Denmark faces a growing need for citizen preparedness in response to increasing crises such as climate change, cyber attacks, and geopolitical instability. The current approach to civil preparedness, rooted in Cold War-era thinking, is insufficient to address modern threats.

The author advocates for “micro-preparedness,” which involves individual households preparing to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours without essential services like electricity, water, and internet. This includes storing drinking water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and other necessities, as well as developing a mental readiness to cope with difficult situations.

Experience from past crises, such as the 2023 storm surge, the Bornholm power outage, and cyber attacks on waterworks, highlights the vulnerability of unprepared citizens and the limitations of emergency services. Micro-preparedness is not about paranoia, but about common sense and community resilience.

While other Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland actively educate their citizens about threats and preparedness measures, Denmark lags behind. The Danish Emergency Management Agency’s “Prepared for Crises” pamphlet is less comprehensive than its Swedish counterpart, which addresses misinformation, terrorism, and military attacks.

The author emphasizes the importance of psychological preparedness alongside physical supplies. This includes maintaining calm, discussing emergency plans with family, and establishing meeting points in case of communication failures. Physical robustness, such as the ability to carry water and provide first aid, is also important.

Micro-preparedness should be integrated into various aspects of society, including schools, workplaces, and elderly centers. Nationwide information campaigns are needed to promote awareness, understanding, and readiness to act.

The author argues that micro-preparedness is a social duty that strengthens both individuals and the community. It reduces pressure on authorities, minimizes panic, and facilitates faster recovery from crises. A secure future requires not only infrastructure and emergency services, but also citizens’ willingness and ability to take responsibility.

The call to action emphasizes that modern total defense begins at the individual level, with emergency supplies and preparedness discussions within the home. The time to prepare is now, before the next crisis strikes.