Who does what in the crisis?: Aid organizations: Large gaps in population protection

According to the major aid organizations, Germany is not well positioned to effectively protect the population in the event of a crisis. In view of increasing natural disasters and growing security policy threats, there are urgent need for action here, the German Red Cross (DRK), the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), the German Life Rescue Society (DLRG), the Johanniter-Accident Aid and the Maltese Relief Service are recorded in a common position paper.

It’s not just about money

In addition to improved financial resources and a stronger German engagement in international networks for civil disaster relief, the five organizations also require a reform of the civil protection and disaster relief law as well as a nationwide regulation for the release of volunteers. From the point of view of the aid organizations, the same regulations for exemption, social security and financial compensation should apply to them in the future that there are for people who are involved in the Technical Relief Agency (THW) and the volunteer fire brigade. In addition, the framework conditions for volunteering would have to be improved.

Federation, countries and municipalities are responsible

The countries are responsible for disaster protection in Germany. The federal government is responsible for civil protection in the event of tension and defense. The aid organizations don’t want to change that either. However, they advertise for uniform crisis management with joint training and regular exercises.

It is also important to the aid organizations that citizens are trained in self -protection measures in order to remain capable of action in crisis situations. In order to convince the population of the need for state measures to strengthen the crisis resilience and motivate them to take their own precautionary measures, be necessary to present existing risks “without make -up”, says General ad Martin Schelleis, Federal Representative of the Maltese for Crisis Resilience.

The different rules of the 16 federal states for disaster protection identified ASB managing director Edith Wallmeier as “weak point in nationwide layers”.

DLRG President Ute Vogt proposed not to raise VAT on boats, vehicles and personal protective equipment in the future.