Germany is considered one of the safest countries in the world. However, recent crises are increasingly disrupting daily life, from extreme weather events to cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and acts of sabotage that target infrastructure, public trust, and social cohesion. Even the possibility of war, once unthinkable, can no longer be ruled out. In such uncertain times, being prepared is essential.
A crate of water, a bar of soap, and a hand-crank radio: most tips for disaster prevention have been known for a long time, now an official catalog has been updated with the latest advice. On Monday, the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) published an updated guide for "Preparing for Crises and Disasters". In addition to recommendations for supplies, behavioral tips, and important telephone numbers, it now includes information on how to recognize disinformation in the media.
In its new guide, the BBK points out that in unclear situations, there may be conflicting information, for example on social media. “In addition, there are actors who deliberately spread false information. They want to influence opinions, unsettle people, undermine trust in government action, and weaken social cohesion,” warns the BBK. Disinformation is particularly dangerous in emergencies and crises. “Disinformation can cause uncertainty and lead you to misjudge situations.” It is recommended that you critically examine information and its source.
Information on where to seek shelter in the event of explosions has also been added. “In the event of explosions, pressure waves, flying debris, and glass splinters pose a particular danger. This also applies to air strikes,” warns the new guide. “However, buildings in Germany are mostly made of solid construction materials. Interior rooms with as few exterior walls and doors as possible and without windows therefore offer effective protection.”
Examples include windowless basements and other interior rooms such as bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells. "The rule of thumb is: avoid the attic! A roof offers little protection from shock waves and flying glass shards or debris,“ emphasizes the BBK. Schools, museums, underground parking garages, and subway stations can also offer protection. If possible, the ”two-wall rule“ should be followed: there should be two walls between the explosion and yourself. ”The more shielded the room is inside the building, the better."
The new guide has been translated into seven languages and is also available in plain language and sign language. The material is available on the BBK website and integrated into the Nina mobile warning app.
The BBK (German Federal Office for Emergency Preparedness) says it wants to encourage even larger segments of the population to take personal emergency preparedness measures. According to a BBK survey, 53 percent of people in Germany are not sufficiently prepared for emergencies. The agency therefore plans to follow up the publication of the new guide with advertising and public relations campaigns in the coming weeks and months.
“We are experiencing a global situation that is causing concern for many. With our new guide, we want to offer support and guidance to people who are worried or need information,” explained BBK President Ralph Tiesler on Monday at the time of publication. The tips contained in the guide “mean that people are not powerless in the face of crises, but can take action,” Tiesler continued. “This provides security for the personal environment and at the same time strengthens the crisis resilience of our society as a whole.”
The new edition also contains basic information on crisis preparedness, for example in the event of power failures, fires, or flooding. It recommends keeping an emergency supply of food, hygiene items, appliances, and everyday items that would allow you to survive for ten days without shopping or atleast 3 days.
The BBK estimates this to be around 20 liters of water, 3.5 kilograms of bread, pasta, rice, or potatoes, four kilograms of vegetables and legumes, 2.6 liters of milk, 1.5 kilograms of fish, meat, and eggs, and 0.357 kilograms of fats and oil per person.
Households should also keep batteries, a flashlight, a camping stove, a wind-up radio, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and washing and cleaning supplies on hand. It also provides information on warnings and how to stay informed despite grid failures.
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