Get prepared for emergenciesWe must be prepared for crises to occur. Norwegian authorities recommend that as many people as possible are prepared to manage on their own for one week. This is because the municipality and emergency services must prioritise those who cannot cope without help during a crisis.Take responsibility for your own emergency preparednessPersonal preparedness means that you and those around you are ready to manage independently during the first week of a crisis. It starts with considering how a crisis might affect you and your life. How can you ensure your basic needs are met in a crisis?Cooperate with othersPlanning for a week of personal preparedness can be challenging. Remember that family, friends, and neighbours can support each other and work together on good solutions.Read useful tips for shared preparedness at https://www.dsb.no.Prepare for a crisisStay updated on national advice. You can find guidance on personal preparedness from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) at https://www.sikkerhverdag.no.What you should have at homePersonal preparedness should cover basic needs during a crisis. See DSB’s list of recommended items to keep at home.Incidents you should be prepared forHere are some of the most important challenges we want residents in our municipality to be ready to handle: Extreme weatherArendal will be exposed to flooding, storms, and heavy snowfall. Be prepared to secure your property and have alternative heating sources available. Follow guidance regarding outdoor travel. If you live in an area prone to flooding or severe weather, you should be ready to evacuate. Help eachother.Power outagesBe prepared to be without electricity for at least a week. Remember that a power outage will also mean that mobile networks and the internet may not work.Have alternative light and heat sources available. Ensure you have gas for gas heaters and cooktops, firewood for wood-burning stoves, and possibly petrol if you have a small generator. Find a preparedness buddy you can help or get help from.Assist neighbours if they need it. Cyber attacks and scamsBe aware of digital threats. You should secure your digital devices and be cautious about sharing personal information. Be alert to emails and text messages that may appear to come from public authorities. Do not click on links in such messages—search for information directly on the organisation’s official website. Check the actual emailaddress of the sender.Pandemic/EpidemicFollow the advice of health authorities and keep necessary medicines and hygiene products on hand. Nuclear incidentPossible scenarios include emissions from nuclear power plants in Europe, war, or incidents involving nuclear-powered vessels along the coast. The impact of such a crisis depends on the distance from the incident and wind direction. In such cases, it is important to seek information from public authorities about what actions to take. Only take iodine tablets if recommended by health authorities during a nuclear incident. Forest firesBe aware of the risk of forest fires, especially during dry periods. Be cautious with open flames. If you live near a forest, make a plan for how to evacuate. You should also clear vegetation and keep it trimmed at least 10 metres from all buildings.Major accidentsBe prepared for traffic accidents and other incidents that may occur as a result of another crisis. Keep first aid supplies and emergency numbers accessible. Sist endret 20.10.2025 09.18