No power. No phone. No internet. No working fridge. No card payment. No public transport. And that for three days. What would you do? The Municipality of Amsterdam is preparing for such a scenario: 72 hours without electricity.
We do this together with the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (VrAA), and with the help of residents.
Why this preparation?
The world is changing rapidly. Major disruptions, such as a cyber attack, extreme weather, or a prolonged power outage, are occurring more frequently and can seriously disrupt daily life. Therefore, the government has asked all safety regions and municipalities to prepare for this. The national campaign Think Ahead emphasizes how important this is.
Amsterdam is also preparing, because in a major crisis, facilities may temporarily become unavailable, and emergency services may not be available everywhere at the same time. In such a situation, you are initially on your own. It is therefore important to be prepared as a resident as well. With a few simple steps, you can increase your own safety and help others if necessary.
Put together an emergency kit and think about what preparations you can make
The better prepared you are, the better you can help yourself and others. Start with an emergency kit. You probably already have many items at home: a flashlight, bottles of water, or a battery-operated radio.
Also, make arrangements with your loved ones and neighbors to ensure everyone is safe. What will you do in case of emergency? And where are important items? How can you reach each other? And who needs help? Look out for each other.
Sign up as a volunteer
Do you want to help as a volunteer during a crisis? Then sign up with Ready2Help from the Red Cross. This is a network of people who can be called upon when extra hands are needed. If you are called, you can still indicate whether it suits you.
What happens behind the scenes?
The municipality and emergency services ensure that crucial tasks continue even during a crisis. Think of paying out benefits, operating locks, arranging funerals, providing assistance, and making important decisions.
In addition, Amsterdam is in talks with vital partners, such as care institutions and utility companies, so that they can continue their work during a prolonged power outage.
Where can you go during a prolonged power outage?
If electricity and communication fail, there must be places where people can go for help and information. Therefore, the city is working on a network of local information and emergency support points. We are investigating which locations are suitable for this.
Based on a trial that the VrAA will conduct this autumn, and depending on financial support from the government, the municipality and safety region will gradually set up these support points.
Good preparation
The municipality and the safety region are working closely together to be well prepared for emergencies. More and more organizations and residents are being involved.
“In the best case, we only take these measures for precaution,” writes Mayor Femke Halsema to the city council. “But we cannot afford to be passive. Not out of fear, but from a conscious and sensible choice to stand stronger together if something happens.”
More information
The national government is expanding the Think Ahead campaign this autumn. On the website you will find practical tips to get started yourself. With a few simple steps, you can already make a big difference.