Katastrofevern

Katastrofevern is the term used in Norwegian to describe the organized set of measures and institutions intended to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from major disasters. It encompasses disaster risk reduction, civil protection, and emergency management, covering natural hazards such as floods and storms as well as human-made crises such as fires, technological accidents, pandemics, or terrorism. The objective is to reduce vulnerability, protect lives and health, safeguard critical infrastructure and essential services, and shorten recovery times.

Responsibility is typically shared among national authorities, regional and local governments, private sector actors, and civil society. Government ministries set policy and provide funding; dedicated emergency management or civil protection agencies coordinate planning, drills, public warning, and response. Local municipalities develop and implement contingency plans based on risk assessments. Private operators of critical infrastructure and essential services participate in risk reduction and continuity planning. Public communication and training are important components.

Key elements include risk assessment and land-use planning to reduce exposure, prevention and mitigations measures, preparedness activities such as emergency plans and exercises, robust warning and communication systems, incident command and coordination structures, resource management, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction planning. Internationally, katastrofevern aligns with disaster risk reduction frameworks like the Sendai Framework, and Norwegian practice often emphasizes coordination with Nordic and European partners.