Whether forest fires, floods or bomb disposal operations, when emergencies strike, you seldom have much time to prepare.
So if you don’t want to be left without the bare essentials, get an emergency rucksack ready in case you have to be evacuated from your home.
If you need to spend a few days away for whatever reason, here’s what you may need, according to Germany’s Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK).
They start with one basic rule: that you pack only as much per person as you can fit into a rucksack.
What to bring
1. Your personal medication
2. A mobile phone, keys, cash, health insurance card
3. If you are packing for children, a neck pouch or a waterproof SOS capsule (available from pharmacies, among other places) with their name, date of birth and address
4. A first-aid kit including bandages, plasters and gauze pads
5. A battery-powered radio, torch and spare batteries
6. A document folder. Bring a family register, bank account agreements, certificates, ID card or passport, driving licence, vaccination record, etc. Some can be originals, while others can be certified copies or photocopies – so check your local regulations.
7. Food for two days (at least) in dust-proof packaging, a water bottle, crockery and cutlery, a tin opener and a pocket knife
8. Clothes for two days. It is better to have several thin layers than just one thick jacket
9. A blanket or sleeping bag
10. Hygiene items, nappies and other essentials
11. A face mask
12. Headgear and work gloves. – dpa
