Do you have enough food in your house?

[Dr.Colosso]

They are now warning here that you need to have enough for 72 hours. My ex wants to go to Germany and buy a lot of can food. I'll join and tell my mom cause she never has anything extra. He also has an aggregate.

 

[CallMeKate]

They are now warning here that you need to have enough for 72 hours.

Is there a reason given for the warning? And yes, I have plenty for 72 hours and more.

 

[Been There]

I agree with Kate. I have plenty of food.
I went to market yesterday and bought some fresh vegetables and a few fruits. I make a salad everyday for lunch and drink a glass of many different choices that are healthy. I also bought some huge white grapes that are super sweet.

 

[Dr.Colosso]

Is there a reason given for the warning? And yes, I have plenty for 72 hours and more.

Mainly international tensions.

Mark Rutte, as NATO Secretary General, warned in speeches in December 2025 and 2024 that NATO must prepare for a possible war, as Russia poses a significant threat and NATO may be the next target. He called for a faster and more aggressive defense and mental preparation, emphasizing that Russia is prepared to take high losses and that it is "time to prepare for war as our grandparents knew it."

But now there's also Greenland, so I don't know if it's only a good thing to do for Europe.


Copy pasted:
The Netherlands is preparing for a potential 72-hour power outage, a scenario considered realistic by grid operators and the government due to peak loads, cyberattacks, or international tensions. The government launched the "Think Ahead" campaign to inform citizens about preparing an emergency kit (with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a radio, etc.) and an emergency plan, as emergency services cannot be everywhere during the first 72 hours. This is a European directive requiring everyone to be self-reliant for at least 72 hours.
Why 72 hours?
Self-reliance: The first 72 hours are the most critical period in which emergency services focus on the most serious problems, ensuring that citizens can survive independently.
European directive: The EU advises member states to prepare residents for 72 hours without power, water, or internet.
Causes of a prolonged power outage:
Peak loads on the electricity grid.
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
Physical damage to cables (e.g., due to excavation work). International tensions or extreme weather.
What should you pack in your emergency kit?
Water: Approximately 9 liters per person (for drinking, cooking, and washing).
Food: Non-perishable products (canned goods, dried fruit, nuts).
Light: Flashlight with extra batteries.
Information: Battery-powered or dynamo-powered radio.
First aid kit.
Hygiene: Disinfectant gel, toilet paper, wet wipes.
Heat: Blankets.
Money: Cash, as card payments may not be accepted.
Documents: Copies of important documents.

 

[outlander]

I always have a minimum of at least two weeks of non-perishable food items, 10 gallons of drinking water, as well as a solar set up that will power all my basic needs including a small refrigerator/freezer.

 

[CallMeKate]

Thank you for explaining all that. Of course, I knew of worldwide tensions, but hadn't realized that tangible steps like this warning are already being put in place. Frightening, isn't it?

 

[KSav]

That's unsettling, @Dr.Colosso.

It's also a good reminder to go through and re-check my own emergency kit items and ensure nothing has expired.

 

[Michael Z]

Enough for a good 720 hours in our house, but we would run out of vegetables in about a week.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

We bottle and can our own foods so have a whole basement full. We probably have months full of food in case there’s a power outage. We also have litres of extra fuel for our generator, just in case. We are very prepared for whatever life has to throw at us.

 

[old medic]

We both grew up being nearly self-sufficient country folks. 72 hours.... we would be good for 72 days...
Last hurricane no power for 10 days and still had some of our 7 gallons of gas left....

 

[Jules]

Yes, definitely have enough food, even though I may be bored with it after a couple of weeks. We’re told to be prepared for the Big One (earthquake) and other natural disasters. I don’t have a generator.

The possibility that you have this warning because of international tensions is sad.

 

[George1959]

They are now warning here that you need to have enough for 72 hours. My ex wants to go to Germany and buy a lot of can food. I'll join and tell my mom cause she never has anything extra. He also has an aggregate.

Why to Germany? Is there no can food available in the Netherlands?

 

[Dr.Colosso]

Why to Germany? Is there no can food available in the Netherlands?

A lot of groceries are way cheaper in Germany. We save hundreds. Holland has sugar taxes, meat taxes and whatever nonsense taxes. People come from the other side of the country and then it's still cheaper. Especially if they want alcohol or cigarettes. If you go to Kleve or another place just over the border, we go to Kaufland: the place is packed with Dutch people. The parking lot is full of Dutch cars. Even the cashier last time spoke Dutch. Announcements are also in Dutch.