Get a "buddy" before the crisis hits

This article was written and shared by Trondheim Municipality.

It's too late to plan for a crisis when it's already here. You might need help in an emergency situation. It's smart to think in advance about who can help you and what kind of help you'll need. You can probably help someone else, too.

- A preparedness buddy is a person you can contact if you or your family ends up in a crisis or an unforeseen situation. This could be a natural disaster, a power outage, or another major event. Preparedness buddies enter into a mutual agreement to help each other in a crisis. Your buddies could be a neighbor, a family member, or a friend. It's a good idea for them to live relatively close to you.

The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has a special focus this year on having good preparedness buddies. Personal preparedness is about more than what you have stored in your basement or pantry.

For example, some people have more medical knowledge than others. Some are good at fixing and repairing things. Some have access to transportation or can offer shelter in a safer place. Others may have alternative heat sources like a wood-burning stove for when it's cold. Some have better capacity for storing food and therefore have a larger food supply. Others may have easier access to water.

– A preparedness buddy can also, importantly, be a good source of mental support in a crisis. Having someone to talk to, who you know cares about your well-being, often makes the situation easier. In a crisis, you are stronger when you stand together.

Think about the weaknesses in your own preparedness and team up with others. This often creates a win-win situation and can be of great help in a chaotic event.

• Choose preparedness buddies you trust and have confidence in.
• Discuss what you can help each other with and create a joint plan.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities.
• Agree on a meeting point and how you will contact each other.
• Go through your preparedness list together and check what you are missing.

• Be Prepared: Have an emergency supply of food and water for a minimum of 7 days. It's recommended to have 3 liters of water per person per day for drinking and cooking.
• Food & Drink: Make a list of food that is easy to prepare, has a long shelf life, and doesn't require much electricity to cook.
• Heat Source: A portable gas stove, wood-burning stove, fireplace, or similar.
• Flashlight & Batteries: It's important not to rely on your cell phone as a light source.
• Medication: Keep a supply of any essential medications.
• First-Aid Kit: A first-aid kit is important in every home.
• Communication: Have a fully charged power bank and cell phone, as well as a good old-fashioned DAB radio.
• Cash: Keep some cash on hand, as bank and payment terminals may stop working.
• Freezer & Refrigerator: Avoid opening the freezer and refrigerator unnecessarily to preserve the food longer.
• Vehicle Fuel/Power: Be aware that having a fueled/charged vehicle can be useful.
• Extra Clothes: Have an extra set of clothes in your emergency supplies.

 Want more advice? Check out www.dsb.no/self-preparedness