Imagine the power goes out. Not for an hour, but for days. No hot meals, no working cell phone, no light. Or suddenly no water comes out of the tap. Moments like these show how well - or poorly - prepared we are. Many people think: „That's what the state, the fire department and the THW are for.“ True - but only partially. Because the official bodies always make it clear: Every household should make its own provisions for emergencies.
But what does this mean in concrete terms? What recommendations are made by authorities such as the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) in Germany or similar bodies in other countries? And why is it worth taking this advice seriously instead of dismissing it as exaggerated scaremongering?
Why authorities advise people to take their own precautions
The state has many tasks in the event of a disaster: Rescue, coordination, supply, recovery. But it cannot ring every doorbell and distribute food at the same time. Even regional floods or storm damage show how quickly emergency services reach their limits.
This is precisely why the official recommendation is: Everyone should be able to manage without external help for at least a few days. This not only relieves the burden on the emergency services, but also increases your own chances of survival - and those of your family.
What specifically do the authorities recommend?
The recommendations differ slightly from country to country, but in Germany the BBK has drawn up clear guidelines. It is sober, factual - and at the same time highly relevant.
Supplies for 10 days
- Water2 liters per person per day - i.e. 20 liters for 10 days.
- FoodHigh-calorie, long-life products such as pasta, rice, oatmeal, canned food, legumes, oil, nuts.
More basics
- Medication (individual, plus a small medicine chest).
- Light sources (battery lamps, candles, matches).
- Facilities for cooking/heating food (camping stove, spirit stove).
- Hygiene articles (soap, disinfectant, toilet paper).
- Important documents to hand, preferably in a waterproof cover.
Table: BBK recommendation for 1 person (10 days)
| Category | Quantity/example |
| Drinking water | 20 liters |
| Cereal products | 3.5 kg (e.g. rice, pasta, oats) |
| Vegetables | 4 kg (canned or dried) |
| Fruit | 2.5 kg (canned or dried) |
| Dairy products | 2.6 kg (e.g. UHT milk, powdered milk) |
| Fish/meat/eggs | 1.5 kg (canned, dried) |
| Greases/oils | 0.4 kg (oil, margarine) |
| Other | Sugar, salt, coffee, tea |
This list is a guideline. It shows what is realistically needed - and that it is about more than a few cans of ravioli.
More than just supplies: the big picture
Food and water are the foundation, but the authorities also emphasize other areas:
- Energy
- Alternative heating sources such as fireplaces, kerosene or gas stoves.
- Warm clothing, sleeping bags, blankets.
- Information & Communication
- A battery-operated or crank-operated radio to receive warning messages.
- Spare batteries, power banks.
- First aid & health
- First aid kit according to DIN standard.
- Personal medication (in stock).
- Knowledge of first aid measures.
- Hygiene
- Waste bags, disinfectant, wet wipes.
- When water is scarce, improvised solutions are worth their weight in gold.
- Organization & Documents
- Important documents in an „emergency folder“ (ID, insurance, bank details).
- Cash in small bills.
Advice from the authorities: Play through the emergency
It sounds banal, but the reference is central: Practice the emergency.
- Where are the flashlight and candles?
- How quickly can the emergency backpack be packed?
- Does every family member know what to do?
In civil protection, this is called a „simulation game“. What is normal in companies also makes sense at home. Turn off the power for a day - and try out what still works and where there are gaps.
Typical misunderstandings
Many people hear „emergency preparedness“ and wave it off. The classics include:
- „That doesn't happen here.“ - One look at the news is enough: Floods on the Ahr, hot summers, power cuts in winter. No one is completely safe.
- „The state will sort it out.“ - Yes, but not immediately and not across the board.
- „I always have something in the fridge.“ - Fresh produce spoils quickly without electricity. Canned and dry food lasts for months or years.
Two lists for more clarity
The 5 most important immediate measures (according to the authorities)
- Build up an emergency supply for 10 days.
- Have alternative lighting and cooking facilities ready.
- Check your medication and first aid kit.
- Keep documents and important papers to hand.
- Draw up an escape or evacuation plan.
Frequently forgotten things
- Pet food for pets.
- Batteries in different sizes.
- Toys or activities for children.
- Replacement glasses or contact lenses.
- Garbage bags (hygienic disposal is often underestimated).
Why these recommendations make sense
Some people think the official lists are exaggerated. But anyone who has experienced how quickly the supermarket shelves are emptied after a storm warning will understand: These recommendations are based on experience.
The authorities are not talking about science fiction, but realistic scenarios. Floods, storms, pandemics - we've seen it all several times in recent years. The advice has been chosen so that it is pragmatic, affordable and can be implemented by everyone.
A personal thought
When I first looked at the BBK lists, I was skeptical. 20 liters of water per person - that sounds like a lot. But then I remembered a burst pipe in my street. Nothing came out of the tap for two days. No problem on the first day. On the second, it became unpleasant. Suddenly it became clear: The recommendation is not theoretical, but tested in practice.
Conclusion: Recommendations from the authorities are a good start
Emergency preparedness is not a sign of panic or mistrust of the state. On the contrary: it is responsibility in action - for oneself, for the family and for the community.
The authorities do not issue absurd instructions, but practical, tried and tested guidelines. If you follow them, you have already taken the most important step towards safety.
And to be honest, it simply feels better to be prepared. Not because you're waiting for the end of the world - but because you know that you can keep a clear head even in small crises.
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