Disaster control exercise near Wismar: gas station becomes a rescue center!

Disaster control exercise near Wismar: gas station becomes a rescue center!

When big things are coming up in northern Germany, the preparations are often hard to overlook. That's what happened this Saturday morning at the HEM gas station in Kritzow near Wismar. In the midst of the usual hustle and bustle, the gas station quickly became the center of a comprehensive disaster response exercise. Around 80 vehicles from federal and state police, fire departments, the Bundeswehr and other aid organizations were on site. This was reported by the Baltic Sea newspaper.

The background to this exercise was not just routine, but a safe but impressive scenario: supporting Poland in large-scale vegetation fires that could extend over 1,250 hectares. The stated goal was to set up and operate a supply point for the emergency services, which brought the use of the gas station as a logistical hub into focus. Since the gas station has a capacity of more than 50,000 liters, it was able to guarantee that emergency vehicles could be refueled quickly in an emergency situation, which noticeably relieved the burden on the emergency services.

Efficient preparations and important lessons

The gas station leaseholder was informed about the exercise a month in advance, which contributed to optimal preparation. Volunteers from organizations such as ASB, Malteser and DLRG meticulously documented the refueling times and filling quantities. District Administrator Tino Schomann took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of such exercises. These not only increase security, but also help to avoid uncertainty.

Another aspect that Interior Minister Christian Pegel emphasized is the high quality of the disaster protection organization in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. However, he also made an urgent appeal to the population to better prepare for possible disasters. What should you pay attention to? The recommendations include, among other things, stocking up on food for at least three days.

A look across the border

However, the exercise in Kritzow is only the latest in a series of larger disaster scenarios that do not respect national borders. A multi-day disaster control exercise took place at the Jägerbrück military training area near Torgelow in September 2024, in which 250 Polish and German volunteers took part. The program here included first aid and medical training as well as survival training. The NDR reported on the need for cross-border cooperation, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges such as floods and refugee movements.

Considering the threats facing civil protection, it is reassuring to see the commitment with which the emergency services are trained and prepared for their tasks. Whether at the HEM gas station or in the extensive fields of Jägerbrück - one thing is clear: when it comes down to it, those responsible have a good hand at ensuring the safety of the population.