An increasing number of Norwegians are stocking up on emergency supplies, with 40.8% now reporting that they have a preparedness kit at home. The data comes from a new survey conducted by InFact for Nationen, and reflects a notable rise from last year, when only one in three respondents reported having such a stockpile.
The results show a 4.3% increase compared to 2024, suggesting that more Norwegians are taking the recommendations of the Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB, Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection) seriously. The agency encourages all households to maintain a basic emergency kit including clean drinking water, non-perishable food, a camping stove, warm clothing, and matches.
Women and older adults lead in preparedness
The survey also reveals demographic differences. Women are slightly more likely to be prepared than men, with 44% of women having an emergency kit compared to 38% of men. Age and economic security are also strong predictors: nearly 50% of over 45 have stocked up, while only one in five under the age of 30 have done the same.
“Younger people may underestimate the likelihood or impact of a crisis,” says preparedness expert Anne Solheim. “But events like power outages or supply chain disruptions affect everyone, and basic readiness is crucial.”
Southern Norway and Østlandet most prepared
Regional trends highlight that Southern Norway (Sør-Norge) leads in household preparedness, with 47% of respondents indicating they have a supply kit. Østlandet (excluding Oslo) follows closely at 46%. Meanwhile, Oslo lags behind with only 36%, and Western Norway (Vestlandet) trails at 35%. Northern Norway (Nord-Norge) stands at 41%.
In addition to the 40.8% who already have a preparedness stock, another 39% say they are considering putting one together. Only 20% say they do not plan to build such a reserve.
Growing awareness of self-reliance in crisis
This growing interest in home preparedness reflects a broader cultural shift in Norway, where self-reliance and resilience are increasingly emphasized in both public campaigns and media coverage. Whether motivated by climate concerns, geopolitical tensions, or past pandemic experiences, Norwegians appear to be taking more responsibility for their own safety.
“Preparedness is not about paranoia,” says Solheim. “It’s about ensuring that individuals and families can manage short-term disruptions without panic.”
The DSB provides detailed guidance on its website for building a home emergency kit, stressing that even a few days of self-sufficiency can make a big difference in a crisis.
