Alerts, information and evacuation

How we will alert you in the event of an emergency

In an emergency that poses a threat to life and health, the City of Oslo or the police will send a text message to everyone in the affected area. This message will be sent in both Norwegian and English. Follow the instructions in the text messages. You cannot reply to these text messages.

Warning systems (sirens) are also used to warn the public of immediate danger. When the siren sounds you can seek information from the NRK P1 radio channel.

Visit www.sikkerhverdag.no for more information on how you will be alerted during an emergency.

Learn more about how we define an emergency.

Although the City of Oslo and the police have good routines and systems in place for alerting the public, there is still a chance that an alert will not reach certain people.

Mobile phones may be turned off, a person may not understand Norwegian or English or they may not have heard the siren. If you are alerted to an emergency, it is important that you alert other people around you.

Alerts regarding interruptions to water supply

The City of Oslo has its own warning system for alerting the public of interruptions to the water supply. Learn more about alerts regarding interruptions to the water supply (information in Norwegian).

How to find information during an emergency

During emergencies and accidents it is essential to have access to information about what is happening and what you need to do.

You can find more information on public websites, online newspapers, the radio, TV and social media. NRK has special responsibility for broadcasting official information from the Norwegian authorities.

You can also follow Oslo Police District on Twitter and Oslo Fire and Rescue on Twitter, where important information is rapidly made public.

We will post information on the City of Oslo’s website, where we will explain what has happened, what you should do and how you can get municipal assistance.

To make sure you receive advice and messages from NRK P1 emergency radio channel, you should have access to a battery-powered DAB radio.

Emergency situations may involve some confusion and it is important to counter misinformation. Be vigilant and make sure you only get your information from reliable sources.

Ask for help if you need it

If you need help it is important to ask for it. Consider whether you can ask for help from someone you know.

We will explain how to contact the City of Oslo in an emergency via a text message or on our website.

In the event of immediate danger to life and health call the emergency numbers 110, 112 and 113. Be aware that there may be reduced capacity during major emergencies, and it may therefore take longer than usual to get help.

You are a resource for others

In an emergency you can use text messages to contact others.

Many people will need extra support and assistance during an emergency. Think about someone you know who might need a helping hand.

Keep in mind that people with vision, hearing or mobility impairments, people in poor health and people who don’t understand Norwegian or English will especially need help during an emergency.

Contact friends and acquaintances or knock on your neighbours’ doors. Ask if they have received information about what is happening and whether they need help.

Maybe you can offer practical assistance such as shopping, getting water, providing a place to stay or assistance in contacting municipal services.

During major emergencies a spike in call volume may cause a mobile network to overload. We therefore recommended staying in contact by text message or by using web-based messaging services.

Housing cooperatives and co-owned properties

We encourage all housing cooperatives and co-owned properties to check the well-being of all residents during an emergency.

The following text could be included in the house rules:

• During bad weather and other incidents that result in the absence of water, electricity, telephone connections or closed roads for more than a few hours, a Board representative or other person appointed by the Board will contact residents in all flats.
• The Board will offer to contact emergency services or the municipality on behalf of anyone who needs help. The Board will contact residents in all flats daily for the duration of the emergency.

Advice for people with disabilities

If you have a vision, hearing or mobility impairment an emergency will affect you differently. Consider how an emergency might affect you.

Learn more about advice on self-preparedness for people with disabilities.

What happens if we must evacuate?

In an emergency people may need to seek shelter together to help each other.

If you receive an alert urging you to evacuate you must follow police instructions at all times. Leave your home immediately if asked to do so. Turn off your stove, close your windows and lock your doors if you have time.

During an evacuation you are responsible for your own safety as far as possible. This means that you must ensure your own transport, shelter and food. The City of Oslo will prioritise assistance for residents receiving home health services, institution services or those who are not able to evacuate by themselves.

Plan where you and your family can go in an emergency. You may choose to stay with family members or friends who live in or outside the city.

Be sure to bring the following:

• Identification papers such as a passport, bank card or driving license
• Wallet, mobile phone and charger
• Clothing and toiletries for three days
• Any regular medication needed by someone in the family
• Equipment for small children (nappies, baby food, bottles, toys)

Evacuee and Family Centre

If necessary, the City of Oslo will set up an evacuee and family centre. This type of centre offers short-term assistance during the acute phase of an emergency for evacuees and their relatives.

These centres will provide information on what is happening and contact with healthcare personnel. Evacuated persons at the centre will be given simple overnight accommodation, such as mattresses in a school gym, and a meal.

Pets cannot be accommodated in an evacuee and family centre, with the exception of guide dogs.