Future of disaster protection: new technologies and volunteer heroes!

Future of disaster protection: new technologies and volunteer heroes!

The flood disaster in Saarland during Pentecost 2022 has illustrated the decisive role of volunteers and volunteers in disaster protection. Volunteers are an indispensable pillar of society and play a key role in civil and disaster protection, which is also subject to constant change in Germany. This development requires new solutions and structures for the many private aid organizations that are integrated into the state structures of danger defense with around 600,000 helpers, as [BMI] explained.

Aid organizations such as the German Red Cross (DRK), the Johanniter, the Maltese and the German Life Rescue Society (DLRG) mostly finance their purchases and training themselves and are dependent on support from the municipalities and countries. This help comes in the form of wage loss compensation during operations and subsidies for new purchases. For example, almost 1.5 million euros were scheduled for 2025 to improve the operational readiness of the organizations, according to [SR.de].

Current challenges in disaster protection

Although government support is growing, many district associations are fighting with logistical problems, especially when storing material. These challenges are reinforced by outdated vehicles and equipment that is mainly required for flood inserts. This particularly affects the Maltese, the DRK and the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB). In addition, the DRK reports on a great need to catch up on the training of its members.

An innovative example of effective disaster protection is the personalized civil protection center in the St. Wendel district, which has its own laundry and electric workshop. The district of Neunkirchen also plans to build a new disaster protection center to increase operational capacity. New off-road vehicles, dirty water pumps and sandbags have already been purchased in Merzig-Wadern in order to be better equipped in an emergency.

technological developments

An essential element of modern danger is the new siren system, which is currently being installed in the state capital of Saarbrücken. These are 50 new sirens, half of which can be operated electronically and is also able to transmit language announcements. In the district of Saarlouis, all 130 sirens have been replaced by electrical systems for two years, with the aim of completing this process by 2026.

The legal basis for these many measures is anchored in Germany in Germany and disaster relief law, which regulates the protection of the civilian population from various dangers. At the same time, the fire brigades, police and other regulatory authorities work closely together in order to be able to react quickly and efficiently in an emergency. The importance of digital radio BOS, which ensures that 99 percent of the country are supplied nationwide, should not be underestimated because it significantly improves communication in crisis situations.

strategies to strengthen voluntary work are essential. The Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Aid (BBK) has therefore set up special programs to promote voluntary work in population protection and to create sustainable networks between all participants, explains [BBK].

Overall, it can be seen that the German disaster protection structure is robust, but must be continuously adapted and improved in order to meet the requirements of today.