Well Prepared

An emergency kit will help you be better prepared for an emergency. More and more people are putting together such a kit. You can do the same, so you’ll have the most important items on hand. If necessary, you’ll be able to take care of yourself for at least 72 hours.

Look at the picture to see what you need. Keep everything in a fixed, easily accessible place. Use a waterproof bag, such as a backpack. That way, you can quickly grab the bag if you need to leave suddenly.

Also consider your own situation

Check every six months to make sure your emergency kit is still complete. Make sure the items haven't expired. Also, consider your own situation. Do you need any additional items, such as medication or baby food?

Infographic transcribed as text

The infographic shows 12 symbols. A brief explanation appears below each symbol:

• Bottled water. Plan on 3 liters per person per day.
• Foods with a long shelf life, such as nuts, canned vegetables, and dried fruit.
• Stay informed with a battery-powered radio and a cell phone with a power bank.
• Flashlight with extra batteries, candles, and matches.
• First-aid kit with instructions for use.
• Blankets to stay warm.
• A whistle to let emergency services know where you are.
• Cash.
• Tools, such as a hammer, saw, and wire cutters.
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitary pads, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.
• Copies of identification documents and a list of important phone numbers.
• Spare keys for the house and car.

Every emergency is different. With an emergency plan, you’ll always know what to do and can also help your family, friends, and neighbors. You can find important tips on this page. If you also answer the questions under the heading “Talk about it with your family, friends, and neighbors,” you’ll be even better prepared.

Tip 1: Follow the instructions

If you receive an NL-Alert on your phone, read the message immediately, follow the instructions, and help others. If the air raid siren sounds on a day other than the first Monday of the month, go indoors immediately, close windows and doors, and follow the news on the radio, TV, or the internet.

Tip 2: Listen to Radio West

During a power outage, the TV and internet won't work. That's why it's a good idea to have a battery-powered radio. Tune in to Radio West (89.3 FM) for information from the government. This station will continue broadcasting even during an emergency.

Tip 3: Stay calm

No matter what happens, stay calm. Stay home as much as possible and don't drive on the roads. Stay informed and help people in your neighborhood. Call 112 if you are injured or in immediate danger. Are you safe? If so, see if you can help others.

Do your family, friends, and neighbors know what to do in an emergency? Do they also follow the news on the radio and TV? Are they putting together an emergency kit, too? Talk to each other about it. Being well-prepared gives you a sense of security.

Answer these questions together with the people around you:

1. Who should I call in an emergency?
2. What should I do if I can't reach my family members?
3. Where should I go in case of an emergency?
4. What arrangements do I have with the daycare center and school?
5. Who's picking up the kids?
6. How do I turn off the electricity if necessary?
7. How do I turn off the water when necessary?
8. How do I turn off the gas if necessary?
9. How do I stay warm?
10. How do I boil water without electricity or gas?
11. Where is the nearest AED?
12. Who needs which medical devices and medications?
13. How do I make light without electricity?
14. Who will be the point of contact at our home in case of an emergency?
15. Which neighbors have health issues?

Why do I need to read the city's brochure? Is something going on?

We live in unpredictable times. Power, drinking water, or the internet could go out. If that happens, it may take a while before help arrives. That’s why it’s important to put together an emergency kit. It will help you get by for the first 72 hours. This brochure will help you do that.

What is the difference between this brochure and the booklet published by the national government?

There isn't really a difference. The brochure and the booklet complement each other. However, the booklet does contain more text than the brochure. In addition, the brochure was published in June 2025 and the booklet in November 2025.

Isn't 3 liters of water per person per day too much?

The Netherlands Nutrition Center recommends drinking about 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day. It doesn't necessarily have to be water; it can also be coffee or soda. In addition, you'll need 1 liter of water for activities such as cooking and washing your hands.

How am I going to fit all that in that backpack?

We recommend that you keep your emergency kit in a backpack so you can grab it quickly if you need to leave suddenly—for example, in the event of extreme weather or international tensions. However, that backpack will get heavy, especially because of the bottles of water. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do about that.

Fortunately, the likelihood that you’ll have to leave suddenly is lower than, for example, the likelihood of a power outage, a drinking water shortage, or an internet outage. So make sure you have the most important supplies at home. And talk about it with your family, friends, and neighbors.

Why do I need to bring cash into my home?

The risks of a severe natural disaster, a cyberattack, and an overloaded power grid are on the rise. These situations have one thing in common: there’s a high chance that a power outage will prevent you from using your debit card, withdrawing cash, or making online payments. On the other hand, you can almost always pay for urgent purchases with cash.

How much cash should I bring home?

70 euros per adult and 30 per child; that comes to 200 euros for a family of four. This money is intended for essential groceries, medication, and transportation. The recommendation comes from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), the Consumentenbond, MKB-Nederland, and other organizations within the Social Consultation on Payment Transactions.