Emergency supplies for the blackout: bread, potatoes, pasta - you should have them at home
Created: 10/15/2022 10:24 am
By: Stella Henrich
Whether in the event of a blackout or other disaster, there are some things consumers should have on hand at home.
We let experts from the disaster agency explain to us which foods are included.
Frankfurt am Main – Disaster drills are currently taking place in cities and municipalities across Germany.
On Saturday (October 15), for example, the city of Frankfurt am Main is rehearsing a major loss event with around 250 helpers throughout the city with the fire brigade, rescue service and many volunteers.
So far it is "only" a rehearsal for emergency services, but the population is also called upon to prepare for such an emergency.
Because a blackout and a large-scale power failure, which not only cuts off entire streets, but also entire communities from the grid, is now considered a conceivable scenario.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance advises citizens to prepare for such emergencies and to have an adequate supply of food at home in case of an emergency.
The goal should be to be able to survive ten days without shopping.
For this purpose, a
list of basic supplies for a person
was developed.
Ready meals in cans such as ravioli or soups are particularly suitable for emergency supplies.
They also store well.
(Iconic image) © Norbert Schmidt/imago
You should have these foods at home:
1. Drinks:
Two liters of fluids per day: A person can go up to three weeks without food, but only four days without fluids.
A drink supply is therefore important, even if it is rare for the tap water to fail.
For a 10-day supply, citizens should calculate
20 liters per person
, according to the recommendation of the Federal Office.
A portion of the liquid is already provided for cooking (0.5 liters per day).
A certain proportion of the supply should therefore also consist of (mineral) water.
But fruit juices or drinks that can be stored for a longer period of time can also be included.
2. Groceries:
4 kilograms of
legumes and vegetables
, preferably in cans and jars.
Also: 2.5 kilos of
fruit and nuts
.
Only fruit that can be stored should be used as fresh fruit.
There are also 3.5 kilos of grain,
grain products such as bread, potatoes, pasta
and rice.
As well as 2.6 liters of
milk and milk products
.
When shopping for supplies, consumers should make sure that the products do not need to be refrigerated.
Fats and oils
with around 0.38 liters are also part of the basic supply
.
Optionally, various
spices, sugar, sweeteners, flour and chocolate, pretzel sticks and hard biscuits
can also be stored.
They are also good for emergencies
Ready meals
such as ravioli, dried tortellini and ready-made soups of all kinds in cans.
Stock for emergencies: checklists, shopping tips, online calculator
A checklist and guide for emergency preparedness and correct action in the event of a disaster can be found on the website of the Federal Office.
If you are looking for specific examples of a vegetarian supply, you will find practical shopping tips on the nutritional care portal of the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Nutrition.
There you can easily
calculate
the requirements for a single household and up to ten people for a period of 1 to 28 days with a supply calculator.
also read
Germany-wide Lidl recall: danger from metal parts - manufacturer takes product off the shelf
"... when you order your dirt": DPD customer finds unabashed message
Two helpful guides for personal pension planning
- guides for correct action in emergency situations as a download
- Personal checklist as download
Our consumer newsletter will keep you up to date on consumer information and product recalls.