Nature knows no pause in progress and development, and attaches her curse on all inaction.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Disaster Preparedness
This Is What Everyone Is Talking About: Preparedness in Utrecht
In the heart of the usually calm Netherlands, residents are taking the warnings from authorities and the new NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, seriously: they are equipping themselves with survival backpacks.
“If we do not prepare, we prepare for failure,” said Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States and incidentally the inventor of the lightning rod.
This life lesson is currently gaining enormous traction in Dutch households. Many find themselves visiting the prepper shop in Utrecht, which is experiencing the most profitable period of its life.
In recent months, it has been selling emergency supplies at ten times the rate it did before.
But what has changed? Why are the normally relaxed Dutch people suddenly preoccupied with fears of a Russian war, a cyberattack, or a flood disaster?
For some in the province of Utrecht, it was a power outage in December that served as a wake-up call. Everything shut down: no electricity, no Wi-Fi, no mobile phones, no heating.
For four hours, they had no idea what was happening. “We realized that we didn’t even own a radio anymore,” one resident said.
A speech by the newly appointed NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, further unsettled many. Having governed the Netherlands for over thirteen years with the temperament of a three-toed sloth, Rutte suddenly delivered a stark warning about war and crises. That, they thought, must mean things are serious.
Without hesitation, they purchased an emergency radio powered by solar energy, along with a water filter and a solar-powered power bank. “It feels a bit strange, but I don’t think it’s overreacting,” another resident said.
Even the banks are alarmed, now strongly advising citizens to keep cash at home in case of emergencies. In addition, the Dutch government has launched a website called Denk VOORUIT or in English “Think Ahead,” which provides a meticulously curated list of everything one should have for a crisis situation.
One family has already checked off most of this list. They have decided to start ‘prepping’ for themselves and their children. They believe that the level of threat has never been as high in their lifetime as it is now. In addition to stocking up on supplies, a radio, and a water filter, they have also prepared a bug-out bag in case they need to evacuate their home. Inside, they have copies of essential documents, emergency tents, sleeping bags, ropes, a saw, waterproof matches, and—most importantly—a whistle. Calling for help with a whistle is far less exhausting than shouting.
But there is another issue: bunkers. The Netherlands has virtually none. In certain crisis scenarios, the only available refuge may be a basement. Some feel particularly well-prepared for that situation: their basement is stocked with an impressive collection of wine.
Governments Across Europe Are Following Scandinavia’s Lead
The Dutch response to potential crises follows a growing trend that was first seen in Scandinavian countries months ago. Sweden, Finland, and Norway have long prioritized national preparedness.
Finland, in particular, has been a global leader in readiness, maintaining vast stockpiles of essential goods, fuel, and medicine.
Since joining NATO, Finland has intensified its efforts, conducting large-scale public awareness campaigns to ensure that citizens know how to respond in an emergency. The country has thousands of shelters, many of which are capable of withstanding nuclear threats.
Sweden, which reinstated civil defense programs years before reapplying for NATO membership, has distributed detailed crisis preparedness booklets to households, advising citizens on food storage, water purification, and self-sufficiency in prolonged blackouts.
The country has also increased its reserve of emergency fuel supplies. Norway, with its strong civil defense network, has invested heavily in infrastructure that ensures rapid response in the event of cyberattacks or military threats.
Now, the rest of Europe is catching up. The Netherlands’ preparedness initiative is just one example of how governments across the continent are realizing the importance of resilience in an unpredictable world.
Germany, too, has updated its emergency response strategies, urging citizens to store essentials for at least ten days. France has begun discussions about reintroducing civil defense programs that had been largely dismantled since the end of the Cold War.
The lesson from Scandinavia is clear: preparedness is not paranoia. It is a rational response to an uncertain future.
As European governments increasingly emphasize self-reliance and resilience, it is becoming evident that taking proactive measures today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Putting together an emergency kit
With an emergency kit you are well prepared for the first 48 hours after a disaster or emergency. Putting together an emergency kit is often easier than you may think. You probably already have most of the items at home.
- Bottled water. You need about 3 liters per person per day.
- Non-perishable food, such as nuts, canned vegetables and dried fruit.
- Stay informed via a battery-operated radio and mobile with power bank.
- Flashlight with extra batteries, candles and matches.
- First aid kit with instructions for use.
- Blankets to keep warm.
- Whistle to let emergency services know where you are.
- Cash.
- Tools, such as hammer, saw and nippers.
- Disinfectant gel, toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitary napkin, toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Copies of IDs and a list of important telephone numbers.
- Spare keys to the house and car.
Keep the items in a convenient, easily accessible place. Use waterproof packaging, such as a backpack that you can easily take with you if you have to evacuate suddenly. Check the emergency stock every six months to see if the products can still be kept. Also consider your personal needs, and add items such as baby food, medicines and food for your pets.
For more information, visit www.english.denkvooruit.nl
Sincerely,
Adaptation-Guide
WE ARE READY! ARE YOU?
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