Of the respondents to the statement, 45 percent do not think it is right that the government is calling on Dutch people to purchase an emergency package. This compares to 36 percent of participants who think it is good. One participant finds it difficult to assess the situation: “Is it scaremongering or is something actually going on? More transparency would be appropriate.” To anyone else it’s obvious, it’s ‘fear mongering’. “What does the government plan to do with us?” this reader wonders. Another person who thinks it is ‘nonsense’: “It is unnecessary scaremongering that is now being commercially exploited. Just some extra bottles of water and easy, nutritious food and you will get through those 72 hours.”
This booklet about emergency situations will soon be delivered to 8.5 million Dutch people: ‘So you don’t have to hoard’
Emergency packages can easily be paid for with taxpayers’ money, says one voter: “The government receives enough money to provide everyone with an emergency package. It should do this, especially because the government has had no foresight.”
A booklet will soon be distributed with practical tips on how to survive the first 72 hours if something serious happens. Readers are divided on how useful this is. One proponent: “I think the government is doing a good job of preparing as it is now, with a brochure. Then everyone has to decide for themselves what to do. I have looked several times, but I already have everything that is in the emergency package at home.” Someone who disagrees: “We are being ‘manipulated’ en masse again. Fortunately, I can think for myself and take care of myself. People should start sending that book back en masse, because we don’t want that.”
Just under half of respondents believe that elderly people should have an emergency package delivered to their home. That is a government duty, says one voter. “The government must help the elderly and vulnerable citizens and not leave those citizens out in the cold. So politicians in The Hague, do something about that.” Someone else thinks that the elderly do not need extra help: “I think it’s scaremongering so far. Just make sure you have something in stock and most elderly people always have supplies. They can get by, but what about people with babies or very sick people?”
When asked whether stores should offer ready-made emergency kits, readers also give mixed answers: 44 percent think so and 43 percent think not. Participants especially do not want supermarkets, for example, to become ‘filthy rich’. “The retailers are already smelling extra income,” it sounds.
About a fifth of voters already have an emergency package at home, about 30 percent are still putting it together and 46 percent find it ‘unnecessary’. A participant shares a few tips: “You don’t have to buy everything at once. Buy non-perishable food when it is on sale. Buy a radio with your family and agree on how you can help each other. A fleece blanket doesn’t cost much. This way you can put together an emergency kit with a little creativity and for not too much money.”