Adequate preparations by the government and by citizens can help mitigate the consequences of a future pandemic or other disaster. However, a study by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has shown that people in the Netherlands are not making these preparations (pandemic preparedness). Moreover, group interviews conducted as part of the study revealed that a clear majority was unwilling to do so.
While most people indicated that they thought a new pandemic was highly likely, they were unwilling to make preparations. One of the reasons given was the notion that you cannot predict the future (and therefore cannot prepare for it). In addition, people were unwilling to entertain negative thoughts due to the anxiety that would come with it. Negative experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic also played a part. Lastly, people felt that preparing for a new pandemic or other disaster was a job for the government.
Practical objections
A small group was willing to make preparations but raised practical objections. Among other things, people did not know which products to acquire. They also cited a lack of space, high costs and the short shelf life of products that would potentially need to be stored for a long time.
Preparation leads to a sense of calm
Some people indicated in the group interviews that they were already well prepared, having stocked up on water, food and/or medicines. These preparations gave them a sense of calm. A striking observation was that most interviewees focused on material preparations, with no mention being made of preparing mentally for a disaster or crisis.
Recommendations for policymakers
Based on the results mentioned above, RIVM made several recommendations on how the government could encourage citizens to prepare for a future pandemic or other disaster. First, it is essential for the government to stress the effectiveness and feasibility of making preparations towards citizens.
Second, in order to encourage citizens to prepare, it should be made clear why it makes sense to make preparations even if the exact nature and scope of the disaster is not yet known. Third, an explicit statement by the government that preparation is a shared responsibility of the government and citizens could make citizens more motivated to prepare. Fourth, the government could assist people who are already willing to make preparations, for example by providing them with concrete step-by-step plans.