Emergency supplies
Six categories, one supply
Water, food, heat, information, health and hygiene – what to keep at home.
See emergency supplies
Self-preparedness
Be ready when the unexpected happens
Power outages, extreme weather or other crises can strike without warning. With a simple emergency stock, your household can manage for seven days – without power, water or mobile networks.
Next week is Preparedness Week
Next week all of Norway checks its preparedness. Take five minutes in advance: count your litres of water and see if the radio works.
This week is Preparedness Week
All of Norway checks its preparedness this week. Take five minutes: count your litres of water and see if the radio works.
Last week was Preparedness Week
Last week all of Norway checked its preparedness. Not done yet? Take five minutes: count your litres of water and see if the radio works.
Change the clocks – check your supplies
When the clocks change, it is a good moment for the twice-yearly check: expiry dates, batteries and water.
1 December is Smoke Alarm Day
Change the battery in your smoke alarm – and check your emergency supplies while you are at it. Two things, fifteen minutes.
Calculator
Calculator – work out your supplies
Choose how many you are and how many days you want to manage. The recommendation is seven days. The numbers update instantly.
PeopleEveryone in the household, including children
DaysRecommended: seven
Drinking waterAround 20 L per person per week
40 L
MealsThree per person per day
42
Guideline figures based on DSB preparedness advice. In the full calculator you can add children, pets and special needs, tick off what you have and see what is missing.
Why self-preparedness
You are part of Norway's preparedness
In a major event, emergency services must help those who need it most first. The more people who can manage on their own, the faster help can reach the most vulnerable. Preparedness isn't about fear – it's about everyday security.
Learn more
More about preparedness
What to keep at home, what people often forget, and where to find official information.
Don't forget
5 things people often forget
Even well-planned supplies often miss something basic.
Children's needs
Nappies, formula, a stuffed animal or a game – things that give children security and normality.
Important phone numbers on paper
When your phone dies, few people remember numbers by heart. Write down a list with emergency numbers, out-of-hours clinic, vet, family and neighbours.
Food and water for pets
Pets depend on you too. Make sure you have food, water and any medicines for at least a week.
Spare keys and documents
Keep copies of passports, insurance papers and spare keys together in a waterproof bag.
Can opener
Canned food won't help without a manual can opener. Check that you have one – and preferably a spare.
Official sources
Useful links
DSB, Helsenorge, Yr, Varsom and the police – for preparedness, weather and health.
DSB
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection – the source of the advice on this site.
Sikker hverdag
Advice on preparedness, fire safety and everyday security.
Helsenorge
Health advice, medicines and information about iodine tablets.
Yr
Weather forecasts and extreme weather warnings from the Meteorological Institute.
Varsom
Flood, landslide and natural hazard warnings from NVE.
Police
Information from the police during serious incidents. Emergency number: 112.
Topics
A closer look at specific topics
Dedicated pages on questions many people have.
Health
Iodine tablets
Who should keep them at home, who should take them – and when.
Read about iodine tablets
Pack
Emergency bag
A complete list of what to have ready if you must leave quickly.
See the emergency-bag list
Family
Preparedness with children
What families with babies and children easily forget.
Read about preparedness with children
When it happens
Help in the first hour
Short and practical: what to do first, what to do if it lasts, and the most dangerous mistakes.
Danger to life or health – call
The power is outThe first hour, what to do if it lasts, and what never to do.Water is off or unsafeBoil-water notices, stored water and what to use it for.Mobile network is downHow to get information and stay in touch when the network is down.Cold without heatingKeep warm safely – and avoid carbon monoxide indoors.You have to leaveWhat to bring, and what to do with your home before you leave.
Topics
A closer look at specific topics
Dedicated pages on questions many people ask.