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

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

Something is happening in Prenzlau! The city will be upgraded with two new civil protection lighthouses (KatS-Lt), a step that is of great importance for the safety of 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 via the Brandenburg Package 2023/24. This is extensive equipment, including emergency generators, tents and advanced communications technology.

The intended locations for the new KatS lighthouses are the Uckerseehalle and the Grabowschule gymnasium. At the moment, however, it looks as if there is not enough space for all the equipment. Temporary solutions must therefore be created to safely accommodate the mobile emergency power generators. As soon as the equipment is handed over to the city, the municipality also bears responsibility for operation and maintenance, including annual technical inspections and test runs. A particular focus is on the ten-year earmarking, which is intended to ensure the appropriate 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 department and the technical relief organization have to take on other tasks. Citizens are in demand here! It is important to mobilize spontaneous helpers to set up and operate the KatS lighthouses. In addition, municipalities are required to carry out one or two exercises every year in order to be well prepared in the event of an emergency.

Dr. Andreas Heinrich emphasizes the immense importance of this new equipment and the need for individual precautions for effective civil protection. “Complete civil protection is not possible without citizens’ personal responsibility,” he explains. A point that is more important than ever, especially in view of the increasing challenges posed by climate change, which already poses major tasks for companies and municipalities.

Climate change as a constant companion

On the other hand, civil protection is being increasingly put to the test by climate change. Extreme weather conditions are not only increasing, they are also becoming more intense. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that securing critical infrastructure is central to protecting the lives and health of citizens. The availability of energy and water supplies as well as transport and communication must be guaranteed in any case.

A strategic alliance of authorities to adapt to these changes has already begun, and it is imperative to strengthen the population's self-protection capabilities. Communication also plays a central role: people need to be well informed in order to be able to react quickly and correctly.

Future-proof measures are required

As part of these precautions, not only the existing systems and infrastructure must be adapted to the new challenges. Care must also be taken to ensure that aid organizations have sufficient resources to be able to respond to increased deployments during extreme weather events. Increased involvement of external forces will therefore probably be necessary. In addition, the focus should be on volunteering in order to secure the workforce in the long term.

The measures being taken here in Prenzlau are an important step in the right direction. In addition to technical upgrades, raising public awareness of the risks of climate change is also key. The protection of critical infrastructure must always be a priority to ensure the safety of all citizens.

With this activity package, Prenzlau is laying the foundation for sustainable disaster protection that both strengthens municipal structures and assigns individual responsibility to the population. The course has been set – it is up to all of us whether we use it correctly!

For further information on the new measures and disaster protection in Brandenburg, we refer to the reports from Northern Courier, Brandenburg package as well as Federal Environment Agency.