Norwegian Survey Finds Gaps in Local Emergency Councils

Only 54 percent of responding organizations participate in local emergency preparedness councils, according to findings published on October 30, 2026, by Samfunnsbedriftene, a Norwegian employers’ association representing providers of essential public services. Another finding showed that 38 percent had not been invited.

Participation differed sharply across sectors. Half of responding water and wastewater organizations belonged to the councils, compared with 69 percent in energy and information technology. Participation reached 82 percent among fire and rescue organizations but just 17 percent in waste and resource management.

The councils bring local actors into municipal preparedness cooperation. Samfunndsbedriftene said Norway’s Directorate for Civil Protection identifies infrastructure owners and essential service providers as relevant participants.

Øivind Brevik, the association’s chief executive, urged municipalities to review missing participants and clarify their involvement. He argued that electricity, water and communications must be considered together when authorities plan and exercise their emergency response.

The survey covered 176 of 338 invited member organizations, a response rate of 52 percent. It was conducted from May 26 through June 12, 2026. The results describe participating members rather than a comprehensive national census.

Samfunnsbedriftene represents organizations seeking a stronger role in local preparedness. Its findings nevertheless identify a specific coordination gap: more than seven in ten respondents reported experience with preparedness incidents or exercises during the preceding three years, while many remained outside the councils.

Brevik also called on the organizations themselves to seek involvement and clarify responsibilities before an emergency occurs.