Preventive civil protection
All planning work should promote civil protection. This duty is imposed by, among other pieces of legislation, the provisions of the Planning and Building Act. As the local planning authority, a municipality has the responsibility and legal power to prohibit the use of land that is or may be exposed to danger. This applies both to individual buildings and larger schemes.
In practice this means, among other things, that residential buildings, schools or other institutions should not be sited in areas liable to floods, landslides, avalanches or other events that may endanger human life or health. In addition, alternative means of supplying drinking water and electricity should be provided in case the usual supply lines are disrupted. Residential areas, schools and other institutions should also be protected to the greatest possible extent when plans are being drawn up for major new transport routes.
Risk and vulnerability assessments (RVAs) are used to establish the probability and potential consequences of a disaster (e.g., a flood or major power outage) occurring in a particular area. Municipal civil protection planning must be based on comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessments.
Advice on self-preparedness for emergencies
Think about what crises and accidents could affect you at home and prepare for them to the best of your ability. If there is no power or you are cut off by the weather, you should be equipped to fend for yourself for at least 72 hours.