Helping your neighbours

In the first hours and days of a crisis, the people next door are the fastest help. People who know each other help each other.

In everyday life

Start small – a quick hello in the hallway is already a good first step.

• Get to know each other: in the hallway, at a courtyard party, with a note in the stairwell. Exchange phone numbers – on paper.
• Know who in the building might need help: older people, people with disabilities, families with babies, people living alone.
• Who can do what? First aid, practical skills, doctor, care worker, radio, tools, gas stove, cargo bike.
• Agree on a shared meeting point in the building or courtyard.
• Find out where your local council's emergency information points (Notfall-Infopunkte) or help points are.

During the crisis

• Ring your neighbours' doorbells, especially those who live alone.
• Pass on information: Whoever has a battery radio keeps the others informed. Don't spread rumours.
• Share resources: hot water from the gas stove, light, phone charging from a power bank.
• Save heat together: anyone who is cold can join others in the warm room (see Keeping warm).
• Share out tasks: Who goes to the help point, who looks after whom?

Limits

Help, yes – but without putting yourself in danger. If people are injured, if there is a fire or danger: 112. Follow the instructions of the emergency services.