Total preparedness (totalberedskab): what it means for you
Updated · 6 min read
New here? Start with our overview of home readiness – what to have ready, and why.
In February 2026 the Danish government launched a national total preparedness plan (totalberedskab). It sounds big, but for a household it comes down to something practical: being able to manage on your own for three days if a crisis hits - and helping those around you.[1] Here is what it means for you, calmly and briefly.
In short: Total preparedness is the whole of society's combined effort to prevent and handle crises. Your part is having water, food, medication, warmth, an FM radio and other essentials for three days - and following reliable sources.[1]
What is total preparedness?
Total preparedness is society's combined effort to prevent and handle major incidents, crises, disasters and war. Its main task is keeping vital functions running so society and democracy can work.[1] The idea is that everyone has a role: authorities, regions and municipalities, businesses, civil society - and the population.[1]
The government's reasoning is that a shorter or longer breakdown in one area can have consequences for others, for example access to power, water, payments or telecommunications.[1] So the message is also that any preparation is better than none - it's about getting started and building from there.[1]
Your part: ready for three days
The authorities recommend that you and your household can manage on your own for three days if a crisis hits.[1] The leaflet sums the advice up in seven points:[1]
- Drinking water: three litres per person per day - nine litres per person for three days
- Food: long-life food for three days
- Medication: necessary medication for three days and a first aid kit
- Hygiene: for example hand sanitiser, toilet paper, nappies and tampons
- Warmth: blankets, duvets and warm clothes - and stay mainly in one room
- Communication: an FM radio running on batteries, a hand crank or solar cells
- Other essentials: for example power banks, a torch, a physical payment card and cash
You don't have to buy it all at once. The authorities suggest building your readiness over time - for example with a few extra tins of something you use anyway.[2]
Help those around you
If you are prepared yourself, the authorities can focus their efforts where the need is greatest. The government encourages helping family, neighbours and friends - and if you want to do more, you can for example volunteer with the Home Guard (Hjemmeværnet), the rescue services or a local association.[1] If you are close to someone who can't prepare themselves, you can help them build up supplies.[2]
Emergency-ready shops
A new element of total preparedness is emergency-ready shops (beredskabsbutikker): selected grocery stores that, as a supplement to people's home readiness, should make it possible to buy what you lack in a crisis - for example by having backup power, offline payment or extra stock of certain goods.[1] They are a supplement - not a replacement for your own readiness.
How you'll be warned - and who to listen to
Follow reliable sources: news media with an editorial team, authorities and public institutions. In acute situations the authorities can warn via the physical warning sirens, S!RENEN and emergency announcements.[1] If the internet is down, you can get important information on an FM radio - emergency announcements are broadcast on DR P4.[2]
The government has also launched the "Vær kritisk" (be critical) campaign, because foreign powers try to spread false and misleading stories.[1] The advice is simple:[1]
- Stop and take time to think critically about what you read and hear
- Think before you share stories with friends or on social media
- Check the sender and where the story comes from before sharing
To see what your household needs, start with the readiness checklist: Emergency supply list: what to keep at home
Frequently asked questions
What is total preparedness (totalberedskab)?
Total preparedness is society's combined effort to prevent and handle major incidents, crises, disasters and war. Its main task is keeping vital functions running so society and democracy can work.
What should I do myself?
The authorities recommend that you and your household can manage on your own for three days if a crisis hits: drinking water (three litres per person per day), long-life food, necessary medication and a first aid kit, hygiene items, warmth, an FM radio and for example power banks, a torch, a physical payment card and cash.
What are emergency-ready shops (beredskabsbutikker)?
Selected grocery stores that, as a supplement to people's home readiness, should make it possible to buy what you lack in a crisis - for example by having backup power, offline payment or extra stock of certain goods.
How will I be warned in a crisis?
In acute situations the authorities can warn via the physical warning sirens, S!RENEN and emergency announcements. If the internet is down, you can get important information on an FM radio - emergency announcements are broadcast on DR P4.
Sources
- [1]Regeringen: Totalberedskab (februar 2026) (2026-02)
- [2]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Spørgsmål og svar om hjemmeberedskab