Denmark Emergency Guide: S!RENEN and Sirens

Emergency Preparedness in Denmark

Denmark asks every household to be able to manage on its own for three days, so that the authorities can concentrate on those in greatest need. It warns the population with outdoor sirens and with S!RENEN, an alert sent straight to mobile phones. This page explains the system in English for residents, students, workers and visitors.

Emergency numbers

112 Life-threatening emergencies: ambulance, fire and police
114 Police, non-urgent

How you will be warned

S!RENEN: alerts on your mobile phone

S!RENEN sends an alert directly to mobile phones in the affected area, with instructions and where to find more information.
When it arrives: stop what you are doing, read the message and follow the instructions.

Sirens

The police decide when to activate the sirens and S!RENEN. They are used when the danger is most serious.
There are two siren signals: a warning signal and an all-clear signal.
When you hear the warning: go indoors and turn on DR or TV 2, which broadcast the same information as S!RENEN. Follow the instructions.

Tests

The sirens and S!RENEN are tested once a year, at 12:00 on the first Wednesday of May.

What the authorities ask you to have at home

The Danish Emergency Management Agency asks each household to be able to manage for three days:

Water: 3 litres per person per day for drinking and cooking, 9 litres per person for three days. Remember pets. Tap water can be stored for several months in sealed, food-approved containers.
Food: food for three days that keeps and needs no oven or hob, such as canned food and crispbread.
Medicines: at least three days of your regular medicines and a first aid kit.
Iodine tablets: recommended for people under 40 and for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Take them only when the authorities say so.
Hygiene: toilet paper, hand sanitiser, wet wipes and sanitary products.
Warmth: blankets, duvets and warm clothes. If the cold lasts, gather the household in one room.
Light and power: a power bank, flashlight, batteries, candles and matches.
Money: at least one physical payment card whose PIN you remember, and some cash in coins and small notes.
Information: an FM radio that runs on batteries, crank or solar power.