Dutch Government Warns Citizens To Prepare For 72 Hours Without Power Or Water

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

AMSTERDAM (Worthy News) – The Dutch government has launched a campaign to prepare citizens for 72 hours without power, water, and food amid concerns the Netherlands may be targeted by Russia and its allies.

“Geopolitical tensions and climate change are increasing the risk of national emergencies,” the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) stated.

Therefore, the government launched a “Think Ahead” program on the first of November across television, radio, and online platforms to raise awareness.

The campaign, ridiculed by critics, has been coordinated by the NCTV.

It guides the Dutch people through assembling an emergency kit, including an emergency radio and water, creating a household emergency plan, and communicating and cooperating with others.

GOVERNMENT SAYS PUBLIC MUST BE SELF-RELIANT

In an emergency, the government and emergency services are deployed where they are needed most to ensure public safety. “But they cannot be everywhere at once. Most people will have to rely on themselves during the first 72 hours,” the NCTV warned.

“Every day we rely on basic utilities such as electricity and running water,” said Caretaker Justice and Security Minister Van Oosten. “But what would you do if the power suddenly went out and the taps ran dry for days?” He added that “an emergency kit, a plan, or even a conversation with your family or neighbors can bring calm during a crisis.”

The third step, “talk and support each other,” is based on the idea that those who are prepared can help those in need.

A recent government-commissioned survey showed that while 60 percent of respondents believe an emergency is inevitable, fewer than 30 percent feel prepared.

Regional and local governments, private companies, and social organizations are supporting the rollout, the NCTV said.

CRITICS WARN CAMPAIGN MAY ‘SOW FEAR’

However, the plan has drawn criticism from commentators who claim the government is shifting responsibility for crisis response onto citizens.

Dutch historian and columnist Han van der Horst argued in an op-ed for the BNNVARA platform Joop.nl that the “Think Ahead” campaign “sows fear” while offering only “frivolous” advice for surviving a large-scale emergency.

He suggested the government’s brochure gives the impression that a small emergency kit is enough, while households would actually need sustained access to food, water, heating, and safe cooking fuel if vital infrastructure failed.

Van der Horst said the initiative risks “leaving citizens on their own” during the crucial first days of a national crisis.

Public responses on Dutch media platforms also reflect skepticism, with some residents questioning the affordability of emergency supplies and others asking whether the campaign signals that authorities expect significant disruptions to the national grid or water networks.

GROWING FEARS OF HYBRID THREATS

The government launched the preparedness plan after several European intelligence agencies warned that Russia and aligned cyber actors continue probing critical infrastructure, including electricity, water, and telecommunications networks.

Dutch officials confirmed that hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns, and foreign probing of digital systems have intensified since the full-scale war in Ukraine.

Authorities also cited the increased likelihood of severe weather events — such as flooding or storms — that could cut off tens of thousands of households from essential services.

More than eight million Dutch households are expected to receive an emergency preparedness guide with practical instructions from late 2025 into early 2026.

Officials stress the plan is not a cause for panic but a practical measure. “Crises can happen anytime,” the NCTV said. “Being ready is the best way to protect yourself and help others.”

DRONE SIGHTINGS NEAR MILITARY SITES ADD TO ALARM

The campaign comes amid recent drone sightings near Dutch airports and military installations.

Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport was temporarily halted after drones were spotted entering restricted airspace, while the military said it opened fire at unidentified drones over Volkel Air Base, where U.S. nuclear weapons are long believed to be stored under NATO arrangements.

The drones disappeared from sight, and their origin remains unknown, prompting the Netherlands to deploy new detection systems around key locations.

Officials say the incidents highlight vulnerabilities that could emerge during a national crisis — reinforcing the message that households should be ready to cope independently for the first three days of any major disruption.

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