In the Limburg region, the importance of preparing for unexpected emergencies is being highlighted. While considered a safe area, events such as severe water damage, prolonged power outages, extreme weather like heatwaves or storms, and fires can have a significant impact. The municipality of Tessenderlo encourages citizens to prepare for these scenarios.
Being prepared does not mean expecting the worst, but rather knowing how to act when an incident occurs. Resilience, both individual and collective, reduces stress and facilitates assistance. The core message is 'Together, not alone,' where community resilience means helping each other before, during, and after an incident. Even small gestures, like alerting or informing one another, can make a substantial difference.
It is advised to make simple arrangements with family, neighbors, or nearby friends, such as who checks on whom, who holds a spare key, or who has specific medical needs. Furthermore, assembling an emergency kit that allows for at least 3 days (72 hours) of self-sufficiency is recommended. This kit may include identity documents, a charger or power bank, a flashlight, water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, medication, and warm clothing.
Key information channels such as the municipality, the fire department zone, the police zone, and the Limburg Emergency Planning & Crisis Management Service are provided. Subscribing to BE-Alert is also encouraged for receiving emergency information. An emergency plan with agreements on who does what, who notifies whom, where to meet if communication fails, and arrangements for pets, is essential.
