Disasters, Crises, and Emergencies
Disasters can occur everywhere in the NL, including in your area. It is possible that the power fails for a longer period, no water comes out of the tap, there is extreme weather, or you temporarily have to leave your home due to the risk of explosion, a major fire, or other special circumstances. It is good to prepare for this.
Well prepared
On the "Be Prepared " page, you can read about three steps you can take yourself: put together an emergency kit, come up with an emergency plan, and discuss it with your family, friends, and neighbours. On that page, you'll also find the booklet "Prepare for an Emergency" from Rijksoverheid.
NL-Alert
NL-Alert is a government-run emergency alert system for cell phones. NL-Alert is used in life- and health-threatening situations, such as a major fire involving toxic smoke, a risk of explosion, or a flood. With NL-Alert, you’ll receive notifications on your phone about an emergency in your immediate vicinity. The message explains what is happening and what you should do at that moment.
Are you not yet receiving messages on your mobile phone? Check nl-alert.NL on how to set this up.
Extreme weather
If extreme weather is approaching, the KNMI issues a preliminary warning or weather alarm via radio, TV, and the internet. Unfortunately, extreme weather is not always predictable. It can arise suddenly and be very localized. For more information about the weather and weather warnings, always visit knmi.NL.
Flood risk
On overstroomik.NL and the corresponding app, you can check whether you live in a risk area and what the best steps are in the event of a flood.
Evacuation
The danger of fire and explosions can spread extremely fast. Do you know how to handle an evacuation? For more information, visit nivb.NL
What should you do if the power or gas fails?
What should you do if the power or gas fails? First, check whether you are the only one on your street without power. If so, the problem is in your home connection, and you can resolve this by replacing an appliance and/or a fuse.
If your laptop or mobile phone is still working, follow the updates on this website. Electricity and gas suppliers will keep you informed via stedin.net or liander.NL. In other cases, call the national breakdown number 0800 9009 free of charge.
Prepared for an event
Being prepared before attending a large event can make all the difference in the event of an emergency. Health ensures you know where to go if something serious happens. The event organizers are required to take precautionary measures. Always keep your own safety in mind as well.
Additional information
A major disaster always receives a great deal of attention on radio and TV. If necessary, the Dutch Civil Protection Agency ( Rijksoverheid ) can require public broadcasters to dedicate airtime to a national disaster. If something happens in your region ( neighbourhood), tune in to the regional stationRadio West (89.3 FM).
Using the risk map, you can easily identify the risks in your area— neighbourhood —by entering your ZIP code or city. You can see if there is an increased risk in your area of, for example, an aviation accident, wildfire, or flood, and receive advice on what to do in such a situation.