Danish municipalities and police call for clear emergency plans if power fails

Danish municipalities and police are urging the government to establish national guidelines for emergency communication if power or mobile networks fail, leaving citizens unable to call 112, DR reports.

In Kalundborg Municipality, 31 designated information points have been set up where residents can seek help or updates during digital outages. During a May power failure on Sejerø island, one such point at a local community centre used walkie-talkies to coordinate with authorities.

Lone Loklindt, chair of the Municipalities’ Association’s (KL) Culture, Business and Civil Security Committee, criticised the lack of state guidance. “We have no clear directives on what is expected of us. How many information points should there be? How close together? Should they only provide information or be staffed? We need clarity from the government on the criteria,” she said.

Midt- og Vestsjællands Police have pre-selected alert points across their district, to be staffed by emergency services if needed. Inspector Paw Kaltoft said a national standard would help citizens recognise these points regardless of location.

New Civil Security Minister Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen (SF) acknowledged the challenge and pledged to provide guidance, though she noted local conditions—such as coastal storms or urban density—would require tailored solutions. “We can’t have a one-size-fits-all approach, but we can offer advice and recommendations,” she said.