The government of Chancellor Angela Merkel has given the green light to the first civil defense strategy in 21 years. The plan is aimed at combating new security threats in the 21st century.
Image: Reuters/H. Hanschke
Advertisement
The German Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new strategy that is meant to provide better protection for citizens during catastrophes and crises.
The plan, which replaces a previous strategy laid out in 1995, is aimed at taking account of new threats facing society in the 21st century, including terrorism, cyberwarfare and infrastructure attacks.
The document warned that "the security policy environment has changed again," saying that Germany should be "sufficiently prepared in case of an existence-threatening development in the future, which cannot be ruled out."
Details of the plan have not yet been officially made public, but according to information leaked to the media, the concept raises the possibility of bringing back military conscription, which was phased out in 2011 after 55 years. The proposal met with considerable opposition within Merkel's coalition government.
Germany's government is mulling a plan requiring citizens to stock up on food and supplies in case of a natural disaster or armed attack. So what should you have in your pantry? Here's our comprehensive checklist.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/I. Kjer
Preparing for the worst
The stockpile plan outlined in the government’s "Concept for Civil Defense" paper obligates Germans to store 10 days' worth of food and five days' worth of drinking water. The idea is for people to have enough supplies - including cash and medicine - on hand to get them through an emergency situation before government assistance kicks in.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Ready for disaster
The level of preparedness proposed in the paper hasn't been seen since the end of the Cold War. The strategy was originally commissioned by a parliamentary committee in 2012, but its release now comes amid a raft of new security measures and heightened terror concerns. Still, its contents aren't new - German authorities have long urged households to store two weeks' worth of emergency supplies.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S. Baltagiannis
Enough to drink
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, for example, has published a checklist online with recommended supplies for a 14-day period. The most important thing on the list is water - 28 liters per person for a fortnight, or around two liters per day. People can survive a few weeks without food, but only four days without liquid.
Image: picture alliance/KEYSTONE
Stocking the pantry
The Ministry of Food even has an online "calculator" to help you work out what kind of food - and how much - to stock up on. It recommends 4.9 kilograms of cereal-based products like rice, bread and noodles per person per fortnight. It also suggests 5.6kg of veggies, 3.7kg each of milk products and fruit and nuts, and 2.1kg of fish and meat. All food should be able to last without refrigeration.
Image: Markus Mainka - Fotolia
Hygiene is vital
While food and water are key to survival, hygiene is also important for preventing disease. Washing hands, showering and brushing teeth aren't so easy if there's no running water or electricity. If water is scarce, collect what is available in big containers or basins. And be sure to have enough soap, detergent, toothpaste, wet wipes, rubbish bags, hand sanitizer and toilet paper on hand.
Image: picture-alliance/Eibner-Pressefoto
Fully stocked medicine cabinet
The government also advises keeping a medicine cabinet stocked with supplies in case it's not possible to get to a hospital. That means, among other things, a first aid kit, the necessary personal prescription drugs, cold medicine, painkillers, anti-diarrhea and nausea medicine, electrolytes, a thermometer and disinfectant.
Image: picture-alliance/blickwinkel
When the lights go out
Power outages usually only last a few hours, but in emergency situations they could last days. That can mean no lights, no cell phones and no heating. To prepare for that eventuality, it's a good idea to have a supply of flashlights and candles handy, along with matches and batteries. If you have a fireplace, make sure you also have plenty of briquettes and wood.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Y. Badawi
Radio warning
Battery-powered radios can be a useful way to get information if the power network is down, according to the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. In some cases these devices might be the only way to receive life-saving warnings in an emergency. Again, keep a supply of batteries and replace them regularly.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Endig
Stash of cash
A wad of cash is another important part of any household's emergency supplies. There may not be time to rush to a bank, and ATMs won't work if the power is out.
Image: ferkelraggae - Fotolia.com
Emergency bag
The idea of stocking up on supplies suggests being trapped at home, but sometimes emergencies force you to leave. That's why it's wise to have a bag already packed. According to government advice, it should contain: first aid materials, meals for two days, key personal documents, a water bottle, sleeping bag, protective clothing, plus many of the other items mentioned earlier in this checklist.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/I. Kjer
10 images1 | 10
New spectrum of threats
The new strategy lists attacks by conventional, biological and chemical weapons as among the possible threats facing the country, as well as attacks targeting critical infrastructure such as water, electricity and gas supplies.
According to government sources, the measures are not a direct result of the recent terror attacks in Germany. A speaker for the Interior Ministry also said that no new laws were planned as yet on the basis of the crisis plan.
The plan was to be officially presented in the capital, Berlin, later on Wednesday by Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere. The presentation is scheduled take place at a water supply facility.