When something serious happens, the first minutes matter most. Fear is normal, but a few simple steps help you stay in control and make good decisions for yourself and the people around you. Read this once now, so you know what to do when it counts.
1. Stop and breathe
- Stop what you are doing and take three slow breaths, breathing out longer than you breathe in. It calms your body and clears your head.
- Look around: what is happening, where is the danger, and who is with you?
2. Get to safety
- Your own safety comes first. You can only help others if you are safe.
- Move away from fire, smoke, water, gas smells or falling objects.
- Do not go back for belongings, and do not go to look at the scene.
3. Call 112 when lives are at risk
Call 112 for police, fire brigade or ambulance when there is immediate danger. Stay calm and tell the operator:
- Where you are: address, city, or landmarks if you do not know the address.
- What happened, and how many people are hurt.
- Answer the questions and do not hang up until the operator tells you to.
For non-urgent police matters call 0900-8844.
4. Get reliable information
- NL-Alert: the government sends an alert to every phone in the area with what is happening and what to do. Read it and follow it.
- Radio and TV: your regional public broadcaster is the official calamity station. The radio in your LifeBag works without power or internet.
- crisis.nl and your municipality or safety region’s official channels.
- Ignore rumours and do not share unchecked messages.
5. Decide: stay inside or leave
- Usually it is safest to stay inside. With smoke or dangerous substances outside: go inside, close windows and doors and switch off ventilation.
- Leave if your home is unsafe (fire, gas, water coming in) or when the authorities tell you to. Take your LifeBag, ID, phone and medication.
- Read more in Evacuate or Shelter at Home? A Decision Guide.
6. Help others, safely
- Check on the people around you: children, older neighbours, anyone with a disability or who needs medication.
- Give first aid if you can. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 112, start CPR if you know how, and follow the operator’s instructions. Ask someone to fetch an AED.
- Do not put yourself in danger to rescue someone. Tell the emergency services where they are.
- Do not forget your pets.
7. Let your family know
- Send a text instead of calling. Texts get through when the network is busy, and keep the lines free for emergencies.
- Go to your agreed meeting point if you cannot reach each other.
- Tips for when networks fail: No Signal: How to Reach Your Family.
8. Look after yourself while you wait
- Drink water and eat something every few hours.
- Save your phone battery: low-power mode and check the news once an hour.
- Keep a simple routine and talk calmly with children about what is happening. See How to Prepare Children and Family Mentally.
- Stress, poor sleep and worry are normal reactions. They usually pass. Talk about it, and ask your GP for help if it does not get better.
9. Afterwards
- Go back home only when the authorities say it is safe.
- Take photos of any damage for your insurance.
- Check on neighbours and restock your LifeBag.
Every LifeBag comes with a pocket guide with these steps and the most important numbers. Keep it in your bag, your wallet or on the fridge. For a day-by-day plan, read The First 72 Hours.
