In the Netherlands, we almost always have electricity, water and internet. But in an emergency – such as extreme weather, war or a major disruption – these services can suddenly be cut off. Help may take some time to arrive. That is why it is wise to be well prepared. This requires action from everyone: from the government, but also from you and those around you.
Preparing for an emergency
There are various ways in which you can prepare for an emergency. By the end of 2025, all households in the Netherlands will have received a booklet containing information on how to prepare for an emergency. You can find the digital version of the booklet at www.denkvooruit.nl/informatieboekje. The booklet is available online in various languages.
Would you like to receive a hard copy? Please call 14 055 or fill in the contact form . The booklet is also available free of charge in Braille, large print and audio format. Full details on how to order these adapted formats can be found at: www.denkvooruit.nl/informatieboekje/aangepaste-leesvormen
An emergency kit
Make sure you can manage for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency. With an emergency kit, you’ll be well prepared for disasters, emergencies or other crises. Putting together an emergency kit is easy. You probably already have most of the items at home.
It’s also useful to have a contingency plan to make and to talk with the people around you. On www.denkvooruit.nl You can read all about how to prepare for an emergency...
Proper preparation for an emergency starts in your own neighbourhood. This involves working out how you can help one another and making arrangements with each other.
Neighbourhood checks and support
Draw up a list of neighbours who might need help and those who could offer support. Consider skills, items they have available or practical resources that might come in handy in a crisis situation.
Organising a neighbourhood meeting
Next, organise a neighbourhood meeting to discuss potential emergency scenarios together and make specific arrangements about how you will help one another if something happens. During such a meeting, responsibilities can be allocated and neighbours can indicate what they can contribute.
Communication and a central hub
It is important to establish clear arrangements regarding communication. For example, agree on a central hub where information can be shared and set up a shared communication channel, such as a WhatsApp group, so that everyone can contact one another quickly if necessary.
Entrepreneurs, businesses and trade associations can also play a valuable role in boosting the neighbourhood’s resilience. In the Resilience guide: ‘Entrepreneurship is about thinking ahead’ It sets out the steps they can take to be prepared for crises and how they can contribute to a safe, resilient environment.
The municipality of Apeldoorn is working on setting up emergency support centres. We are investigating how to go about this and which locations are suitable, in collaboration with the North and East Gelderland Safety Region (VNOG).
If there is a danger, you will receive a warning so that you know what to do. This is done in various ways. For example, via an NL-Alert on your mobile phone, sirens sounding in your neighbourhood, or through broadcasts on regional public service radio.
How is the local authority preparing?
The municipality of Apeldoorn is preparing for a crisis and is working together with partners such as the Safety Region, the Municipal Health Service (GGD), the Regional Emergency Medical Service (GHOR) and the Civil Protection Centre (CVD). We have agreed on procedures for dealing with disasters and crises to ensure we are as well prepared as possible. Together with the Safety Region, we form part of a crisis management organisation that is activated in the event of a crisis or disaster. Further information on how we work together during incidents, disasters and crises can be found at vnog.nl.