Dutch emergency campaign urges plans beyond a supply kit

The Dutch government announced on 12 October 2026 that it was launching a new Denk vooruit (“Think ahead”) campaign, urging people to make plans for emergencies as well as assemble an emergency kit. According to the government, it focuses on practical questions: who could collect children if extreme weather prevented a parent getting home, and who might need help if a lift stopped working? [1]

The government says a newly published NCTV risk and crisis survey found that more than half of Dutch people worry about disruptions to essential services such as electricity, water or internet. According to the government, the survey also found that more than four in ten had taken some action to prepare for 72 hours without those services, such as putting together a kit or making arrangements with family or neighbours. That figure measures steps taken, not whether people could manage for the full 72 hours. [1]

Preparations mentioned in the government announcement include arranging childcare, keeping cash for emergencies and tuning an emergency radio. The Dutch government advises people to assemble an emergency kit, make an emergency plan and discuss their preparations with others. It says the campaign will visit dozens of municipalities this week, with messages also planned for digital displays, social media, radio and television. [1]