Bavaria asks how much crisis preparation is enough

Nine supply barrels found in the Karwendel and a suspected illegally built hut near Jachenau have drawn attention to preppers in Bavaria, BR reports. The cases have raised questions about private emergency planning and the role of community support.

Different histories and motives

“Prepper” comes from the English verb “to prepare” and describes people who plan for possible emergencies, such as prolonged power cuts, natural disasters or supply shortages.

Social scientist Mischa Luy traces modern prepping to two traditions: survival skills for the wilderness and “homefront preparedness” during the Cold War, when people prepared for a possible nuclear war with supplies or shelters. In Germany, interest in emergency planning has grown in recent years. Luy says the Covid pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led more people to consider crises and their dependence on functioning infrastructure.

Preparedness can mean different things

The term “prepper” is often associated with doomsday scenarios, social isolation or far-right extremism. There are links between parts of the prepper scene and far-right groups. One example is Nordkreuz, whose members or associates have faced dozens of investigations across Germany, including over suspected violations of weapons laws.

But some people prepare for emergencies without identifying as preppers. What matters, Luy says, is the thinking and aims behind that preparation. Some expect state order to collapse and believe people will have to defend themselves. Luy says parts of the scene show strong distrust of government institutions and politicians, and some blame the state for crises.

Wallgau plans for power cuts and community support

Other people focus on mutual aid. The municipality of Wallgau in Upper Bavaria is preparing for possible emergencies. Mayor Florian Holzer of the CSU has acquired an emergency generator that can operate independently of the power grid. Planning also includes how to inform residents, organise support points and help people who cannot manage on their own.

At home, people should consider what already works and where there are gaps. A prolonged power cut can affect not only lighting and heating but also communication, shopping and payments, says Wolfgang Zacher, president of Bavaria’s State Office for Civil Protection. It can also be important to know where to get information and which neighbours may need help, particularly older people and those who need assistance.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance recommends being able to provide for yourself for up to ten days. Even keeping supplies for three days can help.