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This week, the Guard is practicing how to deal with the effects of a large-scale and long-lasting blackout in the Vienna metropolitan area.
“In addition to events that have already occurred, such as a cyber attack, a pandemic or a terrorist attack, a blackout, in the area of threat analysis, with a high probability of occurrence and at the same time massive effects on the security of Austria, it is at the top ”, says the Ministry of Defense.
That is why the armed forces are preparing for the effects of this threat with the AUTARK20 blackout exercise in Vienna. The Vienna Guard cut off the power supply in parts of Maria-Theresien-Kaserne. The goal is to gain small-scale experience, review plans and considerations that have already been developed, and develop them further from the findings.
More regional, faster and more flexible
“The corona pandemic and the terrorist attack have shown that we have to prepare for threats outside of a military conflict, because we are trusted,” explains the responsible minister, Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP). In order to react quickly to such threats, the armed forces must become “more regional, faster and more flexible.” This also includes the self-sufficiency of the barracks in terms of energy and food supply. Units must be able to withstand at least two weeks without connection to the outside world.
“No one can help millions of people.”
“A power, infrastructure and supply failure across Europe (‘blackout’) is a very realistic and underestimated scenario. Exercises like ‘AUTARK20’ help to identify weak points in the small and improve preparations for the big scenario,” he explains The international expert in crisis and blackout prevention, Herbert Saurugg, added.
Everyone should take care
“The ability to provide at least two weeks of self-sufficiency is vitally important. This applies not only to the emergency services themselves, but also to their family members and the entire population. No one can help others if they don’t know themselves. he believes that his own family is safe and cared for. And no one can help millions of people. “
Therefore, it is important to involve the population in crisis prevention. In this context, the Defense Ministry now recommends stockpiling supplies to be prepared for an emergency. There should be enough supplies for the whole family for at least 7 days. In a safe home, the following things should not be missing:
➤ Drinking water
➤ Long-lasting food
➤ Simple sources of light and energy
➤ Medicines and first aid supplies
Civil Protection Austria has published an accurate checklist for emergency stocks online and it can be viewed here.
