Stay safe for 72 hours during emergencies

In the event of a disaster or crisis, such as a major power outage or flood, emergency services will first focus on life-threatening situations. Health that you can safely get through at least 72 hours with food, drink, warmth, and light. 

This way, you're not only helping 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)

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

  • Bottled water: 3 liters per person per day;
  • Foods with a long shelf life, such as nuts, canned vegetables, and dried fruit;
  • Communication devices: battery-powered radio and cell phone with power bank
    The emergency radio station in South Limburg broadcasts on 95.3 FM in case of emergencies.
  • 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: 70 euros per adult, 30 euros per child;
  • Tools, such as a hammer, saw, and wire cutters;
  • Disinfectant gel, toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitary pads, toothpaste, and toothbrush;
  • Copies of identification documents and a list of important telephone numbers;
  • Spare keys to house and car.
  • Backpack or large bag: to take stuff with you if you have to leave your home

Depending on your situation: medication, baby or pet food, or other items.
You don't have to buy everything at once. Take stock of what you already have at home and add to your emergency kit step by step. Check every six months to make sure everything is still complete and within its use-by date.

Keep these items in a convenient, easily accessible place. Also keep the bag in this place, in case you suddenly have to leave your home. You can easily take items with you in this bag. Think, for example, of your keys, ID, and cash.

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: 

  • Where are the flashlights, candles, and matches?
  • Where are the items from the emergency kit?
  • How do you open gates or shutters without power?
  • Where do we meet when contact fails?
  • Who will pick up the children and/or take care of the animals?
  • What arrangements do you make about needy neighbors or relatives?
  • What do we agree on when we're not at home, where do you gather?
     

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:

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

General

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

In the event of a disaster or crisis, such as a flood or large-scale power outage, it may take some time before emergency services can reach everyone. Their first Health life-threatening situations. If you have an emergency kit and can take care of yourself with food, drink, warmth, and light, you will not only be helping yourself, but also your neighbors, family, and those 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.

Emergency Plan

Can I make an emergency plan for my family?

Certainly, that is a very good idea. Discuss with your family or housemates what is important to know in your home and what you will do if there is a prolonged power outage or if another emergency occurs. And record the agreements in a document. 

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

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.

Where can I go for help during an emergency?

You can then go to an emergency support center in your area. 

An emergency support center is a place where the municipality, safety region, emergency services, and local residents work together during prolonged emergencies. You can get information and ask for help if you really need it. If you have run out of food, drink, or medicine, they will know where you can go. 

The municipality of Kerkrade has designated four locations as emergency support centers. These centers are an important link in providing assistance to residents when regular services are unavailable due to, for example, prolonged power outages or cyber disruptions: 

  1. North District: Socio Project Eygelshoven – Terbruggen 16, 6471 JV Eygelshoven
  2. West District: Community Center 't Westhoes – Anemonenstraat 16, 6466 SZ Kerkrade
  3. East District: Community Center 't Patronaat – Ursulastraat 232, 6462 TZ Kerkrade
  4. East/Center District: Vie Kerkrade – Vieboulevard 21, 6461 ND Kerkrade

What is the government doing and what do I need to do myself?

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.

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 the car.

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.