Berlin, October 19, 2025 - In a new edition of its guidebook „Precautions for crises and disasters“, published by the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), it is explicitly stated that war can no longer be ruled out.
For the first time, the updated guidelines include topics such as „warlike attacks“, acts of sabotage, cyber attacks and disinformation in the range of preparedness topics. Although Germany remains a comparatively safe country - according to the BBK - the office emphasizes that good preparation is more important than ever in a changing security situation.
Sources:
- https://www.bbk.bund.de/DE/Warnung-Vorsorge/Vorsorge/vorsorge_node.html
- https://de.euronews.com/2025/10/19/bbk-krieg-russland-warnung
Recommendations at a glance
According to the BBK guide, households should have a supply of food, water, hygiene and emergency communication supplies to last three to ten days. It also points out that preparedness is not a luxury: „Every preparation is valuable.“
Significance and classification
The inclusion of war and hybrid attacks marks a clear shift in nationwide preparedness policy - away from a focus on natural disasters and towards civil-military scenarios.
The BBK explains that the changes were motivated, among other things, by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and an increase in requests from citizens.
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Challenges in practice
Implementing the recommendations poses practical questions for many households: where to store, how to finance and how to handle with limited space and everyday life?
Conclusion:
With the BBK's new guide, preparedness is seen more strongly than before as a task for society as a whole - and no longer just as a natural or technical risk. Those who prepare themselves strengthen their ability to act - and build calm instead of fear.
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