General information about self-preparedness and the advice
What exactly should we prepare for?
We should prepare to fend for ourselves for a week – even without electricity, water, sewage, internet, mobile networks or payment solutions that work as normal.
Although most things work well in Norway, various crises can lead to all these services that we take for granted being lost for shorter or longer periods. Such crises can include extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage and, in the worst case, acts of war.
Isn't it the government's responsibility to take care of me in a crisis?
In a crisis or war, people must be prepared for the fact that not everything will work as normal. The help will first go to those who need it most.
The authorities will do everything they can to improve the situation as soon as possible. There are plans in place to deal with various incidents.
Emergency preparedness in Norway is based on everyone taking responsibility and contributing – this includes authorities, organisations, businesses and private individuals.
Why is self-preparedness important to me?
There are two reasons for that.
Firstly, because you and your loved ones will be better prepared for everything from small incidents to major crises.
Second, by being prepared, you help authorities prioritize those who need the most help.
What is the most important thing I should get?
Drinking water and a plan to keep warm.
We recommend 20 liters of water per person.
To keep warm, you should preferably have alternative heating to electricity, or an emergency friend who has one.
I have a health condition that means that I cannot manage on my own without help. What should I do?
If you receive health services where you live, you will also get help in a crisis. However, it may take longer than you are used to. Therefore, you should plan to fend for yourself for as long as you can. Talk to relatives and other networks to clarify what you need help with, and how quickly you need it.
Who is it that has made these self-preparedness advice?
It is the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB) that has compiled and published the advice.
The advice is also anchored in various professional authorities. For example, the advice on medicines and first aid comes from the Directorate for Medical Products and the Directorate of Health.
Why one week? After all, not all crises and wars are over so quickly.
That's right – many different crises last longer.
When we recommend everyone who has the opportunity to be prepared to fend for themselves for a week, it is about three things.
Firstly, it is rare for critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, sewage, internet and mobile networks to be lost for longer than a week.
Secondly, one week of preparedness gives you, your loved ones and the authorities some time to plan the way forward in the event of long-term and serious crises.
Thirdly, one week's preparedness is something that is realistic to achieve for a large proportion of the population. For many, it can seem challenging enough with one week. For those who want to be prepared for longer, that's of course just good.
Shouldn't we also grow our own food?
It is good if people want to strengthen their self-preparedness by growing more of their food themselves.
In our self-preparedness advice, we have tried to point out relatively simple measures that as many people as possible can follow. There we list a number of examples to meet different needs, such as heat, water and food. However, this does not mean that this list is exhaustive, or a definitive one. The most important thing is that as many people as possible take measures to fend for themselves for a week.
When should I go to a shelter?
Where it is wise to stay in a crisis depends entirely on what has happened. The most important thing is to seek information and follow the authorities' advice and guidelines.
In the event of acts of war, a warning may be given to seek cover. If there are no shelters in the immediate vicinity, you should seek shelter in the basement or room in the middle of the building, and avoid windows. Read more about shelters in Norway.
In Norway, the authorities warn through emergency warnings on mobile phones, warning systems and the emergency channel NRK P1, among other things. Read more about emergency warning in crises.
What is the point of an emergency friend?
It can be challenging to plan self-preparedness for a week. Family, friends and neighbours can help each other and work together on good solutions.
Examples of things emergency friends can help each other with:
- First aid for injuries
- Care and support
- Accommodation and accommodation in the event of evacuation from one's own home
- Translation and explanation of government information
- Practical help with the use of equipment and tools
- Purchasing, carrying and transport
- exchange or exchange loan of equipment and goods
- borrowing a mobile phone that is connected to a network other than yours
- Communal cooking
Read more about joint self-preparedness.
I can't afford to get my own emergency stock – what do I do?
Self-preparedness does not have to be expensive. The most important thing is to have drinking water and a plan to keep warm.
An emergency friend is free. Find out who you can travel to if there is a prolonged power outage.
Drinking water: Our recommendation is 20 liters per person.
Self-preparedness is not just about food, water and equipment. It is also about knowledge and networks. Perhaps you have the experience and knowledge that allows you to help others in a crisis?
I have not received the brochure that was sent in the mail in the autumn of 2024. How do I get it?
The brochure is available on DSB's website in 32 different languages.
If you want a physical copy in Norwegian or English, you can send an order to .
Equipment, products and storage
I don't have space to store emergency equipment. What should we who live in small apartments do?
Self-preparedness does not have to take up so much space. Moreover, not everyone needs to have everything themselves. Family, friends and neighbours can help each other and work together on good solutions.
The most important thing is to have drinking water and a plan to keep warm.
If you do not have alternative heating: Find out who you can travel to if there is a prolonged power outage. That agreement should be made in advance, and not when the power outage has occurred.
Drinking water: Our recommendation is 20 liters per person. It is often easier to find space for a few small containers than for one large one. If it is completely impossible to find space for 20 liters, it is much better to store 5 or 10 liters than nothing.
How much cash should I have?
Cash is one of several measures Norges Bank recommends to be prepared if something happens to the payment systems. Other measures are to have several payment cards and accounts in different banks.
There is no definitive answer to how much cash you should have. It depends, among other things, on how many people there are in your household, and how good your self-preparedness is in your own home. It may be a good idea to have cash in slightly different denominations.
Is it stupid to have an electric car in a crisis?
In the event of long-term power outages, there is a lot in society that will not work as we are used to. It will not be possible to charge the electric car. At the same time, petrol and diesel pumps also need electricity to function.
From a contingency perspective, it would therefore be a good idea to have plenty of power in the battery (if you have an electric car), or fuel in the tank (if you have a fossil car). But the most important thing is to have good self-preparedness, so that you can manage in your own home for a few days.
Why do I need a DAB radio?
NRK P1 is the emergency channel that will ensure information to the public, even if other news media and public websites are not available. NRK P1 broadcasts on DAB. Therefore, we recommend having a DAB radio that runs on batteries, cranks or solar cells.
More about information and communication in crises.
Where can you buy what DSB recommends?
DSB does not recommend any specific products, but gives examples of things that are a good idea to have at home. However, these things will vary from household to household. And not everyone needs to have everything. Friends, family and neighbours can work together on self-preparedness.
Much of what you need for self-preparedness is sold in grocery stores, pharmacies or retail chains that have a wide range of products in categories such as household and outdoor use. There are also many ready-made emergency kits online.
DSB does not sell any emergency products.
I don't have a wood-burning stove. What do I do to keep warm if the power goes out?
A good tip is to get an emergency friend. Find out who you can travel to if there is a prolonged power outage. That agreement should be made in advance, and not when the power outage has occurred.
There are also gas or paraffin stoves that are intended for indoor use.
When using alternative heat sources, it is always important to keep fire safety in mind.
I am dependent on medication, but do not get a prescription for longer periods. What should I do?
Have at least a seven-day extra supply of medicines and medical equipment that you use regularly. Create a routine where you pick up a new supply no later than a week before you run out. Talk to your doctor if you need anything beyond that.