Wissen

Digital & Cyber

Create backups — Back up your mobile phone and computer regularly. This keeps your photos and documents safe.
Check links and messages — Check links and messages before you click or share them. If you are unsure, do not click or forward them.
Strong passwords — Use a separate, strong password for each important service. This way, finding one password does not open all your accounts.
Updates for protection — Keep devices and software up to date. Updates fix security gaps before attackers can use them.

The safest room at home — The safest room is inside the building. It has no windows and as many walls as possible between you and the outside. This applies during explosions and attacks. In a fire, do the opposite: get out of the building.
Put out fires correctly — Keep a fire extinguisher or fire-fighting spray close at hand. Never use water to put out burning fat.
Recognise the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning — Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and deadly. A CO detector protects you when you heat your home with gas, oil, wood, or coal.
Smoke alarms at home — Smoke alarms in the right rooms warn you early about a fire. Check regularly that they work.

Food Without Power — Some of your supplies should be ready to eat without cooking. This will help you manage if the power goes out.
Build up an emergency supply — Build up a supply for 10 days step by step: store items, use them in everyday life, and buy new ones. This keeps your supply fresh and helps you keep track.

Pack a grab-and-go bag — Pack a backpack for each person. Put in a copy of their ID, medicines, a power bank, cash, and enough food and drinks for two days. This helps you act quickly.

Pandemic supplies — Supplies for infectious diseases should include FFP2 masks, disinfectant, and fever medicine.
What to do during an epidemic — If you have a contagious illness, it is best to stay at home. Call your doctor for advice instead of going to the practice.

Heating without electricity — Only use heating devices that are approved for indoor use. Never use open flames, grills, or camping stoves inside your home.
Light without power — Keep torches with spare batteries ready. Also have hand-crank or solar lamps. This gives you light if the power goes out.
Stay warm in a cold home — Choose a small room that everyone can use together. Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothes keep you warm best.

Hygiene without running water — Soap, toiletries and wet wipes help you stay clean even without running water. Keep a small supply of them.
Set up an emergency toilet — If the water supply fails, set up an emergency toilet. A bin bag and an absorbent material such as cat litter are enough.

Keep emergency contacts close at hand — Write important phone numbers on paper. This helps if your phone battery is empty.
Receive radio and warnings — A radio that works without the power grid keeps you informed even when the power is out. It works with batteries, a hand crank, solar power or as a car radio.
Understanding siren signals — Learn the most important siren signals. This way, you will know in an emergency whether there is an official public warning or an all-clear.
Set up warning apps — Set up a warning app such as NINA. It reports dangers directly for your location on your phone.

First aid – the basics — Refresh your first-aid skills in a course. This will give you confidence in an emergency.
Fill your home medicine kit — A good home medicine kit should contain first-aid supplies, painkillers, fever medicine, and a thermometer. Check regularly that everything is there and still in date.
Iodine tablets: when and for whom — iodine tablets protect the thyroid only in certain emergencies and only when authorities tell you to take them. Age limits apply, and not everyone may take them. Never take them on your own as a precaution. Wait for the official instruction.
Build up a supply of medicines — If you need medication regularly, keep a supply for 10 days because pharmacies may be closed during a crisis. Ask your doctor how much you need.
Stop severe bleeding — Every second counts when there is heavy bleeding. Press firmly on the wound and call 112. This page explains what to do safely.

Cash for emergencies — If the power goes out, card payments and cash machines may not work. Keep a supply of small notes and coins.
Create a document folder — Collect identity documents, contracts, certificates and insurance documents in one folder. Also keep copies or scans.

Family emergency plan — Agree on a set meeting place that everyone knows. This helps if you get separated and mobile phones do not work.
Talk to children about emergencies — Explain calmly and honestly to children how you are preparing. The sentence “We are well prepared” helps reduce their fear.
Organise neighbourhood support — Talk to your neighbours about who may need help in an emergency. This way, you can support each other in a targeted way.
Find a preparedness buddy — Find a preparedness buddy. Preparing together is easier, and you are more likely to keep going.

Official information and rumours — Remember which channel shares official information in an emergency. Do not believe every message. Check it first. Do not pass on rumours. They can cause serious harm.
Plan for an evacuation — Discuss with everyone in your household what you will do if you need to evacuate. Decide in advance what you will take with you and where you will go. If everyone knows the plan, you will not have to make one up in an emergency.
Find a shelter or a protected place — Think ahead about where you can find shelter in an emergency. This could be a basement, an underground car park or a room without windows. It is important that you know the way there.
What to do during an attack — If there is an attack, go into a solid building immediately. Stay away from windows and glass. Turn on a radio and wait for official information.

Prepare for a storm — If there is an official storm warning, bring inside anything from the balcony or garden that could blow away. Close windows, doors, and shutters. Stay indoors during the storm and keep away from windows.
Take the right action during floods — Do not go into the basement during flooding. The danger is greatest there. Switch off the power in the basement if you can do so safely. Move yourself and important belongings upstairs to safety.
Keep your tank or battery at least half full. — Keep your car’s fuel tank or battery at least half full. During a power cut, petrol stations and charging points often do not work. This helps you stay mobile when it matters.
Turn off the water and electricity — Find the main water shut-off valve and the fuse box in your home. If a pipe breaks or water gets into the house, you can quickly turn everything off. Show the others in your household where they are.

Store water supplies — Store drinking water for at least 3 days, or better for 10 days. Plan for 2 litres per person per day. Use water that is sealed and can be stored for a long time. Do not use tap water.
Store water correctly — Store water in clean, food-safe containers that are tightly sealed. It will keep for a very long time if stored in a cool, dark place.