City of Bocholt works on city-wide emergency concept

The administration of the city of Bocholt continues to work on the implementation of an emergency concept to prepare for the event that there could be a long-term gas supply stop by Russia. As is known, no Russian gas is currently being supplied through the Nord Stream I Baltic Sea pipeline. The federal government has already activated the gas emergency plan alert level.

"At the moment, we cannot estimate how the situation will develop further," says Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff. That's why it's important to prepare early, he says. "Of course, we hope that there will not be a longer-term supply stoppage in the first place," says Kerkhoff.

On the background

Much of the gas used in Germany for heating and power generation comes from Russia. More than half (about 55 billion cubic meters, according to the operator) is supplied through the 1,224-kilometer Nord Stream I Baltic Sea pipeline. This pipeline is currently undergoing regular maintenance, and the work is officially scheduled to be completed this week. However, it is currently unclear whether deliveries will then resume as usual.

Multi-stage system

If there is a permanent shortage of gas supplies, this could also have an impact on the gas and electricity supply in Bocholt. At present, Bocholter Energie- und Wasserversorgung GmbH (BEW) is in close contact with larger Bocholt companies to identify possible disconnection potential.

One thing is clear: social institutions, schools, hospitals - and also private customers - are considered protected customers. There will be no cuts in gas supply in these areas until all other options have been exhausted. According to BEW, if a longer-term gas shortage becomes apparent, operations at the Bahia Baths will be suspended first.

What measures will be necessary depends on whether the federal government also declares the emergency level of the contingency plan. Looking ahead to the upcoming winter, BEW Managing Director Jürgen Elmer advises people to save energy. "Every cubic meter of gas we save in the summer can help fill the storage tanks for the winter," Elmer said.

City working on drop-in center concept

Meanwhile, the city continues to work on implementing an emergency drop-in center concept. Financial resources for this have already been earmarked in the city of Bocholt's budget planning and politically approved.

In the event of a widespread power failure or in comparable crisis situations, emergency contact points are to be put into operation where citizens can obtain information and assistance and make emergency calls.

In this context, the city also plans to implement crisis-proof communication channels in order to remain networked even in the event of an unstable power supply and failure of the usual communication structure.

In its planning, the city of Bocholt is in close contact with the Borken District Security and Order Department and the Borken District Police.

Be prepared in an emergency

Municipal assistance can mitigate the serious consequences in an emergency, but it is no substitute for self-protection. The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) has therefore compiled recommendations for action in the event of an emergency situation (for example, during a prolonged power outage).

For example, the Federal Office recommends that citizens keep an emergency supply of food and drinks for about ten days. "This should usually be enough to tide you over, even in more difficult situations, until government help arrives or the emergency situation is over," the BBK site says.

About 2,000 calories and two liters of liquid per person per day are expected. A VHF radio that is independent of mains power should also be part of the emergency kit in order to receive information even in the event of an unstable power grid, according to the city of Bocholt.

More links on the topic:

Information on the "Staff for Exceptional Events" (SAE).

Guidebook "Correct action in emergency situations" of the Federal Ministry of Civil Protection