Denmark preparedness expert urges citizens to prepare for potential crises

Emergency preparedness expert Lene Sandberg warns that fewer than half of Danes are prepared to manage independently for three days during a crisis. Sandberg, a researcher in emergency management and societal security, notes that many citizens have become accustomed to relying on immediate state assistance, which can overwhelm authorities during significant disruptions.

Potential threats include cyberattacks or infrastructure breakdowns caused by foreign powers or other capable actors. The Danish Defense Intelligence Service has noted a rising probability of minor military actions by Russia against a NATO member, and national risk assessments include various scenarios where Denmark could face systemic disruptions.

In addition to human needs, animal welfare organizations like Dyreværnet are urging pet owners to include animals in their emergency planning. While official guidelines suggest three days of self-sufficiency for humans, Dyreværnet recommends maintaining a 7 to 14-day supply of food, water, and medicine for pets, as there is no public emergency response specifically for animals during prolonged power, water, or transport outages.