Germany asks its citizens to stockpile food and water in case of disastrous situation

Berlin : In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Germany and the looming threat of terrorism, the German government is advising its citizens to stockpile food and water. There is a mention of provisions like an ‘Early Warning System’ and heightened security for buildings in a special plan prepared by Germany’s Internal Defense Ministry. For the first time, post the Cold War, a news about the preparation of such an emergency plan by the German government, has come to the fore.

In the background of the terrorist attacks in Germany last month, the arrests of the suspects and the warning issued about the presence of more than 400 terrorists in the country, it is said that the entire country is on ‘High Alert’. The German government therefore, is employing various measures and it is believed that this new plan of the Internal Defense Ministry is a part of such efforts. The plan has been prepared by the name of ‘Concept for Civil Defense’. The plan has guidelines to be followed at the time of an attack or during any emergency situation.

The 69-page report will be submitted to the central cabinet on Wednesday. Earlier, some part of this report was published by the daily newspaper ‘FAZ’. The report includes information about the measures employed by the government along with the instructions given to the citizens. It also has an advice for the German citizens to stockpile food and water to last for atleast 10 days.

The proposal calls upon the citizens to take appropriate precautionary measures against the backdrop of a possible threat to the existence of Germany. The plan also predicts about the possibility of such type of a threat to Germany in the future. There are also suggestions about the enforcement of an ‘Early Warning Alarm System’, tighter security of buildings and extensive healthcare amenities at the time of an emergency situation, for ensuring a strong security for the nation.

After clarifying that the utmost priority will be given to the security of the government systems and organisations, the report has expressed an expectation that the people of Germany would cooperate with the German military on a bigger scale. Few weeks ago, there were activities of military deployments in Germany for ensuring internal security. The major provinces of Germany, as well as its Defense Minister had supported this plan. Under this background, the reference in the ‘Concept for Civil Defense’ is considered to be important.

The plan is attracting attention, because it is for the first time since the end of the Cold War, that a plan of such a nature has been prepared by the German government. At present, the German people have strong sentiments towards the issues of the recent influx of refugees and the terrorist attacks. Also, belligerent reactions have evoked in the German political arena towards these issues. In such a scenario, the act of outlining a plan for an emergency situation by the government, is proving to be crucial.