Dutch see the chance of an emergency increasing, some are preparing

Minister Foort van Oosten van Justitie en Veiligheid: “Due to geopolitical developments, but also due to increasingly extreme weather, we live in an unpredictable time. It is therefore important that everyone can take care of themselves for 72 hours if vital supplies fail and help is delayed. Ask yourself: am I prepared for 72 hours without daily supplies? 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.”

Most Dutch people expect the government to provide sufficient water (69%) and food (61%) for everyone in an emergency, according to the research. In an emergency, such as a 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 help and disseminate current information.

• A portion of the Dutch population is prepared for an emergency. For example, 31% have an emergency kit at home, 18% have an emergency plan, and 17% have made arrangements with family about where to meet if they cannot reach each other for a few days.
• If there is no water from the tap for 3 days, 32% have enough water at home.
• 58% expect to be able to cope if the power is out for 72 hours. However, only 44% can cook without electricity.
• If there is a prolonged card payment failure, 54% have enough cash at home.
• 43% have a battery-operated radio.

On Denkvooruit.nl there are concrete action perspectives for residents to prepare for an emergency. Those who prepare well can help themselves and others when needed. The website also provides explanations about the risks in the Netherlands.

This autumn, a Think Ahead campaign will also start to inform citizens about how to prepare for 72 hours without power, water, or internet. The focus is on: make an emergency kit, create an emergency plan, and communicate 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.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and Security, the research agency Markteffect conducted research on how the Dutch view emergencies and their preparations for them. A total of 1000 respondents aged 18 and older participated in the quantitative online research. The fieldwork was conducted between September 25 and 30, 2025.

You can download the research below.