In Denmark, municipalities vary significantly in their preparedness to support vulnerable citizens during times of crisis, revealing potential gaps in resources and responsibility for care facilities.
Varying Levels of Preparedness Across Denmark
In Denmark, the approach to ensuring the safety of vulnerable citizens during emergencies, such as power outages or water shortages, differs widely from one municipality to another. A recent survey conducted by DR among 32 municipalities illustrates this disparity. At Tandsbjerg Care Center in the Sønderborg Municipality, shelves are stocked with tea, wine, coffee, and soda, but essential supplies like bottled water, canned goods, and batteries are noticeably absent. This situation affects residents like 83-year-old Jytte Lis Fog, who has plenty of puzzles to occupy her time but lacks the necessary provisions for a crisis.
Challenges for Elderly Residents
Despite recommendations for all Danes to prepare for at least three days without essential services, this guidance does not apply to residents of care homes. Jytte Lis Fog expressed her concerns about her security in the event of a crisis, stating that she would have to call one of her four children for assistance if faced with a severe shortage of resources. “I don’t have room to store extra supplies,” she pointed out, emphasizing the need for systemic support.
Sønderborg Municipality has not purchased additional water or canned goods to stock their shelves for emergencies, and there are no official requirements for doing so. This lack of preparedness raises questions about the safety and well-being of vulnerable citizens in care facilities across the country. As Jytte Lis Fog noted, “It should be consistent throughout the country,” expressing her concern that some residents might be overlooked while others receive adequate care during disasters.
Reassurance from Local Authorities
Local authorities, however, may have different views. Erik Lauritzen, the Social Democratic Mayor of Sønderborg, assures that “citizens can feel entirely secure,” based on the current provisions in place. These assurances provide a sense of relief to residents like Fog, who find comfort in the presence of staff at their care center, although they still grapple with the reality of inadequate emergency supplies.
Further north in Denmark, at Søhusparken Care Home, there is also an effort to prepare for potential crises. The facility has not only stocked shelves with tea, coffee, and wine but has also prioritized essential items like bottled water, plastic utensils, and sanitizer. With specific directives from the local municipality, care homes are asked to ensure that both residents and staff can sustain themselves for three days without access to water, heating, or electricity.
High-Volume Preparation
Lis Kjems, the director of Søhusparken, has taken her responsibilities seriously, stating, “I have to ensure that our 110 residents receive adequate food, heat, light, and care daily. In case of a three-day crisis, we must be prepared as well.” To that end, Kjems has made extensive purchases to cover various needs, including stocking frozen sausages and gas for grilling during emergencies, which adds a sense of community and comfort to residents like 83-year-old Niels Danielsen.
While Danielsen appreciates the efforts made to ensure preparedness, he admits that his daily life is not significantly impacted by the broader geopolitical tensions. “I don’t consider the global instability much. Still, it’s important that the municipality has thought about it and made sure to stock up,” he commented.
However, not all municipalities are able to allocate additional funds for securing emergency supplies. In Syddjurs Municipality, for example, care facilities must rely on existing budgets to cover the cost of stocking up. Mayor Michael Stegger Jensen has acknowledged that while there are no requirements for municipalities to secure resources like sausages and batteries, the importance of spending money on these essential ingredients for safety cannot be overlooked.
The Need for a Unified Approach
The issue of preparedness is not isolated to individuals or specific municipalities; rather, it requires a collective effort and strategy. Mayor Erik Lauritzen of Sønderborg pointed out the necessity for a more unified approach to resource allocation, emphasizing that in some municipalities, a robust system of preparedness is enacted, while others may not follow suit.
As Denmark grapples with issues related to emergency preparedness, the consistent call from residents in care facilities for equitable support underscores the importance of collective responsibility. The varying levels of preparedness across municipalities reveal a critical need for a cohesive national policy that prioritizes the welfare of vulnerable populations and ensures that they are not left at risk during emergencies.
With ongoing concerns about global crises, from natural disasters to potential threats to critical infrastructure, the need for comprehensive planning and adequate resource allocation has never been more pressing. By taking these steps together, communities can better safeguard those who are most dependent on support—creating a more resilient and unified approach to crisis management across Denmark.
