War Preparedness Checklist for Families: What to Do Now (PDF)

Practical checklist for families to prepare for war scenarios in Europe. Download the PDF and go through the most important preparedness steps step by step.

Why This Checklist Exists

Preparing for a war scenario in Europe is no longer a fringe concern. The events of recent years have changed how governments and ordinary people think about security. Germany, Austria, Switzerland — governments in all three countries now explicitly advise citizens to prepare for extended crises, including security emergencies.

This checklist is not about paranoia. It's about applying the same logic you'd use for fire safety to a wider range of potential disruptions.

Part 1: Information and Communication

NINA app installed on all family members' smartphones with notifications enabled
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio available at home with fresh batteries
Family meeting point agreed if communication infrastructure fails
Emergency contacts written down on paper (not just in phone)
Relatives in other regions identified as potential contacts in an emergency
Local civil defense information reviewed (municipal website or app)

Part 2: Supplies for 14 Days

The BBK (Federal Office of Civil Protection) recommends 10-14 days of supplies. This checklist covers the minimum.

Water

28 liters per person stored (2 liters/day × 14 days)
Water purification option available (filter, tablets, or both)

Food

Non-perishable staples for 14 days: rice, pasta, canned goods, oats
Manual can opener available
Camping stove with sufficient fuel for cooking without power
Special needs addressed: baby food, pet food, allergy-specific items

Medications and Health

Prescription medications stocked for at least 30 days
First aid kit complete and accessible
Copies of prescriptions and medical documents stored securely

Part 3: Communication Plan for the Family

Each family member knows the meeting point if you can't reach home
Children know the plan: what to do if parents can't be reached
Emergency contacts shared across family members
Responsibilities assigned: who handles what in an emergency

Part 4: Documents and Money

Copies of critical documents: passports, birth certificates, insurance papers
Cash available (at least €200-€500 per household member)
USB stick with digital copies of important documents stored in go-bag

Part 5: Go-Bag Ready

One go-bag per adult prepared for 72-hour evacuation
Children's go-bags or items added to parent bags
Location everyone knows: where go-bags are stored

Part 6: Home Security

Blackout curtains or thick curtains available
Backup power for critical devices (power bank, solar charger)
Alternative heating planned if normal heating fails

What This Checklist Doesn't Cover

War preparedness overlaps with general crisis preparedness but has some specific aspects: evacuation routes, safe rooms, and radio communication. These are addressed in separate guides.

The most important step is not perfecting any single item on this list — it's starting. Choose three items from Part 2 to address this week.