PParaat

Evacuation

Sometimes you have to leave home quickly, for example when there is a risk of high water. It does not happen often. But if it does, it helps a lot if your bag is already packed and you know where to go. This page explains how to prepare.

Most official pages below are in Dutch. Where an English version exists, we link to it.

Leave or stay inside?

It depends on the situation. In some disasters you must go inside and close the doors. In others you must leave. Always follow the authorities’ instructions (Rijksoverheid, in Dutch).

Your grab bag: what to take

Keep a bag ready so you can leave quickly. A waterproof backpack works well (Denk vooruit). Put in:

Why a copy of your ID? A copy helps you prove who you are, also if the original is lost or damaged. Store it as carefully as the original (Denk vooruit).

How much cash? The guideline is 70 euros per adult and 30 euros per child for the first 72 hours (Denk vooruit). Keep notes and coins so you can pay the exact amount more often (Rijksoverheid, in Dutch).

The first hour

  1. Read the NL-Alert or listen to the regional broadcaster. Do what they ask.
  2. Take your grab bag.
  3. Help others, but think of your own safety first (Rijksoverheid). Check whether neighbours who cannot easily get to safety need help (Red Cross).
  4. Take the route the emergency services give. In high water, the water on your route may be higher than at your home (overstroomik.nl). Never walk or drive through water (Red Cross).

Where will you go?

Plan this in advance in an emergency plan. It sets out agreements with the people around you: how you reach each other, where you meet and who needs extra help (Denk vooruit). Think about who you could stay with and which routes you would take (Denk vooruit). Give a copy or photo of your plan to your emergency contacts (Denk vooruit).

Emergency support points (noodsteunpunten) are for information, not for shelter (Denk vooruit, in Dutch).

The first day to 72 hours

If you are away from home for a few days, the most important things are your medicines, money and contact details. Keep your phone charged with a power bank. Follow the news from a reliable source, such as the regional broadcaster or your municipality’s website, and keep following the authorities’ instructions, including about when you can go back (Rijksoverheid).

Special situations

What to keep ready at home

You do not need to buy an expensive ready-made grab bag. The government does not recommend brands or sellers, and advises building your own kit, mostly from things you already have (Denk vooruit). Note: the national government never gives away free emergency kits. Do not click links in messages that promise one (Rijksoverheid).

Make a list for your household in the wizard, or see the example for a couple or a student room.

Where to find official information

Sources

Make your list