The Ukraine war raises concerns about a radiological emergency. The Bavarian civil protection agency explains how things would continue in such a case.
Munich – The Ukraine conflict*, which has escalated into a war since Russia attacked, scares many people. How can I help?* Can war come to us too? What to do in the event of a disaster? The Bavarian civil protection refers to the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) – and that provides answers. It doesn’t even have to be a war.
Preparedness for disasters: the Federal Office advises on emergency planning
Storms, floods or power failures are also catastrophes that you should prepare for *, as Ursula Fuchs, head of the information department for the population, self-protection and self-help at the BBK, explained to the Münchner Merkur . The Federal Office advises to think about emergency planning. Because: “Once an emergency has occurred, it is usually too late for precautionary measures,” can be read on the BBK website. “Take the time to think about your personal emergency planning.” But what does an emergency backpack contain?
Concern about the Ukraine war – the Federal Office advises: This belongs in an emergency backpack
For the emergency backpack, the BBK lists, among other things, personal medication, first aid material, a battery-operated radio, a document folder and food for two days in dust-proof packaging.
In an emergency, however, you should not forget things that you cannot pack beforehand. According to the BBK, this includes the identity card, money cards, health insurance cards, vaccination certificates and house or car keys.
Emergency supply: Federal Office gives tips for emergencies
You should also be prepared for any emergencies at home: But what food should you have ready for an emergency and how much?
| food group | examples | Stock for 10 days |
| beverages | 2 liters of liquid per person/day for drinking and cooking. Mineral water, fruit juices, beverages that can be stored for a long time | 20 liters |
| Cereals, Cereal Products | Bread, potatoes, pasta | 3.5 kilos |
| Vegetables that can be stored | Carrots, Garlic, Onions, Celery, Squash, Rutabaga | 4 k |
Fruit, nuts, oils, honey, jam or biscuits can also be packed. You can find a complete list in our overview.
Federal Office for Civil Protection gives tips: This is what you should do in an emergency (video)
Ukraine war: Should you stock up on iodine tablets and take them as a precaution? Federal Office becomes clear
Because of the Ukraine war, there is also great concern about a nuclear accident. So should you stock up on iodine tablets? The Bavarian Ministry of the Interior says on Merkur demand: No! And the BBK also warns against prophylaxis: “It is essential to refrain from taking iodine tablets yourself!”
If an emergency occurs, i.e. an event “where radioactive iodine is to be expected in the air – they are distributed in the areas that may be affected.” However, this does not always mean that the iodine tablets have to be taken immediately, it writes BBK on its website. Because: The right time for the intake is crucial. Too early or too late intake ensures that the desired protective effect is not achieved.
Radiological emergency: Bavarian civil protection explains the procedure in an emergency
When asked by Merkur , the Bavarian civil protection explained the procedure in such a case: “In the event of a radiological emergency, the State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection, which is responsible for radiation protection in Bavaria, forms the ‘radiological staff’ together with the State Office for the Environment. He assesses the situation and recommends that the civil protection authorities, i.e. the government concerned, take protective measures for the population, such as distributing potassium iodide tablets as quickly as possible.”
The population will then be informed that there is a nuclear emergency, appropriate measures will be taken and, if necessary, they should pick up the potassium iodide tablets to be distributed at specified distribution locations – for example pharmacies. “A sufficient quantity of the potassium iodide tablets is available for the entire Bavarian population,” explains a spokeswoman. “The tablets differ from the ‘normal’ iodine tablets that you can get in the pharmacy because of their higher dose of potassium iodide.” (kam)*Merkur.de/bayern is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
