Greenland five-day preparedness is now official guidance from the Greenlandic government (Naalakkersuisut), which is urging households to be able to cope on their own for five days in the event of a crisis.
Naalakkersuisut says the brochure is meant to strengthen public confidence rather than create anxiety: the point is to be prepared, so authorities can focus on the most vulnerable and on restoring normal services.
What the five-day list includes
The brochure’s checklist mirrors well-known Nordic preparedness advice in several areas, starting with basics for five days: drinking water, shelf-stable food, hygiene supplies, medicine, and light and heat sources.
For water, the guidance recommends three litres per person per day, which equals 15 litres per person over five days. It also suggests building a pantry with foods that do not require refrigeration and can ideally be eaten without heating.
For households that rely on electricity for heating and daily routines, the document highlights practical contingencies: power banks, torches and spare batteries, and alternatives for warmth when the temperature drops.
Why five days, according to Naalakkersuisut
Naalakkersuisut frames the five-day threshold as a buffer that gives emergency services time to stabilise the situation and reach those who need assistance first. The brochure explicitly links the approach to lessons from recent disruptions, including supply problems during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 power outage in Nuuk.
The guidance also notes that preparedness looks different depending on where people live in Greenland. Geography, harsh weather, sea ice, and transport constraints can make some communities more exposed to supply disruptions or delayed assistance.
Which risks the brochure highlights
The document lists a broad set of crisis drivers that can affect Greenland’s infrastructure and supply chains.
It points to more frequent and intense extreme weather as temperatures rise, as well as the potential for tsunamis caused by distant earthquakes or local landslides. It also mentions technological and human-made incidents such as cybercrime, technical failures, and accidents. Finally, it notes that international conflicts and geopolitical tensions can affect supply security and infrastructure, with knock-on effects for everyday life.
Why hunting gear appears in the checklist
One line in the list stands out to many readers outside Greenland: “hunting weapons, ammunition and fishing equipment.” The brochure presents this in a practical way, noting that hunting and fishing can be a source of food during disruption and encouraging households to consider access where relevant.
The inclusion reflects the reality that in parts of Greenland, subsistence activities remain closely tied to food security and local resilience. The document does not call for new acquisitions; it is framed as part of thinking through what households already rely on.
