Most people hope the crisis never comes. But still, they have started filling water containers, buying canned goods, and putting batteries in flashlights.
In the village of Hals, they take the risk of crises very seriously. So seriously that the town aims to be among the best prepared if the power goes out, the heat shuts off, or the water disappears from the tap.
"Hals must be prepared for the worst-case scenario," emphasizes Kit Sørensen.
Even if war or natural disasters paralyze the town.
> "I worry about the world situation. War will come at some point."
She leads a group of initiators who are currently trying to get the town's roughly 2,500 residents to prepare as best as possible. Especially because a large proportion of the town's citizens are elderly.
"It's about taking responsibility. We have been complacent. But with what is happening in the world, it's time we take it seriously," she says.
Kit Sørensen has lived in Hals for four years. She has become increasingly convinced that the town should prepare better for crises. (Photo: © Sarah Golszyk)
Since 2024, authorities have urged Danes to stock their kitchen cabinets with enough water and canned goods for three days in case of crises, war, or disasters.
But in Hals, they are going a step further and want to be self-sufficient for seven days. However, this requires a long series of preparations around the town.
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More serious situation than before
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Both the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) and the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) have recently raised their assessment of the threat from Russia.
Including the risk of sabotage and hybrid attacks against the defense industry and Denmark's infrastructure.
"The situation is more serious now than at any time since the end of the Cold War," said Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus when the latest assessment was presented in September.
Among other things, the town's shops must sell so-called prepper kits with long-lasting food, flashlights, and other useful items.
The school is to be the town's gathering place with facilities for communal dining, camp beds, and alternative heat sources. It is also being investigated whether the building's basement can serve as a shelter if needed.
> "There's no point starting when we're already in the middle of the crisis."
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Many do not prep
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The work in Hals, North Jutland, stands in stark contrast to the majority of Danes.
In a new Epinion survey conducted for DR, only 12 percent of Danes surveyed answered that they are already part of a local community focused on emergency preparedness.
On the other hand, 40 percent say it is likely they would participate in a local preparedness initiative if the opportunity arose.
The initiators include people with backgrounds in the military and emergency services. The group has written its own preparedness plan, which is being distributed in the town. (Photo: © Emil Nordkvist Johansson)
According to Rasmus Dahlberg, associate professor in societal safety at Roskilde University, the initiative in Hals is downright "fantastic" because local initiatives help ensure people get through crises well.
"It is structured common sense with timely diligence. There's no point starting when we're already in the crisis. It is important that authorities support this kind of initiative," he says.
That is exactly what Kit Sørensen has in mind.
Can you understand if some people think you are going overboard with preparedness?
"No one can predict how things will develop. It is better to know what to do. It creates a sense of security," she says.
Rasmus Dahlberg calls the project in Hals both impressive and ambitious.
However, Dahlberg emphasizes that preparing for three days is sufficient, not seven as they are doing in Hals.
"It is more important to go from 0 to 3 days than from 3 to 7 days. It's about getting attention for preparedness," he says.
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Will not be ruled by fear
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But there is still a long way to go before the town is fully ready, Kit Sørensen admits.
Therefore, she recently arranged a packed town meeting to inform the rest of the town about the major preparedness plans and to get even more volunteers to sign up.
It was well received by many.
"I came to be more prepared in case something happens. We haven't prepped. We haven't let ourselves be driven by fear, but it is getting closer and closer," says Danielle Nuppenau.
For Danielle Nuppenau, the meeting was an eye-opener. She now plans to stock her cupboards at home with water and long-lasting food that can get her and her husband through a potential crisis. (Photo: © Emil Nordkvist Johansson)
Birgit Sørensen is also happy with the initiative because it helps create security in an uncertain world.
"I worry about the world situation. War will come at some point."
"There are some insane people leading our world today. That is something to worry about," says Birgit Sørensen.
Lifestyle | SEASON 1 When Everything Goes Dark (https://www.dr.dk/drtv/saeson/naar-alt-slukker_626607)
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