Self-sufficiency for people with deafblindness - how to prepare for a crisis?

This week is Emergency Preparedness Week 2026. The goal is to make the population better prepared for crises and events that could affect our daily lives. This year's theme is how we can get important information if mobile networks and the internet do not work as normal. This is information that comes from Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness (DSB).

What is self-preparedness?

Self-sufficiency means being prepared to manage on your own in crisis situations. Crises can be natural disasters that cause prolonged power outages, accidents, natural disasters, or other crises.

Norwegian authorities recommend that all households should be able to meet their basic needs for at least a week if electricity, water, internet or other essential services become unavailable. Municipalities and emergency services must prioritize those most dependent on urgent assistance.

Self-preparedness means having a plan and the necessary resources available to be able to handle various situations.

Why self-preparedness is important for people with deafblindness?

Many people with deafblindness rely on technology, accommodations, and assistive devices to get information and communicate with others. If the power goes out or the mobile network goes down, this can become difficult. Therefore, it is advisable to think through questions such as:

• How do I get important information if the internet doesn't work?
• How can I contact family, friends, and others if the mobile network is down?
• Do I have enough battery or alternative power sources for my assistive devices?
• Do I have a plan in case I need help?

What should you do to be prepared?

I the checklist that DSB has created for your self-preparedness you'll find examples of things that are good to have at home. You should review your needs and consider what solutions are possible where you live. Remember that family, friends and neighbours can work together on self-preparedness.Check your stock at regular intervals.

How to get information when mobile networks and the internet are down?

The internet or the phone may stop working. It might then be a good idea to:

• Know where and how to get reliable information that can make you safer and better prepared in a crisis situation.
• Agreement with family, friends or neighbors on how to stay in touch and how to get information if mobile networks and the internet stop working.
• Ensure that emergency equipment, mobile phones, and emergency chargers or extra batteries are ready for use.
• Find out in advance whether your municipality has established information points where you can get information if the mobile network or the internet are not working.

You can read more and find more advice from DSB here: Advice if the internet and mobile networks are not working

Video about self-preparedness with Norwegian sign language

• Video: Below you can watch a video on how to contribute to Norway's self-preparedness with the checklists. The video has text, speech and Norwegian sign language.

• Text material in different languages: DSB has prepared written material covering all aspects of emergency preparedness, from planning to implementation. You can find the brochure on self-preparedness in different languages here: Information on self-preparedness in different languages | Safe everyday
• Braille and audio fileDo you need information in point form or would you like it read out as an audio file? On the Norwegian Blind Association website you can find more information: Self-preparedness for the blind and partially sighted - Norwegian Association of the Blind

More information about self-preparedness:

To access reliable information on emergency preparedness, please visit the following website:

DSB (Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness): DSB | Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness

Read also Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Deafblindness his news story about Preparedness on one's own terms – Deafblindness

Do you have any questions?

Get in touch with us Contact us - Eikholt