On this sunny July day, the atmosphere at the Friedrichsdorf-Köppern volunteer fire department is tense – not because of any immediate danger, but because of the question of how well a region is prepared if this very danger becomes a reality. Interior Minister Roman Poseck is visiting as part of his summer tour to get an idea of the Hochtaunus district’s blackout concept. It is more than a symbolic appointment. It is recognition of the fact that forward-looking planning and action are being taken here – in case the power goes out not just for a short time, but for days on end.
‘The Hochtaunus district impressively demonstrates what forward-looking disaster prevention can achieve,’ explains Poseck on site. He emphasises that those responsible think ‘with heart, mind and structure’. And that is not just a cliché. The concept presented has been thought through down to the last detail and is based on the awareness that a large-scale power outage is no longer a theoretical threat.
More than an emergency plan
A central component of the plan are over 60 so-called ‘lighthouses’ – fire stations that become contact points for the population in the event of a blackout. Equipped with emergency power, satellite communication and trained personnel, they serve as local safety centres. People can obtain information, report emergencies and find their way around. Large red signs with a white lighthouse symbol make them easy to spot in an emergency.
But that is just one of several modules in the comprehensive contingency plan. Drinking water distribution points ensure that the population is supplied even if the mains network fails. Mobile loudspeakers on emergency vehicles take over warning communications if digital channels such as radio, television and apps fail. Particular attention has been paid to fuel supply – after all, up to 137,000 litres of diesel must be provided daily in an emergency to operate emergency power generators. Even the needs of the approximately 4,300 people in home care, many of whom are dependent on electricity-powered devices, have been included in the planning in close coordination with care services.
The cooperation extends far beyond district boundaries. Fire brigades, technical relief services, aid organisations, neighbouring districts and companies from the KRITIS sector are all pulling together. In 2023, a 24-hour power outage was even simulated to test processes and interfaces in practice. A huge effort – but one that sends a strong signal.
‘What used to be considered an exception must now be part of strategic risk prevention,’ emphasises Interior Minister Poseck. And the commitment of the Hochtaunus district is already serving as a blueprint: the Ministry of the Interior is working on a framework recommendation at state level based on this model. Training courses for disaster control teams and administrations are also to be rolled out across the state.
Technical background: Technical and operational components of blackout preparedness
The Hochtaunuskreis district’s operational concept has a modular structure and is based on a clearly structured priority system. A total of 184 ‘protection targets’ have been identified, including hospitals, care facilities, emergency services, waterworks and administrative units. These have been divided into five priority levels to ensure targeted emergency power supply in the event of a crisis. The amount of fuel required for this is estimated at up to 137,000 litres of diesel per day. Thanks to decentralised fuel depots and close cooperation with mineral oil traders, this aspect is also covered.
A central element of communication in the event of a crisis is the establishment of a satellite-based emergency network. Systems such as REDCOM and NYSEOS keep administrative units, emergency services and lighthouses connected – regardless of the failure of traditional communication networks. In addition, a redundant information structure has been established: In addition to sirens and warning apps, the authorities rely on mobile loudspeaker units to inform the population directly even if the infrastructure fails.
The drinking water supply has also been secured separately. If the central network fails, mobile distribution points are available where every citizen can obtain up to six litres of water per day. The logistical planning behind this is based on mobile transport systems and predefined distribution via the local authorities.
A particularly sensitive part of the planning concerns the care of people in home care. Many are dependent on devices such as ventilators or feeding pumps. In close cooperation with care services, the district is working on a mechanism to identify and provide targeted care for these people in an emergency.
Extensive exercises have already been carried out in preparation for an emergency, including a complete 24-hour scenario in 2023 involving all relevant actors. The aim was to test not only the technology, but above all the processes, communication channels and responsibilities under real conditions.
This structured and redundant approach makes the Hochtaunuskreis district’s concept a best practice example of municipal resilience planning – and impressively demonstrates that modern disaster preparedness is more than just a plan on paper: it is a process that unites technology, people and organisations in a single goal – protecting the population.
