Rostock is preparing: Civil Protection Day focuses on water crises

Rostock is preparing: Civil Protection Day focuses on water crises

Today, July 12, 2025, the third nationwide Civil Protection Day is taking place in Rostock, and the topic couldn't be more explosive: water. Under the motto “Water – using resources, mastering risks”, the focus of the event is on both flood protection and measures to combat water shortages. Around 40 actors from various areas of fire, civil protection and disaster control gathered in the city harbor to exchange ideas about the current challenges and solutions. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has also announced his presence and will certainly enrich the event.

The Civil Protection Day is organized by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). “Preparing society for dangers such as extreme weather, floods, forest fires or even cyber attacks is crucial,” explains Ralph Tiesler, President of the BBK. Better response from citizens to emergency situations can reduce the burden on emergency services.

Practical workshops and exercises

Visitors are not only provided with theoretical knowledge, but also with practical know-how. There are various workshops and exercises that are intended to help prepare for possible crises. Specific activities include demonstrations on flood protection and how to properly store drinking water in order to be well supplied even in emergencies. Self-protection measures are another important topic that will be discussed at the event. In addition, a current study on the climatic challenges in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shows that the dangers from falling water levels and rising sea levels will increase in the future.

But the topic of civil protection is not only a priority in Rostock. The day made waves nationwide, especially at events like INTERSCHUTZ, where the importance of information material for crisis management was highlighted. Bernd Heinold, project manager for the trade fair, emphasizes that the materials are aimed at different target groups, from emergency services to teachers and families. “The danger of natural events affects us all,” said Heinold.

Common demands for civil protection

Closer exchange and stronger cooperation between helpers is essential to improve civil protection. With this in mind, five aid organizations in Germany, including the German Red Cross and Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, have formulated six central demands. These include the modernization of the legal framework, improved financial resources and the promotion of volunteer helpers. Martin Schelleis, Federal Commissioner for Crisis Resilience, emphasizes that it is time to further develop the national security strategy and also take civilian needs into account.

“The information available here and the cooperation between the federal government, states and volunteers are crucial to making society more resilient,” concludes Tiesler. On Civil Protection Day in Rostock, the population has the opportunity to find out directly how they should behave in crisis situations and how important their own initiative is in order to be strong together.

For more information and materials on civil protection, those interested can visit the website of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance: www.bbk.bund.de/sicherheit-durch-sorge.