New disaster protection tower in Prenzlau: This is how we strengthen security!

New disaster protection tower in Prenzlau: This is how we strengthen security!

Prenzlau, Deutschland - In Prenzlau something is happening! The city is upgraded with two new disaster protection lighthouses (Kats-LT), a step that is of great importance for the security of the citizens and the optimal response to emergencies. As the Nordkurier reports, this is not just a simple conversion, but part of a larger program that is financed through the Brandenburg Package 2023/24. This is an extensive equipment that includes emergency electricity units, tents and advanced communication technology.

The planned locations for the new Kats lighthouses are the Uckerseehalle and the gymnasium of the Grabowschule. At the moment, however, it looks as if there is not enough space for the complete equipment. Therefore, temporary solutions must be created in order to safely accommodate the mobile emergency power units. As soon as the equipment is handed over to the city, the municipality also bears responsibility for operation and maintenance, including annual exams of the technology and test runs. A special focus is on the purpose of ten years, which should ensure proper use and inventory of the equipment.

The challenges of disaster protection

The Uckermark district emphasizes that in the event of a disaster, both the fire brigade and the technical relief organization have to take on other tasks. Here the citizens are in demand! It is important to mobilize spontaneous helpers for the structure and operation of the Kats lighthouses. In addition, the municipalities are encouraged to carry out one or two exercises every year in order to be well prepared in an emergency.

dr. Andreas Heinrich emphasizes the immense importance of this new equipment and the need for individual provision for effective population protection. "Without the personal responsibility of the citizens, complete population protection is not possible," he explains. A point that is more important than ever, especially in view of the increasing challenges of climate change, which companies and municipalities present with great tasks anyway.

climate change as a constant companion

On the other hand, population protection is continued to test the population protection through climate change. Extreme weather conditions not only increase, they also become more intense. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that ensuring critical infrastructures is central to the protection of the life and health of the citizens. The availability of energy and water supply as well as transport and communication must be guaranteed in any case.

A strategic authority alliance for adaptation to these changes has already started, and it is absolutely necessary to strengthen the self -protection skills of the population. Communication also plays a central role in this: people have to be well informed in order to be able to react quickly and correctly.

Future-proof measures are required

In the context of these precautions, not only the existing systems and infrastructures are to be adapted to the new challenges. It must also be ensured that the aid organizations have sufficient resources in order to be able to react to the increased operations in extreme weather events. An increased inclusion of foreign emergency services will therefore probably be necessary. In addition, the focus should be on volunteering in order to secure the staff in the long term.

The measures that are taken here in Prenzlau are an important step in the right direction. In addition to the technical upgrade, the awareness of the population is also central to the risks of climate change. The protection of critical infrastructures must always be in the foreground to ensure the safety of all citizens.

For further information on the new measures and the disaster protection in Brandenburg, we refer to the reports of Nordkurier , Brandenburg package and Environmental Federal Office .