TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's defense ministry will distribute emergency survival handbooks to 9.8 million households starting Wednesday (Nov. 19). The unprecedented "In Case of Crisis: Taiwan's National Public Safety Guide" (臺灣全民安全指引) marks Taiwan's first large-scale emergency preparedness distribution to all residents.
The All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency (全民防衛動員署), Taiwan's civilian defense coordination body, will oversee the production and distribution of handbooks. Officials begin printing on Wednesday with assistance from local Civil Affairs Bureaus (民政局). Distribution mirrors election bulletin deliveries and aims for completion by January 5.
Chen Wei-chih (沈威志), director of the All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency, stated the total print run will reach approximately 11 million copies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部), Taiwan's foreign ministry, will distribute English editions to foreign nationals. Officials consider additional language versions with online translations available.
The handbook draws inspiration from Nordic countries and features guidance on supply preparation, natural disaster response, and wartime situations. It encourages households to stockpile food, water, and essentials in emergency kits. The guide explicitly states that Taiwan will never surrender to war threats, labeling messages suggesting surrender as misinformation.
Chen noted that Taiwan joins countries like Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, and France in having similar defense handbooks. The Czech Republic plans to release a "72-hour" survival guide, while France intends to distribute a "Survival Guide" this year. These guides include instructions for civilians on battlefield response.◼
