Stay safe for 72 hours during emergencies

In a disaster or crisis, such as a major power outage or flood, emergency services focus on life-threatening situations first. Health therefore that you yourself can safely bridge at least 72 hours with food, drink, heat and light. This way, you not only help yourself, but also your neighbors, family and others who need help the most. 

Preparation in three steps

Step 1: put together an emergency kit (for 72 hours)

Health that you have the following items for at least three days:

  • Water: 3 liters per person per day
  • Long-lasting foods: such as nuts, canned vegetables and dried fruits
  • Communication tools: battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and power bank
    TIP: The disaster broadcaster in South Limburg broadcasts on 95.3 FM during emergencies
  • 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

Depending on your situation, you may also need medicine, baby or pet food, diapers or other specific items.

Review what you already have in your home and add to your emergency kit step by step. Check every six months that everything is complete and tenable, and keep the kit in a fixed, convenient place.

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 make the following arrangements: 

  • 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.
 

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 Safety Region South Limburg, you will receive instant notifications and advice on incidents in your area.

For example, if a fire breaks out nearby that releases a lot of smoke, the app immediately tells you whether you should close windows and doors.

The app will also provide you with practical tips to protect 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 when" 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.

Tip: Download the app ahead of time so you can have immediate access during an emergency. You can download that app from:

Communication campaign

Together with Safety Region South Limburg and the other South Limburg municipalities, we raise awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness through social media, posters, flyers, articles and meetings. We also provide practical tips. Together, we ensure that everyone is better prepared for an emergency.

Learn more

Still have questions? Take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.
You can also find more information on the website Zuid-Limburg veilig The national campaign denkvooruit also offers many practical tips.

Preparing for an emergency: possible questions

General

Why should I be able to manage during the first 72 hours of an emergency?

During a disaster or crisis, such as a flood or widespread power outage, it can take a while for emergency services to get to everyone. Their first Health goes to life-threatening situations. If you can save yourself with food, drink, warmth and light, you are not only helping yourself, but also your neighbors, family and the people who really need it.

Is it excessive to prepare for this?

No. Outages, floods or cyber attacks really do happen. Think of the 2021 flood or the major power outage in Spain this spring. Being prepared gives peace of mind and direction when something happens and also helps your environment.

What is the minimum I need to manage myself for 72 hours without power or outside help?

Putting together an emergency kit is often easier than you think. You probably already have most of the items.

  • Bottles of water. Consider 3 liters per person per day.
  • Food that has a long shelf life, such as nuts, canned vegetables and dried fruit.
  • Stay informed via battery-powered radio and mobile with power bank.
  • Flashlight with extra batteries, candles and matches.
  • First aid kit with instructions for use.
  • Blankets to stay warm.
  • Whistle to let emergency services know where you are.
  • Cash.
  • Tools, such as hammer, saw and cutters.
  • Disinfectant gel, toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitary napkins, toothpaste and toothbrush.
  • Copies of identification documents and a list of important phone numbers.
  • Spare keys to house and car.

Depending on your situation: medicine, baby or pet food or other items.
You don't have to buy everything at once. Look at what you already have and add to it step by step. Check every six months to make sure everything is still complete and shelf life.

Store items in a convenient, easily accessible place. Put a bag in this spot, too, for when you suddenly have to leave your house. In it you can easily carry things with you. Think for example of your keys, ID and cash.

Responsibility

What does the government do and what is my own role?

The government coordinates help and supports the most vulnerable. But in major incidents, not everyone can be helped immediately. That is why self-reliance is important: together we make South Limburg safer.

Drinking water and medical devices

How do I Health for sufficient drinking water when the tap stops working?

Always keep a supply of bottled water for at least three days (3 liters per person per day). If necessary, you can fill jerry cans. With a water filter or purification tablets, for example, you can make rainwater safe to drink.

What if I use medical devices that run on electricity?

Discuss this in advance with your doctor or pharmacy. If you have a device that operates continuously (such as oxygen), check with your municipality or health care provider about emergency supplies or priority assistance.

Stock and preparation

What do I do when the supermarket is closed or empty?

Health for storable foods that you can eat or prepare without power: canned goods, crackers, peanut butter, jam, cereal, energy bars and nuts. Have a baby? Health for food and diapers to stock up on.

How do I prepare children or the elderly in the home?

Explain simply what can happen and practice together what you do. Make an emergency plan with clear descriptions and tasks. Health that children know where the flashlight and first aid kit are. For the elderly: Health that medications and aids are readily accessible.

What can I do right now to be prepared?

  • Download NL Alert and the Zuidlimburgveilig app
  • Put together an emergency package
  • Make an emergency plan and practice it
  • Try cooking without electricity
  • Live a few hours without power and discover what you're up against

Information and communication

How do I stay informed when phone, Internet and TV are down?

In case of a power failure, internet and telephony are down after a few hours. In the first hours you can sometimes still receive NL Alerts. After that you stay informed via:

  • L1, the regional disaster broadcaster
  • NPO Radio 1, the national disaster channel
  • The Zuidlimburgveilig app (also works offline after downloading)
  • The offline information from the safety region and/or from your municipality

Use a battery-powered, solar-powered or dynamo-powered radio. A car radio will also work as long as you can start it.

Are emergency services accessible during a power outage?

Yes. For emergency, always call 911. The safety region will switch to emergency facilities if necessary.

What if my phone battery is dead?

Health for a charged power bank so you can charge your phone without a plug. Use your phone as economically as possible: send messages rather than make calls. Seek information via radio or the app.

How do I know if my neighbors or relatives are okay?

Check with your neighbors, especially the elderly or people who need Health . Agree in advance on a meeting place or contact person. Write down important phone numbers on paper.

Where do I report that someone needs help?

Call 911 only in life-threatening situations.

How do I know if information is reliable?

Trust only official channels:

  • NL Alert
  • L1
  • NPO Radio 1
  • Zuidlimburgveilig app
  • Municipal and Rijksoverheid

What communication channels can I already follow?

Follow South Limburg Safety Region and your municipality on social media. Install the apps NL Alert and Zuidlimburgveilig.

Emergency Plan

Can I make an emergency plan for my family?

Certainly, this is a very good idea. Discuss with your family or roommates what is important to know in your home and what you will do if the power goes out for an extended period of time, or some other emergency happens. And document the arrangements. 

  • Where are flashlights and candles?
  • Where is our emergency kit?
  • Can we open our gates or shutters without power?
  • Where do we meet when contact fails?
  • Who does what, such as picking up the children, taking care of the animals, etc.
  • What do we agree on when we are not home: who picks up the children, where do you gather?