The exploratory study, conducted by Team HF PartG on behalf of the BBK as part of the EU-funded ISF project “Warning the Population,” examines the practical experiences, challenges, and potentials of Katastrophenschutz-Leuchttürme; in short Kat-Leuchttürme (engl.: “disaster protection lighthouses” which can be compared to Emergency Response Centers or Disaster Relief Centers) with regard to their integration into existing warning systems, based on 38 interviews with municipal actors.
Kat-Leuchttürme are stationary, emergency-powered facilities in Germany under municipal ownership (e.g., citizen offices, schools, community centers) that serve as central, visible points of contact for information, communication, first aid, supplies, and coordination of volunteer assistance during crises – especially during widespread power outages. They aim to contribute to immediate crisis management as well as the long-term strengthening of local resilience and community-based disaster preparedness.
The study on the implementation of Kat-Leuchttürme shows that the concept has already been introduced in most federal states – sometimes under different names – but so far there is limited practical experience with it. The existing Kat-Leuchttürme vary greatly in their concrete design, particularly in terms of their functions and structures. A central deficiency is the currently low inclusion of public warning as part of their service offerings, which is rarely integrated into these emergency response points.
Despite the considerable diversity, overarching recommendations can be derived: Political backing and reliable financial resources are essential for successful establishment. Equally important is the bundling of existing knowledge and the use of available expertise to provide guidance during the setup process. Early involvement of the population and local partners helps increase both the acceptance and effectiveness of Kat-Leuchttürme in crisis situations.
For their use in public warning, Kat-Leuchttürme should be systematically integrated into local warning concepts. This includes actively naming them in warning messages, printing them out, and displaying them on-site to ensure continued information dissemination in case of failure of digital warning channels. These measures would significantly enhance the visibility and functionality of Kat-Leuchttürme in the event of a crisis.
For the BBK’s announcement, click here. You can read the full study in German language here.
(Image Source: BBK)