Think ahead: Stay safe for 72 hours
In the Netherlands, we almost always have power, water and internet. But in an emergency, such as a major power outage or flooding, this can suddenly be lost. The emergency services therefore focus first on life-threatening situations. So help may take a while to arrive. That's why it's smart to be well prepared. This requires action from everyone: from the government, the safety region, but also from you and your surroundings. This way, you not only help yourself, but also your neighbors, family and others who need help the most.
Prepared in 3 steps
Step 1. Put together an emergency kit (for 72 hours).
Health that you have the following items for at least three days. View the checklist.
Depending on your situation, you may also need medicine, baby or pet food, diapers or other specific items. See what you already have in your home and complete your emergency kit step by step.
Step 2. Create an emergency plan
Discuss with roommates what you will do in the event of a power outage or other emergency. Discuss and arrange the following:
- Health that lighting is readily available: Place flashlights, candles and lighters/lights in logical places.
- Where are the items from the emergency kit?
- How do you open gates or shutters without power?
- Where do you meet if calling is not possible?
- Who picks up the children or takes care of the animals?
- What arrangements do you make about needy neighbors or relatives?
- What do you do when no one is home?
Step 3. Talk about it
Tell neighbors, friends and family that you are prepared and explain why this is important. Being prepared is as essential as having smoke detectors or a first aid kit. Help each other whenever possible or necessary.
TIPS
- South Limburg disaster station broadcasts during emergencies on 95.3 FM
- Check every six months to make sure your emergency kit is still complete and tenable, and keep it in a fixed, convenient place
- Download the Zuidlimburgveilig app now, so you have immediate access during an emergency situation
Emergency kit checklist
- Water: 3 liters per person per day
- Long-lasting foods: such as nuts, canned vegetables and dried fruits
- Communication devices: battery-powered radio, charged mobile phone and power bank
- Lighting: flashlight, extra batteries, candles, matches
- First aid kit
- Warm blankets
- Whistle for distress signal
- Cash: 70 euros per adult, 30 euros per child
- Tools: hammer, saw, cutters
- Hygiene products: such as toilet paper, disinfectant gel, sanitary napkins, toothpaste and toothbrush
- Important documents: copies of IDs and important phone numbers
- Spare keys
- Backpack or large bag: to take stuff with you if you have to leave your home
Download the Zuidlimburgveilig app
In addition to the above steps, for residents of South Limburg, there is the Zuidlimburgveilig app. This app can be vital in the event of a disaster or crisis. Through this app from the Zuid-Limburg Safety Region, you will receive immediate notifications and advice on incidents in your area. For example: if a fire breaks out in the neighborhood releasing a lot of smoke, the app will immediately tell you whether you should close windows and doors.
The app also provides practical tips for protecting yourself and your family in the event of prolonged power outages, high water or other emergencies, both before and during an emergency. A big advantage: the information on all "what to do in case of" pages remains available offline once you install the app. Even if the power goes out or the mobile network goes down, you can continue to read the information, as long as your device has enough battery.