What to Do in a Military Crisis in Latvia — Guidance for the Diaspora
Official guidance from Latvia's Ministry of Defence on emergency preparedness, the 72-hour survival kit, and what to do if a military crisis affects Latvia.
Emergency Number in Latvia
112
Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom
Official consular support and assistance for Latvian citizens in the UK.
Address
The Grove House, 248A Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JZ
Consular hours
Mon–Fri: 9.00–13.00, 14.00–16.00
This guidance is for members of the Latvian diaspora and their families. It summarises the official brochure "What to do in case of a crisis" published by Latvia's Ministry of Defence, together with the State Emergency Medical Service, Fire and Rescue Service, and Border Guard. The brochure is available in Latvian, English, Russian, and Braille.
Emergency Number
Call 112 for police, fire, ambulance, or any emergency in Latvia.
What to Do in the First 72 Hours
- Keep calm; get reliable information via TV, radio, and official social media (@aizsardzibasministrija, @latvijasarmija, @Valsts.policija, @NMPdienests, and others).
- Follow instructions from official agencies.
- Help your family first, then check on your neighbours.
- Volunteer where useful; keep working if you are in an essential service.
- Do not spread unverified rumours; only call 112 when truly necessary.
Preparation Basics
Water: ~3 litres per person per day (4 litres in hot weather). Know local well and spring locations and keep water purification tablets.
Food: Shelf-stable, little or no cooking needed, calorie-dense — canned goods, root vegetables, pasta, cereals, dried bread, oil, nuts. Don't forget food for pets.
Medicine cabinet: Pain reliever and fever reducer, gastrointestinal medicines, allergy medicines, disinfectant, bandages, regular medications for all household members, foil blanket, thermometer.
The 72-Hour Emergency Bag
Food and water: Long-life calorie-rich food, multi-tool or can opener, unbreakable bowl and mug, 3 days' bottled water, camping stove, water filter or disinfectant tablets.
Heat and light: Spare phone charger and power bank, matches, lighter, candles, flashlight with batteries, warm clothes, spare underwear, sturdy shoes, sleeping bag or blanket, tent if available.
Documents: Waterproofed copies of ID, passport, driving licence; list of important phone numbers; battery radio; small-denomination cash (5, 10, 20 euro notes); waterproof notepad and pen.
Other: Tape, thread, needle, scissors; towel, toilet paper, wipes; disinfectant and hygiene items; your regular medication with prescription copies; first-aid kit; spare glasses or contact lenses.
Specifically for the Diaspora
The Ministry of Defence, together with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture and major diaspora organisations, prepared a booklet in 2022 on "How to act in case of a crisis if living outside Latvia." It covers how to act in the first 72 hours, how to find out what is happening in Latvia, and how to support Latvia while abroad.
This booklet is linked from the mod.gov.lv resilience page and sargs.lv. The EU Civil Protection Knowledge Network also mirrors Latvia's population-preparedness brochure.
If the Situation Escalates
If things escalate to a security or military threat, the brochure adds:
- Follow lawful orders.
- Do not collaborate with any occupying force.
- If evacuation is announced — carry ID, disconnect gas, electricity, and water if possible, use official routes, and take your emergency bag.
Official Sources
Ministry of Defence (Aizsardzības ministrija)
Sargs.lv — Defence Ministry public portal
Other government ministries