Living in the Netherlands? You’ll soon receive this emergency booklet in the mail

From next week onwards, the Dutch government will start distributing a new emergency information booklet to over 8.5 million households across the Netherlands.

Titled “Bereid je voor op een noodsituatie” (or “Prepare for an emergency”), the crisis guide is designed to help residents stay self-sufficient during the first 72 hours after a major disaster.

Why now?

Earlier this year, Euronews reported that the Iberian Peninsula suffered a massive blackout, leaving over 60 million people without power in Spain and Portugal.

To outgoing Dutch Justice and Security Minister van Oosten, the situation showed “how vulnerable we can be and how important good preparation is.”

In a bid to “ensure that all Dutch people can be well-prepared for an emergency”, all households across the Netherlands are expected to receive the booklet by January 10, 2026.

What’s inside the new emergency booklet?

Stressing the importance of thinking ahead in an emergency, van Oosten states that the booklet will help people prepare for a crisis.

In particular, the booklet focuses on the following steps:

Step 1: Assemble an emergency kit

While most households will have the essentials, such as non-perishable food, blankets, and a power bank, the booklet urges people to consider if they have enough supplies for 72 hours.

Further, you’ll need to consider your own situation and what extras you might need, like baby food, pet food, and medication.

Not sure how to compile a disaster kit? The booklet will also offer a handy checklist for packing your essentials and staying prepared.

Step 2: Create an emergency plan

The second step will encourage people to come up with a practical emergency plan.

This involves clear agreements with family, friends, or flatmates, and covers questions like:

• how you’ll reach each other,
• where you’ll meet,
• who’ll pick up the children from school, and
• who might need extra help.

Step 3: Talk to each other and help each other

Last but not least, communication is key.

The booklet emphasises the importance of supporting each other through a crisis and helping each other prepare. In addition to advice, the booklet will cover some important conversation-starters, such as:

• What have you prepared for?
• Do you need help?
• What are you worried about?

In addition to Dutch, the booklet will be available in various other languages from November 25, including English, German, Polish, French, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, and Spanish.

What do you think of the government’s new initiative? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!