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Preparedness is the key to safety.

 

The Federal Office of Civil Protection (BBK) 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 BBK (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe) for your safety and security in any emergency situation. By utilising the Nina app, you can stay informed and receive vital updates about any potential dangers or threats and take appropriate actions accordingly. 

The BBK

 

The Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), 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 BBK 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 – it is mandatory in most states to have a smoke detector in your bedroom.
  • As power failures are highly likely during extreme weather, the BBK (Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance) offers valuable tips on how to prepare for power outages.
  • A manual on how to prepare and what to do during a disaster situation can be downloaded in German here, as well as 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 Federal disaster control authorities. 
  • In an emergency, the fire department works closely with other organisations to provide effective assistance. Partners include the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the German Red CrossJohanniter UnfallhilfeMalteser-Hilfsdienst and Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft.
  • The NORA App is the official emergency call app of the German federal states

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

Medical Items

Hygiene Items

Fire prevention

Power loss

Communications

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

Emergencies – Assisting someone else In Germany, helping someone in an emergency is not just the right thing to do — it is a legal duty.According to Section §323c of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch), you are obliged to provide assistance to a person in need, as long as it

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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).

In the event of war

Germany is considered one of the safest countries in the world, yet even here, crises can disrupt our familiar routines. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in extreme weather events and the growing impact of cyberattacks, disinformation, and even acts of sabotage that threaten essential infrastructure and social stability. While the idea of war once felt distant, global events remind us that security can never be taken for granted. Being prepared doesn’t mean living in fear — it means being ready to protect yourself and your loved ones if the unexpected happens. See more on the BBK website

  • Visit the BBK website and download the Disaster Alarm Brochure to find out how you should behave if a war breaks out.  They published a new Vorsorgen für Krisen und Katastrophen brochure in October 2025. It is available in German, and the English brochure will come out soon. 
  • Make sure you know who to contact and where your nearest Disaster centre or shelter is
  • Inform yourself about how and when to use Iodine pills – The right time for taking iodine pills is crucial because taking them too early or too late ensures that the desired protective effect is not achieved. Follow the instructions of the Federal disaster management authority. See the FAQ Section of the BBK
  • Refer to the items the BBK suggest you have in your home
  • Have a battery-operated radio

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