Emergency support pilot exercise scheduled in Farmsum

The municipalities of Eemsdelta and Westerkwartier, in collaboration with the Groningen Safety Region, are conducting a pilot program to test Emergency Support Points (Noodsteunpunten). On Saturday, November 14, 2026, an exercise will take place at the Stichting Aeolus community center in Farmsum from 09:00 to 12:00.

The drill simulates a major power outage lasting 72 hours, during which residents would lack electricity, internet, and telephone services. The exercise aims to test how these support points function in providing information, handling requests for help, and reporting emergencies during a crisis. The Red Cross and the Royal Netherlands Army are participating in the drill.

This initiative is part of a nationwide pilot involving all safety regions in the Netherlands to investigate the effectiveness of Emergency Support Points. A national advisory regarding these points is expected in early 2027.