Preparedness is the key to safety.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection (BKK) advises keeping essential items at home to stay prepared for unexpected disasters. Such events, including extreme weather like heavy rain, snowstorms, or flooding, can happen without warning. To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to have enough supplies to last for an extended period. Recommended items include non-perishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a radio, and blankets.

Additionally, keep important documents such as identification, insurance policies, and emergency contact information easily accessible. Being prepared can significantly improve your ability to handle a crisis.

National Emergency Number -112

The national emergency number is 112 and it is crucial to memorise this number in case of emergencies. It is not only important for your safety but could also save someone else’s life. That being said, our website has a comprehensive section dedicated to providing you with a list of all the emergency numbers available in your area.

NINA App

It is highly recommended to install the Nina app (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten) from the BKK (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe) for your safety and security in any emergency situation. By utilizing the Nina app, you can stay informed and receive vital updates about any potential dangers or threats and take appropriate actions accordingly.

The BKK

The Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BKK), or Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, is a key authority in Germany responsible for enhancing the country’s preparedness for emergencies and disasters. It develops strategies for civil protection, provides guidance on disaster preparedness, and coordinates resources during crises. The BKK also supports federal, state, and local authorities in managing risks such as extreme weather, power outages, and other emergencies, ensuring the safety and resilience of the population.

Good to know

Smoke detectors – is mandatory in most states to have a smoke detector in your bedroom.
As power failures are very likely in extreme weather, the BKK (Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance) has great tips on how to prepare for the loss of power.
A manual on how to prepare and what to do during a disaster situation can be downloaded in German here, and also in English.
A person can manage for three weeks without food but only four days without water or liquids.
In all 16 Federal States, potassium iodide tablets (iodine tablets) are stocked by the disaster control authorities.

Below are some items on the list from the BBK that they suggest you have in your house.
You can download the complete list of suggestions here

Food and drinks - plan for 10 days per person

Beverages - 2 litre per day
Grain, Cereal products, potatoes, pasta and rice - 3.5 kg of each
Tinned vegetables & legumes - 4 kg
Milk - 2.6 kg
Fat and oils - 0.357 kg
Sugar, honey, dried products like Mash, salt
Tinned Fruit and dried nuts
Pet food if you have any pets

Medical Items

DIN First aid kit (see link)
Pain tablets
Prescribed Medicine
Antiseptic ointment
Flu medicine
Meds for tummy troubles
Tweezer
Thermometer

Hygiene Items

Soap and detergents
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Camping toilet (see link)
Garbage bags
Household gloves
Disinfectant

Fire prevention

Power loss

Candles or tea lights
Matches (Streichhölzer) or fire lighter (Feuerzeug)
Torch with extra batteries
Camping stove with burning fuel
A heater that does not work with electricity, with enough fuel
Having enough cash reserves at home, ATMs work with power.
Charged power/battery banks

Communications

A Battery operated radio with spare batteries, so you can listen to notifications
Battery bank for mobile phones
A whistle or signalling device to alert rescuers, in case you’re trapped or need help
Emergency contact list with phone numbers and addresses of nearby shelters, hospitals, and emergency services

There are many more suggestions on the list for example make sure to have important documents, such as identification, insurance papers, and copies of important medical records in a waterproof and portable container. It is also recommended to have an emergency bag ready and stocked with essentials like clothes, blankets, and other necessary items. Being prepared can make all the difference in a crisis. Stay safe!

Obligation to assist a person in need

It is very important to remember that in Germany, you have moral and legal obligations to help a person in need, as stated in Section § 323c of the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch). Helping others is not just a moral duty, but also a social responsibility that we should all take seriously.

(1) Wer bei Unglücksfällen oder gemeiner Gefahr oder Not nicht Hilfe leistet, obwohl dies erforderlich und ihm den Umständen nach zuzumuten, insbesondere ohne erhebliche eigene Gefahr und ohne Verletzung anderer wichtiger Pflichten möglich ist, wird mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu einem Jahr oder mit Geldstrafe bestraft.

(2) Ebenso wird bestraft, wer in diesen Situationen eine Person behindert, die einem Dritten Hilfe leistet oder leisten will.

Translation of Section 323c

Failure to render assistance; obstruction of persons rendering assistance
1. Whoever does not render assistance in the case of an accident or a common danger or emergency although it is necessary and can reasonably be expected under the circumstances, in particular, if it is possible without substantial danger to that person and without breaching other important duties, incurs a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine.
2. Whoever obstructs a person who is rendering or wishes to assist another person in such a situation incurs the same penalty.

Emergencies – Assisting someone else

It is very important that you are aware that according to Section § 323c of the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch) your are obliged to help a person in need. You can either call 112 (national emergency number) and 110 (The police) to get assistance. Section 323c1. Failure to render assistance; obstruction

Why South Africans in Germany Should Register with DIRCO

Registering with the South African Embassy or Consulate while living in Germany is an important step for all citizens abroad. By signing up, you enable the Embassy to better understand where South Africans are located across cities and regions in Germany, allowing them to plan and assist more effectively.
This registration can be invaluable during emergencies such as evacuations, natural disasters, or family crises, as it helps the Embassy to contact you or your loved ones in South Africa when needed.

DIRCO offers a range of services for South Africans abroad.

In emergencies, you can also contact the South African Embassy (+4930220730) or Consulate (+49892311630)

The emergency number – +491728676194 is for South Africans in distress during any emergency which includes but is not limited to natural disasters, national security emergencies, etc. You may call this number only if you are in an emergency during non-working hours (i.e. between 4:30 pm and 8:00 am).

South Africans in Germany