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, mostly type F plugs; Europlug type C is also common

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

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

During a widespread 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 kept printed.

• 112: fire brigade and emergency medical services
• 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, immediate danger, violence, burglary, threats or when police assistance is needed immediately, call 110.

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

If emergency numbers are not reachable during a widespread 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, warnings are issued by the federal government, federal states, districts, cities or municipalities.

• 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: the federal modular warning system for distributing warnings 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 limited.
• Local authorities: 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 keep 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 liters per person per day.
• Food: store shelf-stable food that does not require refrigeration and can be prepared easily.
• Medication: keep regular personal medication, first-aid supplies, hygiene products and important aids available.
• Light: use flashlights, headlamps and spare batteries; candles only with proper fire safety precautions.
• Heat: 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’s instructions and never in unsafe surroundings.
• Communication: keep power banks, charging cables, important phone numbers and addresses saved offline and additionally printed.
• Cash: keep small bills and coins, because card payments and ATMs may fail.
• Documents: keep IDs, insurance data, medical information and important documents ready.
• Neighborhood: make simple arrangements with family, neighbors 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 cover several areas at the same time.

At the federal level, the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance is a central source of information for civil protection and preparedness. Warnings can be issued via NINA, cell broadcast, radio, television, sirens and local authorities.

In Germany, there is no single nationwide outage number responsible for a power outage. For specific outages, the local grid operator is usually responsible. The electricity supplier is not always the same as the grid operator.

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

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

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 real emergencies. General questions during a blackout should not be directed to police, fire brigade or emergency medical services so that the lines remain free for acute emergencies.

When using candles, gas appliances, grills, 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.