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Evacuation bag in Czechia: what to pack and what the law requires during an evacuation

What to pack in an evacuation bag according to the Czech Ministry of the Interior and the fire service, the recommended weight, what to do once an evacuation is announced, the fine for not complying and a free A4 leaflet.

In a flood, a fire or a leak of a dangerous substance, an evacuation may be ordered. If your bag is packed in advance, you leave calmly and forget nothing important. Below is the list recommended by the Ministry of the Interior and the fire service, what the law says about evacuation, and a free A4 leaflet to download.

1. Is an evacuation bag mandatory?

No. Neither Act No. 239/2000 Coll. on the Integrated Rescue System nor Decree No. 380/2002 Coll. on preparing and carrying out population protection tasks requires an evacuation bag or makes it a condition of being taken away. According to the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic (HZS ČR), the bag is mainly for your own comfort at the evacuation centre.

What is mandatory is something else: everyone must tolerate the restrictions resulting from measures taken during an emergency, including an ordered evacuation (Section 25(2)(a) of Act No. 239/2000 Coll.). Failing to do so is an administrative offence punishable by a fine of up to CZK 100,000 (Section 28a(1) of Act No. 239/2000 Coll. and Section 28a(2) of Act No. 239/2000 Coll.).

You may refuse if complying would endanger your own or other people's life or health, or if important circumstances prevent you that would clearly cause a more serious consequence than the threat being averted (Section 25(3) of Act No. 239/2000 Coll.). The HZS ČR website still states a fine of CZK 20,000 and Section 28; the current wording of the Act in e-Sbírka sets up to CZK 100,000 in Section 28a.

2. Who goes first and how much time there is

An evacuation covers everyone in the threatened area except those taking part in rescue work, managing the evacuation or doing other urgent work. It is planned first for children under 15, hospital patients, people in social care facilities, people with disabilities and those accompanying them (Section 12(3) of Decree No. 380/2002 Coll.). Leaving the threatened area is planned within 48 hours, and within up to 72 hours for large urban and industrial areas, from the moment the evacuation is announced (Section 12(4) of Decree No. 380/2002 Coll.). The instruction to leave may still come without warning, so it is best to have your bag ready.

3. What to pack: the Ministry of the Interior's list

• Personal items: ID card, passport, health insurance card, copies of important documents (birth and marriage certificates, contracts), keys, cash in coins and notes, and payment cards.
• Health and hygiene: a first-aid kit and a week's supply of your regular medication, glasses or contact lenses, hand sanitiser, toilet paper, toiletries and a towel.
• Food and drink: bottled water (in an emergency an adult can manage on 2 litres a day), long-life food for one day, a mug, a bowl, cutlery and a multi-tool knife.
• Electronics: a phone and charger, your family's phone numbers written on paper, a battery-powered radio and torch, a charged power bank, spare batteries and cables.
• Entertainment: a pencil and paper, a book, a magazine or a board game, toys for children.
• Pets: food, medication and bowls, a carrier, a muzzle and a lead.

4. Clothing and sleeping

According to HZS ČR, you are not packing for survival in the wild. What you need most at the evacuation centre is comfortable clothing. The Ministry of the Interior recommends:

• sturdy shoes and a raincoat,
• a change of clothes and underwear,
• a sleeping bag or blanket and a sleeping mat.

5. Weight and labelling

HZS ČR recommends that the bag should weigh no more than 25 kg, or 10 kg for children. This is a recommendation, not a legal limit, and it does not apply if you evacuate in your own car. An ordinary backpack, travel bag or wheeled suitcase works best; you do not need to buy a special bag. Label each bag with your name, address and phone number.

6. Once an evacuation is announced: what to do

• Put out any fire in the fireplace and stove, switch off appliances (leave the fridge and freezer on), close windows and doors, turn off ventilation and air conditioning, and shut off the water and gas supply.
• Give children and vulnerable people a card for their pocket with their name, address and a relative's contact.
• Tell your neighbours and help those who need it.
• Lock your flat or house and leave a note on the door: when and where you are going, your names and contacts.
• Go to the designated place and follow the instructions of those in charge. If you want to drive, first consider the weather and how much fuel you have.

7. What the European Commission recommends

On 30 October 2026 the European Commission issued non-binding guidelines C(2026) 8250, which also cover evacuation bags. Czech law and the instructions of the authorities and emergency services apply to you and always take precedence.

8. Free A4 leaflet

Sources and related article

• Czech Ministry of the Interior, 72 hodin website: Evakuace (in Czech)
• HZS ČR: Evakuace obyvatelstva (in Czech)
• Blackout, crisis and civil protection in Czechia: supplies, shelters, masks and who to contact

This article is general information, not legal advice for a specific case. Updated 5 Nov 2026 in line with the laws in force. — 777 PRODUCTION s.r.o.