Crisis provision in the Vöcklabruck district: together strong against uncertain times

Crisis provision in the Vöcklabruck district: together strong against uncertain times

VÖCKLABRUCK district. The latest extreme weather conditions have once again illustrated the importance of the interaction between the authorities, emergency organizations and the population. Only through close cooperation between these three columns can the increasing challenges in the area of disaster protection be managed. The personal responsibility and provision of citizens in particular are crucial, as are the constant information and sensitization of the population.

Even though the Vöcklabruck district was not too badly affected by the last storms, this cannot hide the fact that such events represent a serious reminder for everyone. Civil protection district manager Robert Mayer emphasizes how important the role of civil protection officers in the municipalities is: "Municipalities without such a commissioner should occupy this important position in order to better integrate their citizens." In order to prepare the population for crises, the Civil Protection Association is offered, among other things, the "family emergency plan", which is intended to support families in particular in these times.

important measures for crisis provision

A special initiative for self -provision is the civil protection day, which was launched on October 5, 2024. On this day, households can check their crisis resistance and get tips and instructions for better preparation for emergencies. Disaster protection state councilor Michaela Langer-Weninger emphasizes: "Self-provision is the key to coping with emergencies. Everyone can help to get more secure through crises together."

Another essential point in the discussion about crisis prevention is the risk of a blackout. Herbert Saurugg, an expert in blackout prevention, warns against underestimating the risks. There were recently unexpected blackouts in other regions that indicate the fragility of important infrastructures. Saurugg makes it clear that everything is currently going well, but nobody can guarantee that it will not be able to meet us soon.

Vöcklabruck well prepared

The city of Vöcklabruck presents itself as a good example of crisis prevention. The city boss expressed concerns about the probability of a blackout, but emphasized that the city would be well positioned in a crisis.

In order to ensure the drinking water supply for a possible blackout, diesel units were installed, which the population can always supply with clean water. Wastewater disposal is also ensured by appropriate measures, and all necessary lifting plants will be equipped with aggregates by the end of the year. A detailed blackout plan and a crisis staff have already been developed and are updated regularly.

In order for the critical infrastructure to be preserved, mobile units are also available in order to ensure a power supply at any time. In the event of food bottlenecks, supplies were also organized at long -term durable foods and field beds from the original exercise needs of the volunteer fire brigade.

The ability of the emergency services are supported by the kitchen of a retirement home, which is equipped with the necessary emergency power supplies and, if necessary, provides the necessary food.

The proactive steps that Vöcklabruck takes clearly show that a high degree of security can be achieved in the event of a crisis through targeted preparation and investments. This is an appeal to other municipalities in Upper Austria to take similar measures in terms of blackout prevention. Crisis expert Andreas Kalleitner from crisis proposal.at from St. Georgen im Attergau underlines this necessity.

In addition, the new warning registration service AT-Alert will be tested, whereby targeted warnings for the population should be made possible to improve the info permeability and ultimately ensure a faster reaction in an emergency. A nationwide test is aimed at October 5, the Civil Protection Day, to ensure that the population can be informed quickly and precisely in an emergency.

These developments show that a strong network and well-founded emergency plans are decisive in order to be able to react adequately in critical situations, which is also firmly anchored in the regular test and practice scenarios.