Cologne in alarm mode: pack your emergency backpack now!

Cologne in alarm mode: pack your emergency backpack now!

In Cologne today, June 4, 2025, the city came to a standstill due to a bomb defusal. The relevant authorities have called on residents to prepare for possible evacuations. This goes hand in hand with the recommendation of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) to pack an emergency backpack. Experts emphasize that the backpack offers practical advantages over traditional luggage, especially in crisis situations.

But what actually belongs in an emergency backpack? The BBK checklist is clear: The first priority is personal medication and a sufficient amount of water and food that is enough for at least two days. In addition, first aid materials, cash, keys, a pocket knife and a flashlight should not be missing. Hygiene measures are also important - protective masks and gloves should definitely be packed. A detailed overview of this can be found on the homepage BBK.

Prepare for emergencies

The need to put together an emergency backpack is becoming more and more pressing. Events such as heavy rain that led to flash floods in 2021, as well as the ongoing challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, show how quickly help is no longer immediately available. In the past, many people had to flee their homes, such as during the floods or during hurricane “Friederike” in 2018, which caused extensive damage.

The emergency backpack should have a volume of between 30 and 50 liters, with the weight ideally not exceeding 10-20% of your own body weight. It is recommended that each family member has their own backpack in order to be able to react more flexibly. Furthermore, the content should be individually tailored to personal needs and possible crisis scenarios. This also includes involving children in the planning to ensure that nothing important is forgotten.

Important recommendations for content

The following items are essential for a well-equipped backpack:

• Erste-Hilfe-Set
• Wasser und haltbare Lebensmittel
• Schlafsack oder Decke
• Hygieneartikel
• Multitool oder andere nützliche Werkzeuge

The BBK's official recommendation to prepare yourself for emergencies clearly shows that we all have responsibility, not only for ourselves, but also for our neighbors. Preparations can often be the difference between life and death at critical times when government assistance is not immediately available.

For more information on emergency preparedness and tips for packing an emergency backpack, we recommend the website Vorsorgeliste.de. Here you will also find current updates and helpful advice on crisis prevention.

So be well prepared - the situation in Cologne can change from one moment to the next.