Disaster Protection Day in Heide: Focus on water for our safety!

Disaster Protection Day in Heide: Focus on water for our safety!

On June 14, 2025, the market square in Heide, Dithmarschen district, will be transformed into a disaster control center. At the nationwide event, over 200 emergency services come together to focus on the topic of “water”. Visitors can look forward to interesting information about flood protection and the important work of oil defense services. How NDR reports, the event serves several important goals. On the one hand, the aim is to provide insights into the often voluntary work of the emergency services and, on the other hand, to sensitize the population to their own opportunities for self-involvement.

Another goal is to convey security to the population by allowing them to experience first-hand the services provided by disaster control in an emergency. The Dithmarschen district has already drawn up comprehensive preparedness plans for various disasters and major incidents, which underlines the importance of such events. In the event of disasters that endanger the lives and health of many people, rapid and coordinated assistance is essential.

Cooperation in disaster protection

Various units and authorities work together in disaster control, with the disaster control authority playing a central role. For example, the fire brigade in the Dithmarschen district is part of this network, supported by medical and care units from the German Red Cross and a technical operations management. This collaboration ensured that action could be taken quickly in December 2023, when both pumps at a pumping station failed in the Pinneberg district. The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) pumped water over the dike for days to prevent flooding. this is the information from Dithmarschen.

The emergency services are not only an important element in crisis management, but are also responsible for their own safety. When completing operations, you are obliged to inform the civil protection and fire services department. Damage must be reported and responders are entitled to compensation for expenses incurred, travel costs and even the maintenance of their equipment. Employers must also continue to pay the wages of members of the volunteer fire department during operations, which underlines the necessity and importance of their work.

A look into the future of disaster control

The international dimension of disaster management is often overlooked, but the global structures of disaster relief are crucial. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is one of the most prominent organizations that operate worldwide and are anchored in the Geneva Conventions. With 192 national societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a pillar, according to the DKKV statement.

At the disaster protection day in Heide it becomes clear how important it is to raise awareness of words, water problems and the cooperation of different organizations. The exchange of knowledge and experiences and the creation of awareness of disaster control measures are essential in order to be well prepared in an emergency.