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Civil protection: Majority of Germans unaware of nuclear accidents!
A study by the BfS in Salzgitter shows that knowledge about emergency response to nuclear accidents is low and trust in disaster control is high.
Civil protection: Majority of Germans unaware of nuclear accidents!
An alarming study shows that the majority of Germans have no clear idea of how they should behave in the event of a nuclear accident. The survey, which was carried out by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, asked 2,002 people aged 16 and over about their behavior in a hypothetical crisis situation. A shocking 87 percent said they would stay at home in the event of a warning from civil protection, but the actual willingness drops significantly if the behavior of the social environment plays a role NDR reported.
The survey results show that only 74 percent would stay in the house if neighbors started leaving. That number drops further to 49 percent when friends or family ask to evacuate together. Trust in government information proves to be a key factor: those who feel well informed are more likely to follow the authorities' instructions. “Effective protection in the event of a nuclear accident is only possible if the population participates in their own protection,” says BfS President Inge Paulini. The study highlights the need to integrate civil society to increase confidence in emergency response, including through Frankfurt Live is confirmed.
Recommended actions in an emergency
The study highlights that in the event of a nuclear accident, the population should take the following measures: stay at home, close windows and doors, turn off air supply systems and pay attention to announcements from authorities. Iodine tablets should only be taken if specifically instructed to minimize the risk of radiation exposure to the thyroid. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid fresh food from potentially affected areas to prevent contamination.
The results also make it clear that more and more people feel well informed. While in 2022 only 31 percent said they felt well informed, in 2024 the figure will already be 40 percent. Nevertheless, the study also shows that many citizens want more information about radiation issues. Civil protection in particular must urgently work to educate the population about appropriate behavior in order to minimize the risk in an emergency.