Germany

Country: Germany

• Country code: DE
• Official language: German
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time in summer
• Power supply: usually 230 V / 50 Hz, mainly plug type F, Europlug type C is also common

Germany has very well-developed infrastructure. Nevertheless, a longer power outage can have serious effects. Lighting, heating, hot water, cooling, lifts, internet, mobile networks, landlines, card payments, ATMs, petrol stations, transport, supermarkets, pharmacies and parts of the water supply may be affected.

The supply situation can differ greatly by region. Large cities, rural areas, islands, mountain regions and border areas have different risks and different local emergency structures.

During a nationwide blackout, it is crucial that households can manage for several days without shopping, card payments, internet and functioning infrastructure.

The most important emergency numbers in Germany should be saved offline and also printed out.

• 112: fire brigade and rescue service
• 110: police
• 116117: medical on-call service for non-life-threatening medical cases

In case of acute danger to life, serious injuries, fire, accident, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, suspected stroke or heart attack, call 112.

In case of crimes, acute danger, violence, burglary, threat or if police help is required immediately, call 110.

116117 is not an emergency number for life-threatening situations. It is intended for medical help outside regular practice hours when the matter is urgent but not an acute emergency.

If emergency numbers cannot be reached during a large-scale power outage, local emergency meeting points, police stations, fire stations, town halls or hospitals should be visited where possible. The respective municipality decides which contact points are set up.

Germany uses several warning channels. Depending on the event, the federal government, federal states, districts, cities or municipalities are responsible for warnings.

• NINA warning app: official warning app of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance.
• Cell Broadcast: warning messages sent directly to suitable mobile phones in affected areas.
• MoWaS: modular federal warning system for distributing warning messages through various channels.
• Sirens: used differently by region and not available everywhere.
• Radio and television: remain important sources of information, especially when internet and mobile networks are restricted.
• Municipal bodies: cities, municipalities and districts may announce local emergency information, emergency meeting points and distribution points.

For blackout preparedness, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio is useful. Mobile phones should not be the only source of information.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance recommends personal emergency preparedness. In practical terms, it makes sense to have supplies that allow a household to manage for several days without shopping and without functioning infrastructure.

• Water: plan enough drinking water for everyone in the household. A guideline is 2 litres per person per day.
• Food: store long-life food that does not require refrigeration and can be prepared simply.
• Medication: keep personal long-term medication, first-aid supplies, hygiene items and important aids ready.
• Light: torches, headlamps, spare batteries; use candles only with proper fire safety precautions.
• Warmth: prepare warm clothing, blankets and sleeping bags. Use alternative heating sources only safely and with good ventilation.
• Cooking: use camping stoves or other alternative cooking options only according to the manufacturer instructions and never in dangerous surroundings.
• Communication: save power banks, charging cables, important phone numbers and addresses offline and also print them out.
• Cash: keep small notes and coins, as card payments and ATMs may fail.
• Documents: keep identity documents, insurance details, medical information and important papers ready.
• Neighbourhood: make simple arrangements with family, neighbours and especially people who need assistance.

During a power outage, water supply, wastewater, heating, mobile networks, internet and shopping options may also be affected. Preparedness must therefore always take several areas into account at the same time.

For civil protection and preparedness information, the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance is a central source at federal level. Warnings may be issued via NINA, Cell Broadcast, radio, television, sirens and local authorities.

In Germany, there is no single central nationwide fault number for a power outage. For specific faults, the local grid operator is usually responsible. The electricity supplier is not always identical to the grid operator.

The Federal Network Agency provides information on the energy sector and consumer issues, but it is not a local emergency or fault reporting service.

For citizens of the Dominican Republic in Germany, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Berlin is the responsible official foreign representation.

This country information does not replace official instructions. In the event of warnings, evacuations, road closures, drinking water notices or disaster situations, the instructions of the responsible authorities are decisive.

Emergency numbers may only be used in genuine emergencies. General questions during a blackout should not be clarified via police, fire brigade or rescue services, so that lines remain free for acute emergencies.

When using candles, gas appliances, barbecues, generators or alternative heating sources, there is a risk of fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning. Such devices may only be used as intended and never in unsuitable indoor spaces.