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Emergency radio: why you need an FM radio, and what it should do

Updated · 4 min read

New here? Start with our overview of home readiness: what to have ready, and why.

When the power and the internet are gone, the radio is often the only way to hear from the authorities. If the internet and so on are down, you can receive important information from the authorities on an FM radio, and emergency announcements are broadcast on DR P4, the Danish public broadcaster's regional channel.[2] That is why an FM radio is part of the Danish government's advice on what to have ready for three days.[3]

In short: Choose an FM radio that runs on batteries, a hand crank or solar power, so you can keep up to date if other channels of information fail.[1]

Why FM?

The authorities point to FM radio because it works even when the internet is down, and because emergency announcements are broadcast on DR P4.[2] A radio that only streams over the internet won't help you if the mobile network is down too.

Power without a socket

The most important thing is that the radio doesn't depend on power from the socket. The authorities mention three options: batteries, a hand crank and solar power.[1]

  • Batteries are the simplest. Keep spare batteries together with a flashlight, candles and matches.[1]
  • A hand crank works however long the power is out, because you make the power yourself.
  • Solar charges the radio in daylight and is a good backup if the batteries run out.

Many emergency radios combine several of these, and some can also charge your phone or work as a flashlight. With a power bank you can keep your phone charged during local power cuts.[1]

  • FM radio
  • Runs on batteries, hand crank or solar
  • Spare batteries
  • You know where the radio is
  • You have tried finding DR P4

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Don't forget the car radio

Many people have an FM radio in their car.[1] It can be a good backup if you don't have a radio at home, but remember that the car has to be nearby, and you can't take it inside with you.

When the sirens sound

If you hear the warning sirens, go inside and look for information from DR or TV 2, where you will find the emergency announcement.[4] If the internet is down, this is when the radio comes into its own. So find DR P4 for your area before you need it, and read more about warnings in a crisis.

The radio and the rest of the list

See the authorities' full checklist worked out for your household.

See your checklist

For the full list of what to keep at home, read on here: Emergency supply list: what to keep at home

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need an emergency radio?

If the internet and mobile network are down, you can still receive important information from the authorities on an FM radio. Emergency announcements are broadcast on DR P4.

What kind of radio do the authorities recommend?

An FM radio that runs on batteries, a hand crank or solar power, so it works without power from the socket.

Can I use the radio in my car?

Yes. Many people have an FM radio in their car, and it can be used to keep up to date if other channels fail.

Sources

  1. [1]Danish Agency for Civil Protection (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig (in Danish)
  2. [2]Danish Agency for Civil Protection (samsik.dk): Spørgsmål og svar om hjemmeberedskab (in Danish)
  3. [3]Danish government: Forberedt på kriser, preparedness leaflet (in Danish)
  4. [4]Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen): Det skal du gøre, når du hører sirenerne (in Danish)

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