Danes prepare for potential crisis

Copenhagen, DENMARK – In the last few months, authorities in Denmark have asked for people to prepare for an unspecific ‘crisis.’
In June the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) put out a statement saying the Danish public need to prepare three days’ worth of supplies – like food, water and medication – for a crisis.
In a published statement DEMA said that the risk and threat picture has intensified in Europe. Potential threats include extreme weather and man-made incidents such as cyber-attacks and sabotage have challenged the political safety situation in Europe.
“Fortunately, Denmark is a safe and secure society. But with the development of the risk and threat picture, it is also clear that situations may arise where the authorities cannot help everyone at the same time,” said DEMA Director Laila Reenberg in the published statement.
“If you are prepared, it benefits you, your loved ones and society,” the statement said, as it allows the emergency services to concentrate on their efforts of helping those most in need, said DEMA.
In Denmark, everyone over age 15 has a personal electronic account that public authorities use to send secure information.
In September, DEMA sent information via this secure government email system to people over 18 that explained what they need to do to prepare.
In addition, 300,000 copies were distributed to libraries, citizen service and similar locations according to DEMA.
In its document to all Danish residents, DEMA said they should have:
• Food for three days with a long shelf life that is easy to prepare
• 3 liters water per person per day
• Necessary medicines for the household
• First aid kit
• Iodine tablets for people under 40 as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Nappies, sanitary pads or tampons or anything else relevant to your household
• Blankets, duvets and warm clothes
• Power bank or battery pack for your mobile phone
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Physical credit cards (remember PIN) and cash in coins and small denomination notes in case paying by phone isn’t an option
• Candles and matches if needed
• Battery-operated/wind-up/solar-powered FM radio (or your car radio may suffice).

DEMA also recommended that residents ask themselves the following questions:
• Are there children or elderly people in the household?
• Do you live in a location exposed to e.g. flooding?
• Do you have alternative transport options in the event of flooding, for example?
• Can you help or get help from family, neighbors and friends?

War is not mentioned because the Danish Defense Intelligence Service assessed no direct military threat to Denmark, according to DEMA’s published statement.
Iodine tablets are mentioned, as DEMA assesses that the risk of nuclear accident that could affect Denmark is low, but if it was to occur then people under 40 years old and breastfeeding women need to take the tablets. DEMA cautioned, however, that people must wait until authorities recommend taking the iodine tablets rather than deciding for yourself.
Artist Annelise Pio, who is a painter, said she is prepared, and already had some of the recommended things on hand.
She said it’s important to keep an eye on expiration dates of things stashed away for an emergency.
The government should help the vulnerable in society, Pio said.
Besides supplying the information in Danish, DEMA also provided it in multiple languages including Arabic, Bosnian, German, Turkish and English.
Noah Haynes is a Senior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.