Ready for the crisis? How to protect yourself from unexpected emergencies!

Ready for the crisis? How to protect yourself from unexpected emergencies!

On January 15, 2026, the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) published its new guide “Preparing for Crises and Disasters”. This guide serves as a comprehensive source of information for citizens to prepare for various emergency situations. The aim is to help people better cope with possible interruptions to everyday life or crises. Topics covered in the guide include power outages, floods, extreme weather, disinformation and explosions. The printed version of the guide is available via the BBK website can be ordered and topic-specific checklists are also available.

Although Germany is considered one of the safest countries in the world, crises can disrupt everyday life. Extreme weather events are increasing, and threats such as cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation pose a serious threat to public safety. The BBK emphasizes that war seems less impossible today than in the past and the need for precaution is therefore becoming more important.

Crisis management through preparation

The guide offers numerous preparation and action recommendations that are intended to help people stay calm and act appropriately in extreme situations. The key points include:

• Wissen, was zu tun ist
• Ruhig zu bleiben
• Selbstversorgung bis Hilfe eintrifft
• Die Rettungskräfte zu entlasten
• Unterstützung für Menschen, die sich nicht selbst helfen können

In recent years, various global events such as the corona pandemic and the Ukraine war have shown how vulnerable the institutions that keep our society stable are. These events have not only tested the healthcare system, but also triggered a global energy crisis and disrupted supply chains. The GFKV highlights that such crises can occur abruptly and that early adaptation to these challenges is essential.

Build resilience and crisis fitness

The lesson from these experiences is clear: resilient people and communities are needed to overcome future crises. Experts predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of crises, reinforcing the need to develop not only personal but also community crisis management strategies. The worrying possibility of a Europe-wide power, infrastructure and utility failure, a “blackout,” is another example of the risks facing modern society.

Prevention and education can make the difference between despair and effective support in crisis situations. By actively preparing the population for different scenarios, community resilience can be strengthened. The message is clear: Every individual can contribute to crisis management and thus not only help themselves, but also those around them.