FRENCH USE POWER OF PRINT TO SURVIVE

By Wayne Robinson | 9 April 2025

The French government is using the power of print, producing a mega-run 31 million 20pp full-colour printed guide to enable its citizens to survive various crises.

Power of print: French government to print 31 million copies of the 32pp How to survive a disaster guide, one for each household — *Power of print: French government to print 31 million copies of the 20pp How to survive a disaster guide, one for each household*

In particular, the authorities are concerned about a Russian nuclear strike, as the war of words between Russia and Europe over Ukraine ramps up.

Print advocates point to the unrivalled power of print to communicate in a clear, accessible, storable, cost-efficient way to the public, highlighting also that print doesn’t need power, is easily navigable, and retrievable.

They say digital communications fail to connect, especially of course when there is no power.

The pamphlet will include information on preparing a household survival kit, how to ensure you have enough water and tinned food, the practical items such as torches and batteries that should be ready, and what to do in case of a nuclear strike.

Sweden printed a similar pamphlet late last year, with a five million run.