Dutch authorities are expanding a civil preparedness programme for hybrid threats — cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, prolonged power outages and sabotage. Households are advised to keep water, food, batteries and other essentials at home for at least 72 hours.
Justice Minister David van Weel told the Financial Times that during the Cold War, Western countries had a well-developed system of shelters and public support. That infrastructure now needs to be rebuilt and adapted to current risks: “a cyber attack or a power cut or sabotage or floods.”
The three-day stockpile recommendation follows an EU-wide line. The Dutch guideline used to be 48 hours and was later raised to 72 hours. A typical kit includes drinking water (about three litres per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight and spare batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a first-aid kit, copies of documents, cash and medicines.
Exercises are already under way. In South Limburg, including Sittard, authorities have drilled scenarios with autonomous aid hubs, generators and food stockpiles. After those drills, the government launched an emergency advice app that works without internet; more than 60,000 people have downloaded it. A nationwide siren network continues to be tested on the first Monday of every month.
The “Denk vooruit” (“Think Ahead”) campaign began in autumn 2025. A 33-page booklet on how to get through the first three days without water, electricity or communications was then sent to all 8.5 million households. Officials stress that in the first 72 hours after a major disruption, emergency services cannot reach everyone at once, so the priority is household self-reliance and neighbour-to-neighbour help.
Dutch intelligence services AIVD and MIVD warn of growing Russian hybrid activity in Europe — cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage and information operations against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine. The government also points to climate risks, above all flooding. Civilian preparedness is treated as part of a broader resilience strategy, alongside protection of energy, water, logistics, healthcare and government services.
