Emergency radio: how to stay informed when the mobile network is down

11 hours ago

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When the power goes out, the mobile network can disappear within a few hours. A DAB radio that runs on batteries, a hand crank or solar power is then the most reliable way to hear from the authorities. DSB recommends that everyone has one, and the emergency channel is NRK P1.

Norway's national preparedness week (Egenberedskapsuka) 2026 runs from 26 October to 1 November, and this year's theme is exactly this: how to get important information when the mobile network and internet aren't working. Here's what you need to know – and what to check at home before the week starts.

Last updated 30 September 2026 · Hurtig Beredskap

In short

DSB recommends a DAB radio that works without mains power – on batteries, a hand crank or solar.
NRK P1 is the emergency channel. It broadcasts on DAB, not FM.
Ordinary mobile masts have backup power for only 2–4 hours, according to Nkom (the Norwegian Communications Authority).
If you hear the sirens sound three series with a one-minute pause in between, it means “Important message – seek information”. Turn on the radio.
A radio that only has FM is not a proper emergency radio.

Why do you need a radio when you have a phone?

Because your phone depends on the network working. Nkom says that ordinary base stations normally have backup power for only 2–4 hours. A longer power cut can therefore also take out mobile coverage, the internet and card terminals.

In 112 municipalities there is what's called reinforced electronic communications: base stations that must have backup power for at least 72 hours. They are often near the town hall. Tønsberg has had the scheme since 2015. But it doesn't cover the whole municipality, and it doesn't help if the network itself is down.

Emergency alerts on your phone (Nødvarsel) also require 4G or 5G coverage. And according to the Norwegian Civil Defence, the sirens reach only about half of Norway's populated area. Radio is the channel that keeps working when the others fail.

What does DSB recommend?

In the brochure “Advice on emergency preparedness” (in Norwegian), sent to every household in autumn 2024, the advice is simple: “Have a DAB radio that works even if the power goes.” DSB notes that there are models that run on batteries or are charged by solar panels or a hand crank.

On the checklist, the radio is listed together with “batteries and a charged power bank”. For the preparedness week, DSB and Nkom have published new advice for when mobile and internet don't work (in Norwegian). Among other things, they ask you to keep spare batteries for the radio and a charged power bank ready.

DSB also reminds you that the car radio works. If you have a car, you can listen to the radio and charge your phone there.

Which channel should you listen to in a crisis?

NRK P1. NRK, the national broadcaster, has a statutory emergency duty, and NRK itself states that the duty applies to broadcast radio via DAB, and that P1 is the emergency channel. NRK can also interrupt all its radio channels with important messages.

FM is a common question. NRK switched off its FM transmitters in 2017, and today only local radio broadcasts on FM. Some local stations have agreements to relay NRK's emergency messages, but you can't get NRK P1 on FM. That's why Nkom says it is not true that an FM radio is a proper emergency radio.

A good tip: save NRK P1 as a favourite on your radio now, while everything works.

What does it mean when the sirens sound?

Norway's public warning sirens, often called the air-raid sirens, have three signals. The one you're most likely to hear is the signal that means you should turn on the radio.

Signal	Meaning	What to do
Three series of blasts, one-minute pause between series	Important message – seek information	Turn on NRK P1 and follow the advice
Short blasts for about one minute	Risk of attack – take cover	Take cover indoors, for example in a shelter or basement
One long blast for about half a minute	Danger over	Keep following updates on the radio

The sirens are tested at 12 noon on the second Wednesday of January and June. The test uses the “Important message – seek information” signal. Read more at DSB (in Norwegian).

How to choose an emergency radio

Lots of radios are sold as “emergency radios”. Not all are equally good. Look for this:

DAB+. Nkom says a good emergency radio has DAB+ technology. Older radios with plain DAB, without the plus, can't receive today's broadcasts.
Several power options. The radio should run on both mains power and batteries. A hand crank and solar panel are a good backup when the batteries run out.
Replaceable and rechargeable batteries. Tek.no highlights this combination as the best in its test: you can use ordinary AA batteries when the rechargeable one is empty.
Long battery life. According to NRK, some models last up to 120 hours on battery, while others manage only 10 hours. A large screen and Bluetooth use more power.
USB charging. Preferably USB-C, so you can charge the radio from a power bank or in the car.
FM as an extra. Useful for local radio, but never as the only band.

Test the reception where you'll actually use the radio. Some radios lose the signal in basements and concrete buildings.

Checklist before preparedness week

Find the radio and put in new batteries – or charge it fully.
Tune in to NRK P1 and save it as a favourite.
Test the hand crank and solar panel, if the radio has them.
Keep spare batteries and a charged power bank with the radio.
Find out how your municipality will inform residents if mobile and internet go down – for example at information points.
Agree with a neighbour or friend to check on each other. DSB calls this being preparedness buddies.

Emergency radios in our kits

If you already have a battery-powered DAB+ radio, you don't need a new one. If you don't, a radio is included in two of our kits:

Standard emergency kit: DAB/FM emergency radio with a 4,000 mAh rechargeable battery and Bluetooth.
Large emergency kit: DAB/FM radio charged by hand crank or solar panel, plus a 10,000 mAh power bank.
Mini has no radio.

Each product page shows what's included and what you need to add yourself.

Frequently asked questions about emergency radios

Does a DAB radio work when the power goes out?

Yes, if the radio runs on batteries, a hand crank or solar. A radio that only plugs into the wall won't work during a power cut.

Is an FM radio enough as an emergency radio?

No. NRK P1, the emergency channel, isn't broadcast on FM. On FM you only get local radio.

How many batteries do I need?

DSB doesn't give a number. Check how long the radio runs on one set, and have enough to listen to the news several times a day for a week. An extra set of batteries and a charged power bank is a good starting point.

Can I use the car radio?

Yes. DSB reminds you that you can listen to the radio and charge your phone in the car.

What is reinforced electronic communications?

Mobile masts with backup power for at least 72 hours, instead of the usual 2–4 hours. The scheme exists in 112 municipalities, usually around the municipal centre. See Nkom's overview (in Norwegian).