Preparing for difficult times: Germans plan to stockpile essentials
Preparing Emergency Supplies: A Proactive Measure for Uncertain Times
In light of potential emergencies, both the European Union (EU) and the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) in Germany recommend that citizens prepare a 72-hour emergency supply kit. This kit is designed to provide essential resources during a crisis, ensuring survival without external assistance.
The core components of an emergency supply kit include non-perishable food for 72 hours, drinking water for at least 3 days, basic medicines and emergency medical equipment, light sources such as torches (flashlights), shelter-related items like blankets and tents, and water purification means [1][3][4][5].
Hygiene items such as toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste should also be included, as well as items to prepare for a power outage, such as candles, tea lights, flashlights, and reserve batteries. For those with pets, it's essential to consider their needs and include them in the emergency supplies [6].
Families with sick members or very young children are advised to prepare well, ensuring they have necessary items like diapers and medication [7]. It's best to build up the emergency supplies gradually, rather than panic buying.
The BBK, a reputable source for advice on creating emergency supplies in our country, provides a checklist that includes a small home pharmacy with wound disinfectants, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and a fever thermometer [2].
The recommendations are not limited to potential attacks from abroad but also include preparation for natural disasters. The creation of emergency supplies is a responsible action that citizens can take to prepare for potential emergencies [8].
These preparations align with broader EU strategies to maintain resilience and solidarity in crises involving natural disasters, conflicts, or hybrid attacks [1][3][5]. It often helps to create a list for special needs to shop calmly for emergency supplies.
In conclusion, having emergency supplies for 72 hours can provide peace of mind and ensure safety during uncertain times. By following the recommendations from the EU and the BBK, citizens can take a proactive step towards ensuring their safety during wars, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/crisis-management/preparedness_en [2] https://www.bbk.bund.de/DE/Startseite/Sicherheit/Krisenmanagement/Krisenplanung/Krisenplaene/Emergency-Preparedness-Plan/emergency-preparedness-plan_node.html [3] https://www.bbk.bund.de/DE/Startseite/Sicherheit/Krisenmanagement/Krisenplanung/Krisenplaene/Emergency-Preparedness-Plan/emergency-preparedness-plan_pdf_node.html [4] https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/gesundheit/gesundheit-im-krisenfall-1849340 [5] https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/emergency-preparedness-and-crisis-management_en [6] https://www.bbk.bund.de/DE/Startseite/Sicherheit/Krisenmanagement/Krisenplanung/Krisenplaene/Emergency-Preparedness-Plan/emergency-preparedness-plan_node.html [7] https://www.bbk.bund.de/DE/Startseite/Sicherheit/Krisenmanagement/Krisenplanung/Krisenplaene/Emergency-Preparedness-Plan/emergency-preparedness-plan_pdf_node.html [8] https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/gesundheit/gesundheit-im-krisenfall-1849340
- Incorporating a focus on outdoor-living and sustainable-living, families may consider including non-perishable, nutritious food options in their emergency supply kit, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience during challenging times.
- As an essential aspect of personal-growth and mindfulness, families can take advantage of the opportunity to practice emergency preparedness as a means of education-and-self-development, empowering them to make informed decisions and contribute to their community's overall preparedness.
- By including home-and-garden items such as seeds, gardening tools, and multipurpose knives, families can develop a more self-reliant lifestyle, enabling them to grow their own food and undertake basic repairs during an emergency situation.
- Within the broader context of emergency preparedness, families are encouraged to promote a holistic approach that encompasses not only survival basics but also personal well-being, by prioritizing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, journaling, and cultural activities in their emergency kits, ensuring overall personal growth and mindfulness in uncertain times.
