Crisis exercise in Graz: Water association ready for an emergency!

Crisis exercise in Graz: Water association ready for an emergency!

The alarm bell will ring across the country if there is a threat of a widespread power outage! The Grazerfeld Südost Water Association recently gave an impressive demonstration of its preparedness by conducting a 24-hour emergency test to prepare for possible blackouts. This exercise, which took place last week, ensured that the water utility, one of the region's key infrastructure service providers, is fully prepared if a crisis were to occur.

A realistic scenario was played out with all 14 employees in action and the support of the contracted gas station operator and the local police station. The trigger for the exercise was a simulated cyber attack on the local energy supplier, which led to a power outage. "As a public water supplier, we have a great responsibility. That's why it's important to me not only to develop plans, but also to practice them in practice," explained Johann Lendl, chairman of the water association, who emphasized the importance of such exercises. Jokes or not, this simulation showed how seriously the threat of a blackout should be taken, as Gerald Wonner, Mayor of Gössendorf, rightly emphasized.

Successfully overcoming the challenge

The exercise not only ensured that processes run smoothly, but also that employees grow together as a team and can rely on each other. Dietmar Luttenberger, managing director of the water association, confirmed that the teams had shown excellent performance and that the population in the region can trust in the abilities of the water association. “Through the exercise we can recognize our strengths and know where we still need to improve,” he said optimistically. With the power supply restored after 24 hours, the exercise ended successfully and gave everyone involved the feeling that they were well prepared for an emergency.