There are currently increasing reports in the media that an official safety guide entitled “Poradnik Bezpieczeństwa” is being distributed to all households in Poland to prepare the population for crises such as air raids, power outages, and other emergencies, with practical instructions on first aid and finding shelters. What many people may not know is that a similar guide is also available from the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) – and it has just been comprehensively revised.

Competent in a crisis

As before, it contains information on classic emergency preparedness—for example, in the event of a power outage, flooding, or extreme weather. For these cases, the guide provides tips on how to build up a sensible supply of provisions and what items should be kept handy in an emergency. It also provides information on warnings and how to stay informed despite network failures. It also contains advice on what to do in the event of a fire or if the supply of energy and heat is interrupted.

New challenges taken into account

Content addressing current challenges has also been added. Tips on how to recognize disinformation are included, as well as information on where to find shelter in the event of explosions. Last but not least, the guide explains how to deal with fears and worries in extreme situations—your own, but also those of family and friends, and especially children.

Always at hand

The new guide is now available in the tried-and-tested format as a handy brochure, which can be ordered free of charge from the BBK. The booklet contains QR codes in many places that provide further information. At the same time, all of the booklet's content is available on the BBK website and has also been added to the NINA warning app in the emergency tips section. Further information on all of the topics covered in the guide is available on the BBK website.

“We are experiencing a global situation that is causing concern for many,” explains BBK President Ralph Tiesler about the new information service. "With our new guide, we want to offer support and guidance to people who are worried or need information. I urge all households in Germany to have this guide available in either print or digital form and to familiarize themselves with its contents.

It offers many simple and easy-to-implement practical tips for preparing for crises. These many small steps mean that people are not powerless in the face of crises, but can take action. This provides security for the personal environment and at the same time strengthens the resilience of our society as a whole. That is our goal."