Prepared for crises
Prepare so you can take care of yourself for three days in case of crises.
Three days
If you can manage on your own for three days in case of a crisis, the authorities can focus on stabilising the situation and helping where the need is greatest.
There are many factors that can trigger a crisis. Extreme weather events are set to become more frequent and severe, which could affect all of or parts of the country. The threat of man-made incidents, such as cyber attacks and sabotage, is serious due to the deteriorating security situation in Europe. Finally, accidents, technical issues or other incidents with a wide impact on society can occur.
The most direct consequence of a crisis for private individuals can be the loss of utilities. Imagine there is no power at the switch or water in the tap. Your fridge and oven won’t work. You may not be able to shop, make calls or go online for a while.
By following some simple advice, you can manage on your own if a crisis situation arises. We recommend that you and your household should be able to manage for three days. That will give the authorities time to stabilise the situation and help where the need is greatest.
Drinking water - 3 litres per person per day
Calculate 3 litres of water per person per day for drinking and food preparation. For three days, you need 9 litres of water per person. Make sure you have water for everyone in your household – including any pets.
How to store water for long periods
Buy bottled drinking water, store it in a cool, dark place and only for as long as the expiry date on the bottle states. Replace it regularly.
Drinking water from the tap should be as fresh as possible, but it will keep for several months in a sealed bottle/container if stored in a cool, dark place.
Only use drinking water containers that are approved for food use and clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions before use.
Water kept in containers should be changed regularly. Use the old water for watering plants, for example, then wash and refill the container.
Food
Make sure you have enough food for your household for three days. It should be food that can last for a long period outside the fridge or freezer. Choose foods that do not require cooking in the oven or on a stove (e.g. canned food, crispbread). Choose foods that you and your household use on a daily basis and like.
Food for three days
You don't have to buy everything all at once. You can buy a few extra non-perishable items when doing your usual food shopping. Make sure you use and replenish your stocks on a regular basis so that items don't get old. Store food in a cool, dry, dark place.
If you have food that requires preparation (e.g. rice, pasta), make sure you can boil water without access to electricity or mains gas. You could use a barbecue grill or camping stove, for example. Never use grills etc. indoors or in fully or partially enclosed spaces. There is a risk of smoke and/or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Medicine and first aid
Make sure you have at least three days' worth of medications and a first aid kit.
Medicine and first aid
A first aid kit can include plasters, dressings (compresses, elastic bandages, gauze, etc.) and products for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.
In the event of a nuclear accident, the most important advice is to stay indoors. It is recommended that iodine tablets should be available for people under the age of 40 as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
In the event of a nuclear accident, follow the recommendations of the authorities.
Hygiene
Make sure you have hygiene items such as toilet paper, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, sanitary pads and tampons.
Heat
If you have no heating and it is cold outside, you can use your household's blankets, duvets, warm clothes, etc. If it is cold for a prolonged period, keep your household warm by staying mainly in one room. If you use candles or other heat sources, place them on a solid surface away from flammable materials such as curtains and carpets.
Other necessities
In addition to water, food and so on, there are a couple of items that are good to have on hand in case of a crisis.
Other necessities
In most crisis situations, a mobile phone is essential. You can keep in touch with family members and get information about the incident. Use a power bank/battery pack to keep your mobile and other devices powered in the event of local power outages. During major or prolonged power outages, telephone networks and internet may be affected or go down.
Other useful items to have on hand are a torch, candles, matches and batteries. Have one or more physical payment cards that you can use if the internet is down or you can't pay with your phone. Make sure you can remember your PIN codes. In addition, consider having a small amount of cash in coins and small denomination notes.
Think about your situation and any special needs
Are there infants, elderly or sick people in the household with special needs such as baby formula, nappies or care items? If so, it's a good idea to keep extra supplies in your home. You may also have pets that need food and water.
How exposed you are can depend on where you live. For example, if you live close to the coast or in a low-lying area, you could be affected by flooding. It's a good idea to find out where you can get hold of items such as sandbags.
Take stock of the modes of transport you rely on and consider alternatives. Keep an eye on communications via e.g. the Jouney Planner - Rejseplanen transport website, apps and the Danish Road Directorate's traffic information. If you live in a remote location and/or need help with transport, make arrangements with neighbours, family members and friends who can help if needed.
Be aware of whether people in your neighbourhood or social circle need help. Consider writing down important phone numbers and keeping them on the fridge, for example.
Warnings and emergency calls
How to receive public warnings and contact the authorities in case of an emergency.
Warnings and emergency calls
In emergency situations, the authorities may issue warnings via the physical warning sirens, S!RENEN (Denmark’s mobile-based public warning system) and emergency messages.
If you hear a warning siren, go indoors and seek information from the authorities through DR or TV 2. Should other systems be down, DR will broadcast emergency announcements from the authorities. With a battery-operated/wind-up/solar-powered FM radio, you can stay up-to-date if other information channels fail. Many people have an FM radio in their car.
If you need the ambulance, police or fire service, call 1-1-2. You should only call 1-1-2 if it is an emergency. Using it for other reasons may block the line for life-or-death calls. If there are problems with 1-1-2, the authorities will announce alternative contact details.
Build your preparedness kit
You can build your preparedness kit over time. Buy a little extra when you are out shopping.
Think before sharing information
Keep an eye on government social media and websites. Sharing verified information during a crisis and helping to prevent the spread of rumours and disinformation or misinformation is a big help. Always double-check the credibility of the source before sharing information in your network.
About the advice
If you can manage by yourself for three days, the authorities can focus on helping the most vulnerable and stabilising the situation. You and your family are also better off in crisis situations if you're prepared.
If you want and are able to – i.e., have the time, space and resources – building up a small stockpile of necessities for an extended period of time is a good idea, especially if you live in a geographically exposed area or have special needs such as essential medicines.
The recommendation to be able to manage for three days in a crisis situation and the specific advice have been compiled by the Danish Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with a number of authorities. The recommendations and advice are based on the National Risk Assessment and other official assessments of threats, security and vulnerability, as well as professional review of realistic and relevant possible situations, their duration and potential consequences.
Not everyone is equally able to prepare themselves – and sometimes it makes more sense to prepare with family, friends or neighbours. You may live in a small space, have a tight budget or have difficulty walking, for example. Do what you can and what makes sense for you in your situation and household. Some preparation is better than no preparation.
This advice is for guidance only and can be adapted to the needs and circumstances of each household.
Behind Prepared for crises
The Danish Emergency Management Agency, Danish Meteorological Institute, the Agency for Digital Government, the Danish Energy Agency, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service, Defence Command Denmark, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, the Danish Home Guard, The Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service, the Danish National Police, The Danish Critical Supply Agency, the Danish Health Authority, the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority, Danmarks Nationalbank.