We live in uncertain times. The warnings previous generations made are no longer distant possibilities; they’re unfolding around us. Climate change, cyber attacks, new forms of warfare and pandemics are challenging our sense of safety and resilience. Most of us have, at some point, briefly wondered how we’d react in such a scenario, only to set those thoughts aside.
If you’re a planner, maybe you didn’t forget. Maybe you researched and began preparing. But maybe you’re more like me, someone who used to think, “What are the chances?”. We can no longer afford to think that way, not for our own sake or for the safety of our loved ones and the Danish society we’re part of.
This isn’t meant to cause alarm: it’s a call to be vigilant and proactive. Over the past months, our neighboring countries, the European Union, and Danish officials have encouraged all residents to familiarize themselves with the official emergency guidelines. Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister of Community Safety and Emergency Preparedness, has become a familiar face in the media, urging us all to take preparedness seriously.
Many of us have already looked into the guidelines issued by the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and started collecting the recommended items. But there are still many questions, particularly for those of us new to Denmark.
We reached out to Torsten Schack Pedersen to discuss how the international community in Denmark can best navigate crisis preparedness.
LWID: For international residents in Denmark who have already reviewed the emergency guide by Beredskabsstyrelsen (DEMA), are there any additional aspects of crisis preparedness you would recommend they focus on?
TSP: “The guide ”Be prepared for a crisis” gives concrete advice on the most relevant aspects of crisis preparation for residents in Denmark.
For international residents, it could also be relevant to have their physical passport at hand in case of breakdown in it-systems, electricity etc. Further, it is advised to keep contact information
to their nearest national representation or embassy at hand as they can be an extra source of information and perhaps assistance in case of a crisis.”
Our notes: The guide ”Be prepared for a crisis” is in 13 translated versions you could refer and share with your network if you are not comfortable with Danish. The guideline highlights;
- You should prepare with the recommended supplies enough to survive for three days
- Drinking water storage – 3 litres of water per person per day for drinking and food preparation
- Food for three days that last for a long period outside the fridge or freezer don’t require cooking (More advice on storage, hygiene, etc. on the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s website)
- Medications and a first aid kit
- Hygiene items
- Blankets, duvets, warm clothes to keep you warm
- Other necessities – power bank/battery pack, torch, candles, matches and batteries, physical payment cards with PIN, small amount of cash in coins and small denomination notes
- Special guideline about the special needs and situations
- Warnings and alarm
- Checklist of items
LWID: What everyday habits would you highlight as especially important to practice in order to be well-prepared for a crisis?
TSP: “Maintain your home preparedness by restocking water, food etc. and keep a regular eye on information from authorities.”
Our notes: Be mindful about shelf life and specific guidelines for storage from the manufacturer. Research the best way to keep yourself updated (TV apps, social media pages, government websites) , preferably on a daily basis to know the new developments in the country.
LWID: In what ways can international residents take a proactive approach in working with their embassies here in Denmark when preparing for potential emergencies? Would you consider this an essential part of overall preparedness?
TSP: “Close contact with embassies can be important in case of a crisis as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Our notes: Many embassies offer voluntary registration services to keep track of citizens abroad. This is a useful way to receive emergency updates. Also, explore your country’s international communities in Denmark—in my case, these social groups have been very helpful and supportive.
LWID: As part of staying crisis-ready, how would you suggest internationals keep themselves informed and alert-especially given possible language differences? Are there specific tools, platforms, or sources you’d recommend?
TSP: “I would suggest that international residents inform themselves by visiting DEMA’s English webpage – https://www.brs.dk/en/.”
Our notes: Bookmark this site and explore other translated government resources. It’s also worth following Danish news media that publish updates in English or simplified Danish.
LWID: Can internationals seek direct guidance from DEMA if they feel uncertain about their preparedness, or are there other programs, hotlines, or initiatives they can take part in to become more informed?
TSP: “International residents are welcome to contact The Danish Resilience Agency (abbreviated SAMSIK in Danish) by mail samsik@samsik.dk”.
LWID: Finally, is there a specific message or piece of advice you’d like to share directly with international residents in Denmark when it comes to being ready for emergencies?
TSP: “Be aware of possible mis or disinformation. You can always trust information from Danish authorities, so always follow advice and guidelines from the authorities in Denmark – especially in a crisis situation”.
As an international resident, a few things stood out to me:
- keeping your physical passport accessible
- understanding how your embassy can help
- not overcomplicating your crisis prep.
Just follow the official guidelines and supplement them with a few tailored steps for internationals.
We hope this article encourages you to fill any remaining gaps in your own crisis plan, and to share what you’ve learned with others.
