Escape & Evacuation

FLUCHTWIDGETHIER

Stay or go? (the most important decision)

Stay (usually right) in case of: power cuts, supply shortages, severe weather. Your home offers shelter, supplies, warmth. Evacuating is a risk in itself.

Go only if: the authorities order it (loudspeaker vans, radio, warning app — in Germany e.g. NINA), there is immediate danger where you are (rising floodwater, major fire, chemical accident downwind), or supplies have broken down permanently and the destination can be reached safely and is better supplied.

Rule: never flee into the unknown. A destination (relatives, friends, official reception point) must be fixed — otherwise stay.

Grab bag (per person, max. ~10–12 kg)

• [ ] Document folder (see guide 09) + cash
• [ ] Water (1.5 L) + water bottle, energy bars/nuts for 2 days
• [ ] Medication (your own!), mini first-aid kit
• [ ] Weatherproof clothing, sturdy shoes, 1 change of underwear, hat
• [ ] Sleeping bag/emergency blanket, small sleeping mat
• [ ] Head torch + spare batteries, pocket knife, lighter
• [ ] Power bank + cable, radio (small), PMR walkie-talkie
• [ ] Minimal hygiene kit, toilet paper, bin bags
• [ ] Paper map of the region + this folder on a USB stick
• Children: baby carrier, favourite toy, snacks. Pets: lead/carrier, food.

What to do when an evacuation is ordered

1. Stay calm, follow the instructions of the emergency services
2. Turn off cooker/water/electricity (main switch), close windows, lock up
3. Note on the door: "Home evacuated, [number] persons, destination, date/time"
4. Inform neighbours/take them with you (especially older people!)
5. Use the official routes — no "shortcuts" (they may be closed or dangerous)
6. If there is danger from chemicals/smoke: leave the danger zone at right angles to the wind direction

Route planning without internet

• Offline map app (Organic Maps/OsmAnd, download maps beforehand!): real road navigation with GPS — GPS also works without a mobile network
• Paper map as a backup (battery!)
• The widget above gives direction, distance and destinations — detailed navigation is done by the map app
• On foot: 4–5 km/h, with luggage/children more like 3 km/h → 30 km = a very long day's march
• Bicycle: 3–4× faster than walking, independent of traffic jams and fuel
• Car: only with a full tank and while roads are clear — in a mass exodus, motorways are quickly blocked; prefer country roads

What is a "safe area"?

It depends on the situation — rules of thumb: - Away from: large cities (collapse of supplies, unrest), industrial/chemical plants, rivers (flooding), military installations - Towards: small rural towns/villages (short supply chains, wells, farming), higher ground in case of flooding, people you know (the best "safe area" is one where you are expected!) - Chemicals/smoke: across the wind; flooding: uphill; unrest in town: out into the countryside

Living near a national border

A destination in the neighbouring country can be an option — but no guarantee: - Know the nearest border crossings (including smaller ones away from the motorway) and have them available offline in your map app - ID cards/passports of everyone ready to hand (document folder!), some cash in the neighbouring country's currency - Pets: pet passport, microchip, valid rabies vaccination (check the entry rules of the destination country beforehand) - In a real major crisis, borders can be controlled or closed; for people liable to military service, leaving the country may be legally restricted (guide 19) - Arrange a contact in the neighbouring country beforehand — otherwise the rule applies: never flee into the unknown

Households with pets

Pack one grab bag per person (lighter for children). Pets: carrier/lead, food for 3+ days, water bowl, vaccination record. Never leave animals behind during an evacuation — official emergency shelters often do not accept animals → a private destination (relatives, friends) is then especially important.

Prepare now (fill in!)

Choose two destinations in different directions — the danger decides which one can be used.