Preparation for Emergencies – How you can prepare for Crises

Preparation for emergencies: How you can prepare yourself and your family for crises

Potential emergencies and crises: Natural and man-made risks

The world is facing a multitude of crises and emergencies that are either due to natural causes or human actions. Both categories pose serious risks that can affect people’s lives, infrastructure and the stability of society. In this article, we differentiate between natural and man-made risks and look at their potential impacts in detail.

Natural risks

Natural crises are events or processes that arise without human intervention and have the potential to have serious consequences for Europe. These risks are often associated with extreme weather events or geophysical phenomena.

a) Extreme weather

• Heat waves: Long periods of exceptionally hot temperatures can endanger people’s health, damage agriculture and strain water supplies.
• Drought: Long periods of drought can lead to water shortages, crop failures and an increased risk of forest fires.
• Heavy rain and floods: Intense rainfall can cause rivers to overflow their banks and cause severe flooding, such as the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley (2021) or the heavy rain in Valencia in 2024.
• Storms and hurricanes: Strong wind events, such as the hurricane “Kyrill” (2007), can cause severe damage to buildings, transport routes and the power supply.

b) Geophysical events

• Earthquakes: There is a high risk of earthquakes, which can destroy buildings and infrastructure, particularly in southern Europe (e.g. Greece, Italy, Turkey).
• Volcanic activity: In regions with active volcanoes, such as Iceland or Italy (e.g. Vesuvius, Etna), eruptions can lead to local disasters.
• Tsunami: Coastal regions in the Mediterranean could be at risk from underwater earthquakes, Thailand in 2004.

c) Solar storms and space weather

• Geomagnetic storms: Events such as the “Carrington effect” (1859) can disrupt power grids, satellites and communication systems. Such an event could affect Europe on a large scale, e.g. through the failure of GPS systems or internet services.

d) Diseases and epidemics

• Pandemics: Natural outbreaks of diseases, such as the 1918 flu pandemic or COVID-19, can also lead to global health and economic crises.
• Animal and plant diseases: Diseases such as “African swine fever” or pests such as the spruce bark beetle (in forests) can cause significant economic damage.

Man-made risks

Man-made risks are crises or events that are caused directly or indirectly by human actions. These range from intentional actions such as war or terrorism to unintentional events such as industrial accidents.

a) Technological risks

• Blackout (power failure): A large-scale failure of the power grid due to technical defects, overload or sabotage could cause chaos and endanger both the economy and the security of supply.
• Cyber ​​attacks: Attacks on critical infrastructure (e.g. energy supply, hospitals, financial systems) could have devastating consequences. Examples include ransomware attacks or hacker attacks on power grids.
• Industrial accidents: Chemical accidents, explosions or oil disasters in industrial plants can cause significant damage to the environment and health.
• Nuclear accidents: Even if nuclear power plants in Europe meet high safety standards, there remains a residual risk of an accident such as in Fukushima (2011) or Chernobyl (1986).

b) Geopolitical risks

• War and military conflicts: The war in Ukraine shows that military conflicts continue to pose an acute risk. An escalation between states could have far-reaching consequences for Europe.
• Terrorism: Attacks on public places or critical infrastructure can lead to significant loss of life and uncertainty among the population.
• Sabotage: Targeted destruction of infrastructure, such as pipelines or communication systems, could lead to supply shortages and economic damage.

c) Social and economic risks

• Economic crises: Financial crises, inflation or recessions can lead to a massive increase in unemployment and social tensions.
• Migration and refugee crises: Political instability, conflicts or economic hardships in other regions can lead to increased migration movements to Europe, which could create social and political tensions.
• Social unrest: Protests or riots triggered by social inequality or political decisions can endanger the stability of states.

d) Environmental pollution and resource scarcity

• Plastic pollution and microplastics: Pollution of seas and soils by plastic waste has long-term effects on ecosystems and health.
• Overuse of natural resources: Intensive water and soil consumption could lead to local crises, especially in dry regions of Europe.

Risk assessment: Natural vs. man-made crises

Comparison of risks

Conclusion

Both types of crises require different approaches to prevention and management:

1. Natural risks: Early warning systems, resilience in the population, infrastructure adaptation and emergency plans are crucial.
2. Man-made risks: Stronger regulations, international cooperation, protection of critical infrastructure and education of the population can help to minimize these risks.

Conclusion

The world is facing both natural and man-made crises that have the potential to significantly affect people’s lives. While many natural risks are unavoidable, their impact can be minimized through smart precautions. Man-made risks, on the other hand, can often be prevented or at least limited through prevention and international cooperation. Holistic crisis management that takes both types of risk into account is essential to ensure security and stability in all countries.

The importance of personal preparedness: Why everyone should be prepared

In a major disaster, whether caused by natural disasters, a large-scale power outage (blackout) or other crises, personal preparedness is crucial for each individual. The ability to provide for oneself and one’s family for a certain period of time can be vital to survival, as government infrastructure and the readiness of emergency workers can be severely limited in such situations. In this section, we explain in detail why personal preparedness is necessary, also referring to the findings of various studies that have examined the consequences of a blackout. The consequences vary depending on the level of development and automation of the respective society.

Why personal precautions are necessary

a) Burden on emergency services (authorities and organizations with security tasks)

Authorities and organizations such as the fire service, police, rescue services and civil protection play a central role in dealing with crises. However, in the event of a major disaster, there are several factors that can significantly limit their effectiveness:

• Impact on the emergency services themselves: The helpers in the emergency services organizations can also be directly affected by the crisis. They may have to protect their families or deal with personal losses, which can affect their readiness to respond.
• Overload due to high numbers of operations: In a large-scale emergency, the number of calls for help and emergencies can quickly exceed the capacity of the emergency services.
• Limitations on infrastructure: In the event of a blackout, a natural disaster or a cyber attack, means of communication, transport routes and energy supplies could fail, making coordination of the emergency services extremely difficult.

b) Collapse of KRITIS (critical infrastructure)

The critical infrastructure (KRITIS), which includes energy supply, water supply, means of communication, fire brigade, police and health system, transport networks and food supply, is of central importance in crises. But these systems are highly dependent on one another. A failure in one area (e.g. power supply) can trigger a chain reaction and bring the entire KRITIS to a standstill. Examples of the far-reaching consequences of such a failure:

• No drinking water across the board: Without electricity, many pumps and water treatment plants do not work.
• Collapse of the food supply: Supermarkets depend on daily deliveries, which do not arrive in the event of a blackout. Many shelves could be empty after just a few hours.
• Communication failure: Mobile networks and the Internet can quickly collapse in the event of a power failure, making it difficult to coordinate emergency services and communicate with the population.
• Health care failure: Without a functioning power supply, hospitals have to send all patients home after just a few days.

c) Everyone is on their own

If the BOS organizations and the KRITIS are limited in their ability to act in a major disaster situation, this means that everyone is on their own for a certain period of time. In this scenario, personal precautions become the only way to ensure one’s own safety and supplies until state aid is available again.

The studies: findings and warnings

The studies examined the effects of a large-scale and long-lasting power outage (blackout) in Germany. The results of the study illustrate how serious the consequences of such an event would be in any country with a high dependence on electricity:

Key results of the study

Collapse of the critical infrastructure:

• After just a few hours, many central infrastructures would fail, including water supplies, sewage disposal, communication systems, transport and food supplies.
• Supermarkets, petrol stations and banks would no longer be able to operate without electricity.

The need for individual precautions: When major disasters affect the emergency services themselves

When major disasters such as natural disasters, power outages or other crises occur, not only the citizens but also the emergency services in the authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS) themselves are affected. This can significantly limit the effectiveness of the critical infrastructures (KRITIS) or even bring them to a complete standstill. In such situations, each individual is left to fend for themselves, at least for a certain period of time, and must be able to provide for their own needs and safety.

The TAB study “Danger and vulnerability of modern societies – using the example of a large-scale and long-term power outage” from 2011 examined precisely this problem. The study came to the conclusion that in the event of a large-scale and long-term power outage (“blackout”), the ability of the emergency services to act would be massively restricted:

“In the event of a long-term power outage, the aid organizations themselves would be affected. […] The ability of the aid organizations to act would then very quickly be severely restricted. […] The population would be largely left to fend for themselves.”

Only if each individual takes their own precautions can the emergency services act effectively in the event of a crisis and ensure that the population is supplied. Together, we can strengthen the resilience of our society.

The importance of communication and agreements in the community for crisis situations

In crisis situations, such as a large-scale power outage, a natural disaster or another emergency, the ability to communicate is often limited. Telephone networks, the internet and other means of communication can fail, making coordination and cooperation much more difficult. This makes it all the more important to make arrangements in advance within your own community and to exchange ideas about possible scenarios. This is the only way to ensure that everyone knows what to do, even if communication is interrupted.

Why is communication in the community so important?

a) Avoiding chaos and uncertainty

In a crisis, a lack of communication can lead to chaos, misunderstandings and inefficient action. However, if clear agreements have been made, everyone knows what tasks they have to take on and the community remains able to act.

b) Using resources and skills

Every community has different resources and skills. These can be distributed sensibly through prior discussions:

• Who has access to tools, emergency generators or other important resources?
• Who has medical knowledge or experience in first aid?
• Who can look after the elderly or those in need of assistance?

c) Psychological support

Crises are not only physically stressful, but also psychologically stressful. A well-connected community can help reduce fears and create a feeling of security and cohesion.

Important agreements before the crisis

a) Meeting points and assembly points

• Determine a fixed meeting point: Together, determine a central location where all members of the community can meet in an emergency. This meeting point should be easily accessible, well known and as secure as possible.
• Agree on alternative meeting points: In addition, determine one or more alternative meeting points in case the main meeting point cannot be reached.
• Discuss paths and routes: Identify safe escape routes and discuss the best routes to the meeting points.

b) Allocation of tasks

• Clarify roles and responsibilities: Agree on who will take on which tasks in the event of a crisis, e.g. supplying water and food, looking after children or the elderly, and organizing heat sources or emergency accommodation.
• Know skills and resources: Discuss which skills, tools and resources each community member can contribute.

c) Communication channels

• Plan emergency communication: Discuss how you can communicate with each other in the event of a crisis if the telephone and internet fail. Agree on alternative means of communication such as radios or signaling methods (e.g. whistles, light signals).
• Organize information distribution: Determine how important information can be shared within the community.

3. Preparing for a communication failure

a) Play through scenarios

• Crisis simulations: Practice together how you would act in a crisis. This helps to identify weak points in the planning and internalize the processes.
• Create checklists: Everyone should have a list of the most important tasks and contacts that can be used without digital tools.

b) Alternative means of communication

• Radios: Walkie-talkies or amateur radios can also be used in the event of a power failure.
• Signaling methods: Agree on simple signals, e.g. light signals or acoustic signals, to communicate.

c) Passing on information

• Confidants: Identify people who are responsible for passing on information.
• Written plans: Write down important information so that it is available even without digital devices.

Benefits of agreements in the community

a) Efficiency and organization

Clear agreements ensure that resources are used efficiently and no time is wasted on unnecessary discussions.

b) Strengthening cohesion

Joint preparation strengthens trust and cohesion in the community. In a crisis, this is a crucial factor for survival.

c) Reducing stress

If everyone knows what to do and can rely on the community, stress in a crisis situation is significantly reduced.

Conclusion: Preparation through communication and agreements

Preparation for crises begins with open discussions and clear agreements within the family and community, even before a crisis occurs. This is the only way to ensure that in an emergency, all members know where to meet, what tasks they will take on and how to communicate with each other. This preparation is crucial so that the community remains able to act and support each other in the event of a crisis. A well-prepared community has a better chance of managing crises and ensuring the safety of its members. Exchanging information and agreeing beforehand is therefore an essential step in being able to respond effectively in a crisis.

The importance of preparing for crises: mental and physical preparedness

Crises can come in many forms – from natural disasters to technical malfunctions to social or personal challenges. Each crisis has specific consequences that can affect our lives in different ways. Thinking in advance about which crises are possible and what effects they could have is crucial in order to be optimally prepared both mentally and physically. This preparation not only strengthens personal resilience, but also increases the ability to survive in extreme situations.

Why is it important to think things through beforehand?

a) Avoiding panic and being overwhelmed

In an acute crisis situation, many people react with fear, panic or being overwhelmed. These reactions can lead to important decisions not being made rationally. A prior examination of possible scenarios helps to minimize such emotional reactions:

• Psychological preparation: If you mentally prepare yourself for a crisis, you can act more calmly and thoughtfully in the situation.
• Clarity about options for action: If you already know what to do, you save valuable time and energy.

b) Individual adaptation of precautions

Not every crisis requires the same measures. A power failure has different consequences than a flood or a cyber attack. By analyzing the possible risks in a targeted manner, precautions can be individually adapted:

• Example of natural disasters: In areas at risk of flooding, it makes sense to have sandbags and pumps ready. • Example of a blackout: Emergency generators, candles and battery-operated devices are essential here.

c) Strengthening resilience

Mental preparation for crises strengthens personal resilience, i.e. the ability to deal with difficult situations. Studies show that people who actively deal with possible challenges are better able to cope with them.

The role of psychological preparation

a) Dealing with fear and uncertainty

Crises such as natural disasters, wars or economic uncertainty can trigger strong fears. These fears are often associated with a feeling of helplessness. Good preparation can reduce this feeling:

• Control over the situation: If you are prepared, you feel less at the mercy of others and have the feeling that you can act actively.
• Mental stability: Mental health is a crucial factor in remaining able to act in crises.

b) Coping strategies

Psychologists recommend dealing with possible coping strategies in advance. These include:

• Visualizing scenarios: Imagining how you would act in a crisis can help you react more quickly in an emergency.
• Stress management techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation or other methods can help you stay calm in stressful situations.

Physical preparation: What does optimal preparedness mean?

a) Analysis of possible crises

In order to be physically prepared, it is important to analyze the possible crisis scenarios. These include:

• Natural crises: heat waves, floods, earthquakes, droughts.
• Man-made crises: blackouts, cyber attacks, terrorist attacks, economic crises.

b) Creation of an individual preparedness plan

A preparedness plan should be tailored to the specific risks and take the following aspects into account:

• Emergency supplies: food, water, medicine for at least 14 days.
• Emergency equipment: flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, means of communication.
• Evacuation plans: clear ideas about how to get yourself and your family to safety.

c) Physical health

Physical fitness also plays an important role. In crisis situations, it may be necessary to walk long distances or carry heavy loads. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are therefore part of the preparedness.

The 2011 TAB study: Findings on the blackout

The 2011 TAB study (“Danger and vulnerability of modern societies”) examined the consequences of a large-scale and long-lasting power outage. The results clearly show how important individual precautions are:

• Collapse of supplies: Within a few days, the supply of food, water and fuel would collapse.
• Restriction of relief workers: The emergency services would themselves be affected and would only be able to help to a limited extent.
• Dependence on self-provision: The population would largely be left to its own devices, as the critical infrastructure (KRITIS) would no longer be functional.

The study emphasizes that a blackout would not only have technical consequences, but also massive social and psychological ones. Without prior preparation, many people could find themselves in an existential emergency.

Conclusion: Preparation is the key

Dealing with possible crises and their consequences is essential in order to be optimally prepared both mentally and physically. Good preparation offers the following advantages:

• Reduction of fear and uncertainty: Those who are prepared feel safer and more capable of taking action.
• Individual adaptation of measures: Every crisis requires specific precautionary measures that should be planned in advance.
• Strengthening resilience: Both mental and physical resilience are strengthened by good preparation.

The findings from the 2011 TAB study make it clear that in a major disaster situation such as a blackout, the population’s own precautions are crucial. Everyone should therefore think early on about which crises are possible and how they can prepare for them. This is the only way we can successfully overcome the challenges of tomorrow.

Emergency plan to meet basic needs in crisis situations

In almost every crisis – be it a blackout, a natural disaster or a social emergency – people are faced with the challenge of securing their basic needs themselves. The basic needs of life include water, food, warmth and emergency medical assistance. Here is a detailed emergency plan that shows how to prepare for these basic needs and how to provide for them in an emergency.

Water – the basis of life No. 1

Water is essential for survival. Without sufficient water reserves, the human body can only survive for a few days. In crisis situations, the water supply is often one of the first infrastructures to collapse.

Prevention:

• Stock up on water: Each person needs at least 2 liters of drinking water per day – so at least 28 liters per person for 14 days. 3-5 liters per day is better to also have water available for hygiene and cooking.
• Storage: Store water in clean, food-safe canisters or bottles. Store in a dark and cool place.
• Water filters or disinfection tablets: If access to clean water is limited, water filters (e.g. ceramic filters) or disinfection tablets can help to treat water from rivers or rainwater.
• Alternative water sources: collect rainwater (e.g. in barrels), filter water from lakes or rivers and boil it.

In an emergency:

• Ration drinking water: only use for essential purposes.
• If supplies are running low: boil water (at least 5 minutes) or treat it with filters/disinfection tablets.

Food – energy source for the body

The human body can survive for several weeks without food, but weakness, concentration problems and health problems occur. Sufficient and well-thought-out supplies are essential.

Precaution:

• Create emergency supplies: Food with a long shelf life and little preparation effort:
• Canned food (stews, vegetables, fruit, fish, meat)
• Dry food (rice, pasta, oatmeal, lentils, beans, couscous)
• Ready meals in cans or vacuum-packed (packet soups)
• Snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, cereal bars)
• Long-lasting milk or milk powder, whole egg powder
• Salt, sugar, spices
• Cooking equipment: Camping stove or gas stove with a sufficient supply of gas cartridges.
• Check supplies regularly: Replace expired food and rotate supplies.

In an emergency:

• Food distribution: Plan for around 2000 kcal per person per day. Ration supplies and use them sparingly.
• Cooking without electricity: Use a gas stove, grill or fireplace. Only use outdoors or in well-ventilated areas (risk of suffocation from carbon monoxide!). • Prioritize foods that do not require cooking: Use immediately edible foods such as bread, canned goods or dried fruit first.

Warmth – protection from the cold

In many crisis situations, the heating fails (e.g. due to a power outage). This can be life-threatening, especially in the winter months. Warmth is essential to avoid hypothermia.

Precaution:

• Provide heat sources:
• Sleeping bags (winter-proof if possible) or blankets.
• Insulating clothing: thermal underwear, wool sweaters, socks, hats, gloves.
• Heating: camping heaters (e.g. gas-powered heaters) and sufficient fuel (gas, methylated spirits, wood).
• Insulate living space: Seal doors and windows to minimize heat loss. Insulate rooms with blankets or curtains.
• Candles and tea lights: Can provide a certain amount of warmth in enclosed spaces. Be careful of the risk of fire – always use under supervision.

In an emergency:

• Centralize heat: Only heat and use one room. Keep doors closed.
• Use body heat: Wrap yourself in blankets, use sleeping bags, snuggle up together.
• Exercise: Regular exercise helps maintain body temperature.

Emergency medical assistance – first aid and medication

Crises can significantly affect medical care. Hospitals may be overloaded or unavailable. It is therefore important to be prepared for medical emergencies yourself.

Precaution:

• Create an emergency first aid kit:
  • Painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol),
  • Thermometer
  • Bandages: plasters, gauze bandages, sterile compresses, disinfectants
  • Wound ointment, burn ointment
  • Tweezers, scissors
  • Medication for chronic illnesses (stock for at least 4 weeks)
  • Electrolyte solutions (e.g. for diarrhea)
  • Antihistamines (e.g. for allergies)
  • Disposable gloves
• Refresh your first aid knowledge: Attend a first aid course to be able to respond better in emergencies.

In an emergency:

• Treat injuries: Clean and disinfect wounds and cover with sterile dressings.
• Manage chronic diseases: Use medication supplies in a targeted manner and ration them if supplies are uncertain.
• Ensure hygiene measures: Clean hands regularly (including with disinfectant) to avoid infections.

Emergency checklist for basic needs

• Water: At least 2–5 liters per person/day for 14 days, water filters, purification tablets.
• Food: Long-lasting food, camping stove, snacks, ready-made meals, regular stock rotation.
• Warmth: Sleeping bags, blankets, insulation, camping heater, candles.
• Medicine: Emergency kit with medications, bandages, first-aid supplies, first-aid course.

This table can only be a general guideline; what exactly and how much you need depends largely on your specific circumstances. Basically, when it comes to water and food, the more the better.

Conclusion: Preparation saves lives

The supply of water, food, warmth and medical help is essential to surviving in crisis situations. Early and well-thought-out preparation makes it possible to remain calm and able to act in an emergency situation. The emergency plan presented provides a basis for securing the most important basic needs and strengthening one’s own resilience. Those who are prepared minimize the risks and increase the chances of surviving a crisis unscathed.

Editor Robert Jungnischke URA-NGO