According to an analysis conducted by the Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB) and reported by the business magazine “Capital” households wishing to prepare for crises by following official federal guidelines should budget an average of around €900. This calculation is based on the average market prices for the various items listed on the official checklist provided by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK).
The cost breakdown reveals that the energy sector is by far the most expensive area; a gas heater alone is priced at an average of €143.48. The second most expensive individual item is the camping toilet, listed at €121.68. Overall, the items necessary for complete preparation total €903.18, representing nearly 30 percent of the median current account balance of approximately €3,000, according to the Federal Bank.
In response to inquiries, the BBK confirmed that these expenditure figures are plausible, at least if every item had to be purchased new. However, the agency also acknowledged that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to acquire or store enough supplies for ten days alongside every object on the checklist. Nevertheless, the authority urged those who are able to prepare to take action, adding, “It is important to note that even small supplies and preparatory steps help”.
Such planning is constantly prompted by extreme weather events or other emergencies, requiring people to be self-sufficient for several days. This was highlighted recently in Berlin in January, when the power was out for days due to freezing temperatures.