Netherlands launches 'Denk Vooruit' emergency preparedness campaign

The 'Denk Vooruit' (Think Ahead) campaign is traveling across the Netherlands to educate citizens on emergency preparedness. The initiative uses a mobile information bus to engage the public in discussions regarding how to handle situations where essential services, such as electricity, water, internet, or digital payment systems, become unavailable.

In locations like Helmond and Middelburg, teams are interacting with residents to encourage self-reliance for at least 72 hours. Discussions focus on practical measures, such as assembling emergency kits containing water, cash, and batteries, as well as making social arrangements, such as determining meeting points for family members during a crisis.

A survey conducted by Ipsos I&O for the NCTV indicated that while approximately 40% of Dutch citizens have taken steps to prepare for emergencies, more than half have not yet taken any action. The campaign aims to address this gap by providing information and tools to help individuals and municipalities prepare for potential disruptions.