Medicine cabinet and hygiene: stay healthy - even in an emergency
Whether it's a fall, cut or scald - an accident at home can happen quickly. A well-stocked medicine cabinet is important in everyday life, but also in an emergency.
On this page
Medicine chest
Belongs in a medicine cabinet:
- Personal medication prescribed by a doctor
- Remedies for pain and fever
- Cold remedies
- Remedies for diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
- Electrolytes to compensate for mineral loss in the event of diarrhea
- Insect bite and sunburn ointment
- Clinical thermometer
- Splinter tweezers
- Skin disinfectant
- Wound disinfectant
- Disposable gloves
- Respirator mask
- Dressing material as in a car first aid kit: gauze compress, bandage scissors, plasters and bandages, triangular cloth
Important: Buy more medication and dressing materials before they are used up. Dispose of expired medication in household waste or at the Offenbach hazardous waste mobile.
Store medicines and materials:
- Store medication so that children cannot reach it.
- Medication can be stored in a lockable cupboard, but the dressing material should always be freely accessible.
- Store medicines and dressings in a cool, dry place. The bathroom is not suitable for this.
The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) has published a guide to emergency preparedness and correct action in emergency situations with checklists. These can be downloaded from their website.
Water supply and hygiene
We are used to showering, washing our hands and brushing our teeth every day. But what happens if we are without hot water or completely without water for a short or long period of time? Even then, hygiene is important to prevent illness.
Water supply and saving water
If the water supply fails for a longer period of time:
- Collect water in bathtubs, washbasins, buckets, pots, water canisters , etc. Also remember to flush the toilet.
- Use the available water sparingly.
- Use disposable crockery and cutlery so that no water is needed for washing up.
- Clean hands with wet wipes or disinfectant wipes.
- Clean with kitchen roll or damp cloths instead of water.
- Make water last longer with disinfectant. These are available from camping shops.
- Use a waterless camping toilet.
Notes on hygiene:
Even in times of crisis, hygiene is important to stay healthy. The BBK recommends:
- Having soap, detergent, toothpaste, toothbrush, wet wipes, hygiene products (diapers and menstrual products) and toilet paper in stock.
- Wear household gloves.
- Use hand sanitizer and wipes.
- Dispose of garbage in bin bags, especially if the refuse collection service is not available for longer periods.
Plain language: medicine cabinet and water supply
An accident in the house or garden can happen quickly.
Then you need your medicine cabinet.
What do we do without hot water?
Or what do we do without any water at all?
This can happen in disasters.
More information here: