All six IKEA stores in Denmark have been designated as emergency shelters or temporary hospitals to be used during disasters, attacks on critical infrastructure or flooding, RÚV reported today. The initiative is meant to provide safe spaces and support for the population during large-scale emergencies.
According to RÚV, Iceland’s director of civil protection said a similar arrangement, using large stores as emergency shelters, could also be considered in Iceland. The idea has not been ruled out, though no concrete plans have yet been announced.
The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management (Almannavarnir) is responsible for coordinating Iceland’s national response to natural hazards and other emergencies.
Sources
- RÚV (first reported) in Icelandic
- RÚV English
- Fréttatíminn in Icelandic
