Are you prepared?
We live in a time characterized by greater uncertainty than before. Extreme weather, technical failures, pandemics, cyberattacks, and international conflicts can affect our society in ways we do not always foresee.Although Norway is a safe country, unexpected events can make important services unavailable for a period.
Personal preparedness provides security
By being a little prepared, you not only contribute to increased safety for yourself and those around you. You also enable the authorities to prioritize help for those who need it most in a crisis situation.
Arrange in advance – have an emergency buddyFeel free to talk to a fellow student, neighbor, or friend about how you can help each other in a crisis. DSB calls this having an emergency buddy. Such an agreement can make the situation both safer and less stressful.
Build a small supplyYou don't need a large budget or a lot of space to be prepared, but there are some things it is wise to have at home. See the list below. Do you have little space? Put a small "emergency" box under the bed, in the closet, or in the storage room – a little is better than nothing.
Smart to have at home:
- Clean drinking water in bottles or containers
- Food that can be stored at room temperature, such as crispbread and canned goods
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- A fully charged power bank
- Warm clothing, blankets or a sleeping bag
- Matches and candles
- Hygiene items such as toilet paper
- Some cash
- Important phone numbers written down on paper
Prepare yourself and think things throughHave you thought about what you would do if the power went out for several days? The mobile phone doesn't work. The internet is gone. You can't send messages, use Vipps, or check the news. How do you get water, food, or important information?With a few simple preparations, it will be easier to get important information and stay in touch with others if the mobile network or internet goes down.
How to prepare for power and internet outages
🔋 Keep equipment chargedMake sure to have a charged power bank, extra batteries, and enough power on your mobile and other important equipment.
📞 Keep important phone numbers on paper If your mobile doesn't work or you need to borrow a phone, it's useful to have necessary numbers easily accessible.
🏢 Find out how your municipality provides informationMany municipalities have information points where residents can get updates in case of mobile network and internet outages.
✅ Use reliable sources of informationFollow information from authorities and editor-controlled media, and be critical of information that is shared.
📶 Know the communication alternativesCheck if your phone supports Wi-Fi calling, and which apps you can use for calls and messages if the mobile network is unstable.
🤝 Create an emergency plan with othersAgree on how you will stay in touch and where you will meet if you can't reach each other. Feel free to share equipment and help each other when needed.
📡 Consider access to multiple mobile networksFamily or friends with a subscription from another mobile operator can provide extra security if one network goes down.
📻 Have a DAB radio availableA battery-powered, solar-powered, or crank-powered DAB radio allows you to receive important information even if the power and internet are out. NRK P1 is the emergency channel in Norway.
– There are many examples of the internet going down for shorter or slightly longer periods. It happens. We simply have to be prepared.
Tore Kamfjord, Director of Personal Preparedness at DSB
Want to learn more?
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has more simple advice on personal preparedness.Thank you for contributing to preparedness in Norway!
