbaži, Valmiera, Valka, Smiltene and Cēsis. It operates on the internal border and handles immigration control, movement checks and illegal employment. Krams asks residents to be understanding about routine checks, because disputes slow the guards down. The service also cooperates with Estonian border guards through joint raids and train checks.