Introducing disaster control in the state of Berlin

Video Introducing disaster control in the state of Berlin

There may be challenging situations that local emergency services such as the fire brigade, ambulance service and police cannot handle on their own. Such situations are serious emergencies, such as a prolonged power failure or natural disasters such as floods. Such dangerous situations may require support from supra-regional or international assistance and additional resources such as the military or volunteers.

Various authorities work together in Berlin’s civil protection system, for example the Senate Chancellery and Senate administrations such as the Senate Administration for the Interior and Sport, subordinate authorities and the district offices. Together, the civil protection authorities take all necessary measures for disaster prevention and general hazard control.

This task also includes preparations for providing assistance and taking action in the event of danger. They are supported by private aid organisations such as the German Red Cross and the German Life Saving Association.

On these web pages, you will find information on “Warning and informing the population”, “Emergency preparedness”, “Civil defence”, “Organisation”, “Legal basis”, “Volunteering” and “Service”. 

Warning and informing the population

Video Warning and informing the population

A warning helps to protect people. It provides information and recommendations on how those affected can react in a sudden emergency. The population in the danger zone is informed by the police, fire brigade and rescue services, among others. Therefore, pay attention to police, fire brigade and aid organisation personnel and vehicles.

Warnings that are also accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing people are warning apps such as NINA, KatWarn or Biwapp. You can download these to your smartphone free of charge. Warnings are also issued via cell broadcast. Cell broadcast is a mobile phone service that sends warning messages directly to mobile phones or smartphones.

You will automatically receive cell broadcast messages if the following requirements are met: An operating system update for Android (Google) version 11 or higher or iOS (Apple) version 16.1 or higher is installed. Your mobile phone or smartphone is switched on. Your mobile phone or smartphone is not in flight mode.

In crisis situations such as a large-scale and prolonged power failure, so-called disaster control beacons are set up at short notice in Berlin’s districts as emergency meeting points and disaster control information points for the population. There you can obtain important information about the situation, report emergencies or offer your own help. 

Emergency preparedness

Video Emergency preparedness

So far, the disaster alarm has not had to be triggered in Berlin. Nevertheless, we know that there is no such thing as 100% safety. Therefore, private emergency preparedness should not be neglected. Please inform yourself and take precautions, for example by always keeping a reserve of water, food and medication at home. You can use a checklist to find out exactly what you need to be prepared for an emergency.

Civil defence

Video Civil defence

Civil defence comprises the non-military part of overall defence. The tasks involved in protecting the population from military threats include supplying the population with food, providing care, supporting the armed forces and maintaining the government’s ability to function in the event of defence and tension. 

Organisation

Video Organisation

This section presents the organisation of disaster control in the state of Berlin and explains what is meant by general hazard prevention. It also explains terms such as “disaster”, “major incident” and “exceptional damage events”. All actors are networked and supported through the online service “Lagebild Berlin” (Berlin Situation Report). 

Legal basis

Video Legal basis

The basis for civil protection in the state of Berlin is general hazard prevention in accordance with the Berlin General Security and Public Order Act (ASOG). The Berlin Civil Protection Act forms the basis for the civil protection authorities and the organisations involved in civil protection. Further legal bases are the Act on Fire Brigades in the State of Berlin, the Act on Rescue Services for the State of Berlin and the Federal Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Act. 

Volunteering

Video Volunteering

The emergency services that help in disasters usually do so on a voluntary basis. They come from the volunteer fire brigade, the Technical Relief Service or private aid organisations. Volunteer emergency services can receive an award as a token of thanks and recognition for their long-standing involvement or special services to disaster control. 

Service

Video Service

In the “Service” section, you will find answers to frequently asked questions, important telephone numbers and contact details for Berlin’s districts with regard to disaster control. You will also find an overview of events and information for medical services when organising large-scale events.