People stuck in the elevator, riots because of the lack of means of communication and thousands of dead livestock that have to be disposed of: When a blackout occurs, municipal administrations are particularly challenged. You cannot count on the help of higher authorities.
Those responsible in the municipality of Gmunden played through the effects of a lockdown these days – literally. Herbert Saurugg, army officer and president of the Society for Crisis Prevention, visited the town hall and brought back the board game “neustart” that he helped develop.
Mayor Stefan Krapf (ÖVP), city director Heimo Pseiner and civil protection officer Philipp Wiatschka (Neos) led a five-hour troubleshooting marathon, which required full concentration and improvisational talent due to the crisis events that kept occurring by chance.
The game simulates the first week after a blackout with every imaginable detail. The aim is to maintain supply, security and communication in a small town where almost nothing works anymore. Only the building yard, administration, city police, rescue and fire brigade are operational.
City Hall officials now have an idea of what to expect in the event of a blackout.
Source: Nachrichten
