News item | 09-10-2025 | 08:00
6 in 10 Dutch people believe that the risk of an emergency has increased in the past year. They are also more concerned about emergency situations, such as a major power outage, extreme weather or a cyber attack. Currently, 3 in 10 Dutch people say they are prepared, for example with an emergency package and emergency plan, according to research by research agency Markteffect on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Security.
“Due to geopolitical developments, but also due to increasingly extreme weather, we live in unpredictable times. It is therefore important that everyone can save themselves for 72 hours if vital facilities fail and help takes longer to arrive. Ask yourself: am I prepared for a 72-hour failure of daily facilities? In the coming period we will pay extra attention to this subject, so that everyone in the Netherlands knows what they can do to prepare,” said the outgoing minister. Fort van Oosten of Justice and Security.
Help may take longer during the first 72 hours
Most Dutch people expect the government to provide sufficient water (69%) and food (61%) for everyone in the event of an emergency, the survey shows. In the event of an emergency, such as the prolonged power outage in large parts of the country, people must be able to take care of themselves and each other at home for the first 72 hours. Emergency services cannot be everywhere at the same time. An emergency can also last longer than 72 hours. But during that time, the government can better organize aid and distribute up-to-date information.
Preparations are partly done, but not for everyone
- Some Dutch people are prepared for an emergency. For example, 31% have an emergency kit at home, 18% have an emergency plan and 17% have made agreements with family about where they will meet if they cannot reach each other for a few days.
- If there is no water from the tap for three days, 32% have enough water in their home.
- 58% expect to be able to survive if the power goes out for 72 hours. Yet only 44% can cook without electricity.
- If there is a prolonged PIN failure, 54% have sufficient cash at home.
- 43% have a battery-powered radio.
Think ahead: are you well prepared?
On www.denkvooruit.nl there are concrete action perspectives for residents to prepare for an emergency. Those who prepare well can help themselves and others when necessary. The website also provides an explanation of what risks there are in the Netherlands.
This autumn, a Think Ahead campaign will also start that informs citizens about how they can prepare for 72 hours without electricity, water or internet. Focus: make an emergency package, make an emergency plan and talk to each other and help each other. The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) coordinates the Think Ahead campaign. The NCTV does this together with national, regional and local governments, the business community and social partners.
*About the research
On behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Security, research agency Markteffect conducted research into how Dutch people view emergency situations and their preparations for them. 1,000 respondents aged 18 years and older participated in the quantitative online survey. The fieldwork was carried out between September 25 and 30, 2025.
You can download the research below.