A brochure from the municipality helps residents prepare for a potential emergency

Residents are used to having electricity and drinking water. Sometimes these services can be disrupted, as happened recently in Spain and Portugal, but also last year in Voorschoten. That’s why it’s a good idea to put together an emergency kit and think about an emergency plan. The municipality is helping residents prepare by providing a brochure. The brochure is available for free at City Hall and at six supermarkets.

A hand holding three brochures

“We’ve had several power outages in Voorschoten as well,” recalls Mayor Nadine Stemerdink. “We can’t always prevent them, but we can be well prepared. That helps avoid inconvenience. After all, sometimes it just takes a while for help to arrive. So make sure you have items such as bottled water, a few cans of soup, a radio, and candles at home. And don’t forget blankets to stay warm.”

Put together an emergency kit

The brochure includes an illustration of the most important items that will allow most residents to get by for 72 hours. Mayor Stemerdink: “I’ve started putting together an emergency kit myself. It gives me peace of mind, because I know I’m prepared. I also talk about it with my friends and neighbors. That way, we can help each other if the water or electricity goes out and the stores close unexpectedly.”

Come up with a contingency plan

With an emergency plan, every resident knows what to do if something happens. The brochure contains important tips. For example, tune in to Radio West (89.3 FM) for information from the government. The brochure also includes questions that residents can discuss with family, friends, or housemates. For example, who will pick up the children, how can you provide light without electricity, and which neighbors have health issues?

How can you get a copy of the brochure?

The brochure is available at City Hall, the library, and the following supermarkets in Voorschoten: Albert Heijn, ALDI, Dirk, Hoogvliet, Jumbo, and Valk Versmarkt. You can also view the contents of the brochure at www.voorschoten.nl/goed-voorbereid.