Bavaria cases spotlight private crisis preparedness and community support

Finds of nine supply barrels in the Karwendel and a suspected illegally built cabin near Jachenau have drawn attention to people preparing for emergencies in Bavaria. In a report, BR examines how useful private preparedness can be and why support from the wider community also matters.

“Prepper” comes from the English word “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 preparedness to two traditions: survival skills for the wilderness and Cold War-era efforts to prepare households for a possible nuclear war.

Interest in emergency planning has grown in Germany in recent years, Luy says, pointing to the Covid pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine as events that led more people to consider crises and society’s reliance on functioning infrastructure.

The term “prepper” is often associated with doomsday scenarios, social isolation or far-right extremism. There have been overlaps between parts of the prepper scene and far-right circles. The Nordkreuz group is one example: dozens of investigations have been opened across Germany against members or contacts, including over alleged violations of weapons laws. But some people prepare for emergencies without identifying as preppers.

Luy says the beliefs and aims behind the preparations are key. Some people expect state order to collapse in a crisis and believe everyone would have to defend themselves. He also sees pronounced distrust of government institutions and politicians in parts of the scene.

Other forms of preparedness focus on helping one another. Wallgau, a municipality in Upper Bavaria, is preparing for possible emergencies. Mayor Florian Holzer of the Christian Social Union has acquired an off-grid emergency generator. The municipality is also considering how to inform residents, organise places where people can seek help and support those unable to manage on their own.

A prolonged power cut can disrupt heating and lighting, as well as communication, shopping and payments, says Wolfgang Zacher, president of the State Office for Civil Protection. It can be important for people to know where to get information and who may need assistance, particularly older people and those who need help.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance recommends that households aim to be able to provide for themselves for ten days.