The messages are repeated in any country in the European Union (EU), in any of its official languages, in the media and by official communications: “Prepare, for your own good and for the good of the community”“You and your family should be able to survive during three days If a crisis occurs “,” prepare your “.
So does the Denmark government, through the Danish agency for emergency management, which Almost a year agoeven before Brussels decided to take the step, that he sent messages of this type to the 4.5 million Danes. However, today more than half of the Danes They do not follow the recommendation of the authorities to have an emergency reserve ,.
One of those who does not follow the recommendations is The writer and ex -government Thomas Rathsackwho has expressed his opinion with forcefulness. “I have made the active decision not to let myself be dragged by the stream of fear.”he says in Good morning Denmark. In the home of the former military, he explains, as much can be found a few cans of tuna and a bottle of water in the refrigerator. But because there are for routine.
It’s not because I’m afraid, he insists. “We live in a world where We woke up with a tsunami of death, war and misery. There is a lot negativity with which to deal with, “he says.”I don’t want to live with fearwhere can I turn to my emergency preparation if the Russians come, “
While the Russians are not in Køge’s bay, it has no intention of preparing, says Rathsack. “If there is one concrete threatI trust that the authorities will say: ‘Dear friends, now is the time’. Then probably I will go and buy some bottles of water and canned tuna“.
According to a study by Epinion for RD, Only 34% of the Danish have decided to follow the authorities council on maintaining an emergency reserve at home. This is not surprising to Kristoffer Langkjær Albris, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen and a researcher of human behavior in disaster situations ,. “It is not necessarily an active exclusion of the recommendations. But humans are not robotsand I’m sure the authorities know what is needed Something more than a pamphlet “says. Believes that they are needed More initiatives in education and workplaces For more Danes to begin to “prepare.”
According to Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister of Public Security and Emergency Preparation, efforts will be made for more people to prepare. “There is no doubt that we take these figures very seriously And also We will intensify communication and campaigns To ensure that more people join, “says the minister. And it is important that the Danes understand their shared responsibility,” if the Danes take into account the recommendations, it means that the authorities can focus on Avoid the crisis and help To those fellow citizens who need help, “he says.
And that’s why your message is clear: “Be sure to buy a little more The next time you go shopping. This means that as a society We can be stronger If we are affected. “
Thomas Rathsack, the former military, is aware that Denmark could be threatened by several dangers. But the recommendations of the minister and the authorities alone do not allow him to prepare. It is considered, despite its position, a Good citizen that has contributed to society, among other things, through its efforts in the army.
Is it becoming someone who could be a burden for the community if something happens? “I have a commitment to myself about how I want to live my life. “Maybe he is failing the community by not having five bottles of water or twenty cans of tuna,” he says, and continues: “But that does not change the way I want to live my life, simply.”
These are the recommendations of the Danish authorities
- Drinking water: Calculate three liters of water per person per day. This means nine liters of water per person for three days. Also provide water for any pet.
- Food: Be sure to have access to food for three days. Use foods that have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare.
- Medications and First Aid: Be sure to access the necessary medications. Also be sure to have a first aid kit and possibly iodine tablets for people under 40, as well as for pregnant women and in the breastfeeding period.
- Hygiene items: They can include toilet paper, hand disinfectant, diapers, sanitary towels/buffers or other relevant household items.
- Heat: This can include blankets, comforters and warm clothes.
- Other needs: It could be an energy bank or a battery pack for a mobile phone, for example. It is also a good idea to have a flashlight, batteries, physical payment cards and possibly cash in small coins and tickets.
- Communication: Have access to an FM radio that works with batteries, crank, solar cells or possibly a car radio.
Source: Danish Emergency Management Agency
