Emergency supply list: what to keep at home
Updated · 7 min read
The authorities recommend that every household can manage on its own for at least three days if supplies such as water, power or heat fail.[1] This list gathers what you should keep at home, so you don't have to go looking for it in a situation where the shops may be closed.
In short: To manage three days on your own you should have clean drinking water (about three litres per person per day), food that keeps without refrigeration, light and power for your phone, warmth, an FM radio and a small first-aid kit.[1]
Most of it is things you probably already own. Go through the list once and top up what you're missing while you can calmly get around to it.
Water
Clean drinking water is the most important thing. Count on roughly three litres of water per person per day, that is around nine litres per person for three days.[1] Fill clean containers and store them somewhere dark and cool.
- Drinking water for at least 3 days (about 3 litres per person per day)
- Clean containers for storage
- Extra water for cooking and hygiene on top
Food
Keep food at home that lasts without refrigeration and can be eaten without cooking. The authorities mention, for example, canned goods and crispbread — food that needs neither a fridge, a hob nor an oven.[1] Remember a manual can opener so you can actually get to the food.
- Canned goods and other food that keeps without refrigeration
- Crispbread and dry goods
- Manual can opener
- Food for pets, if you have any
Light and power
When the power goes out, you need to make light and keep your phone alive. The authorities point to a flashlight, spare batteries and a power bank or battery pack, so you can charge your phone during a local outage.[1]
If you use candles, they must stand stably and well clear of curtains, rugs and anything else that can catch fire.[1]
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Spare batteries
- Power bank or battery pack
- Candles and matches (use with care)
Warmth and shelter
If the heating fails in winter, it comes down to holding on to your body heat. The authorities recommend using the household's blankets, duvets and warm clothing to stay warm.[1] Gather everyone in one room and close the door to the rest of the home.
- Extra blankets and duvets
- Warm clothing and wool socks
- One room you can gather in and close off
Information and alerts
If the mobile network or the power is down, you still need to keep up. The authorities recommend a battery, hand-crank or solar-powered FM radio, so you can receive information if other channels fail.[1]
- Battery, hand-crank or solar-powered FM radio
- Spare batteries for the radio
- Important phone numbers written down on paper
First aid and medicine
Keep your necessary medication for at least three days at home, and put together a first-aid kit with, for example, plasters, bandages and a disinfectant.[1]
Iodine tablets are not part of the ordinary supply list. They should only be taken on the Danish Health Authority's instructions and never on your own initiative.[2] Children and young people under 18, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding people, benefit most from iodine, and the tablets can benefit people under 40.[2]
- Personal medication for at least 3 days
- First-aid kit with plasters and bandages
- A disinfectant
- Copies of prescriptions and key health information
Hygiene
If the water is gone, hygiene quickly becomes important. The authorities mention, among other things, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, and sanitary pads and tampons.[1]
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Sanitary pads and tampons
- Sturdy bin bags
Get started
See how we've gathered the parts according to the authorities' advice - one by one or as a finished kit.
If you want to understand the thinking behind the three days, read on here: 72-hour readiness: how to manage three days
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I keep at home?
Count on roughly three litres of drinking water per person per day - around nine litres per person if you need to manage on your own for three days. Fill clean containers and store them somewhere dark and cool.
How long should you be able to manage on your own?
The authorities recommend that every household can manage on its own for at least three days if supplies such as water, power or heat fail.
What food belongs in a home emergency supply?
Food that keeps without refrigeration and can be eaten without cooking - for example canned goods and crispbread. Remember a manual can opener so you can actually get to the food.
Should I keep iodine tablets at home?
No. Iodine tablets are not part of the ordinary supply list and should only be taken on the Danish Health Authority's instructions - never on your own initiative.
Sources
- [1]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig
- [2]Sundhedsstyrelsen: Jod og jodtabletter