News item | 17-11-2025 | 6:30 PM
An emergency is an unexpected event that disrupts daily life. Think of a major power outage, digital attack or flooding due to a lot of rain. In an emergency situation, things suddenly no longer work as we are used to. For example, there is no electricity, no water comes from the tap or the internet does not work. It is often unclear how long an emergency will last. We can all face emergencies. That is why outgoing Minister Van Oosten (JenV) today, on behalf of the cabinet, presented the Information Booklet ‘Prepare for an emergency’. As part of the Think Ahead campaign, more than 8.5 million households will receive the information booklet at home between November 25 and January 10, 2026. With practical tips and examples, the information booklet helps to ensure that you can save yourself in the first 72 hours in the event of an emergency.
An emergency often occurs unexpectedly and can take a long time to resolve. We also saw this earlier this year during a major power outage in Spain and Portugal. You immediately saw people hoarding in supermarkets.
East Minister of Justice and Security: “This situation shows how vulnerable we can be and how important good preparation is, so that you do not have to panic or hoard. I call on everyone: think ahead. With the information booklet we want to ensure that all Dutch people can properly prepare for an emergency. Know what to do, where to go, how to get information. Use this brochure to prepare and keep it in a handy place in your home if it is ever necessary.”
The information booklet is part of the multi-year Think Ahead campaign, which helps people to prepare as best as possible for 72 hours without water, electricity or internet. Because in the first 72 hours of an emergency, the government and emergency services are where they are needed most. They do this to quickly get the crisis under control and get people to safety. They can’t be everywhere at once. As a result, most people have to rely on themselves for the first 72 hours. The information booklet helps people to prepare. The following 3 steps are central:
- Step 1: Put together an emergency kit
With an emergency kit you are well prepared to survive at home for the first 72 hours of an emergency. Putting together an emergency kit is easier than you think. You may already have some items at home: candles, non-perishable food, a flashlight with batteries, a power bank, a small first aid kit or a blanket. But is it enough for 72 hours? Look carefully at your own situation and what extra you need: think of baby food, medicine or food for your pet. You can easily put together an emergency kit with the list in the information booklet. Is collecting an emergency kit not possible on your own? Then you can also put together an emergency package together with family, your neighbors or people in the area. - Step 2: Make an emergency plan
An emergency is difficult to predict. That is why it is good if you have thought in advance about what you will do in an emergency. This is possible with an emergency plan. It contains clear agreements with the people around you about what you do. For example, how you can reach each other, where you meet, who picks up the children from school and who needs extra help. The information booklet contains a separate card on which you can fill in the agreements in your emergency plan. There is also an example of what you can do if you are without power for 72 hours. - Step 3: Talk to each other and help each other
People may be unsure or anxious about the thought of an emergency. Or someone needs help preparing. By talking to each other, you hear how others deal with it and you can help each other. Maybe someone hasn’t thought about what to do yet and you can help them get started. Or maybe you don’t know where to start and it helps if someone thinks along with you. The information booklet contains questions that you can use to talk to others. Like what did you prepare for? Do you need help? And what are you worried about?
Do you have any questions about the contents of the information booklet? Then look up Denkvooruit.nl/question-en-answer.
Information booklet available online and in several languages
In addition to the paper version that all Dutch people receive in their letterbox, it can also be read on Denkvooruit.nl/informatieboek. On Denkvooruit.nl/translations From November 25, the information booklet will also be available in other languages, such as English, German, Polish, French, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese and Spanish. There are also versions in Dutch sign language and in easy language.
The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) coordinates the Think Ahead campaign. The NCTV collaborates in the campaign with national, regional and local governments, the business community and social partners.