Protective measures - Experts suggest installing safe havens in structures.
In a bid to enhance safety amid growing security concerns, German authorities recommend creating secure spaces in buildings. The options include costlier "household security rooms" or less expensive "structural self-protection rooms" situated in basements, as per a 25-page report intended for the Interior Ministers' Conference, the "Sueddeutsche Zeitung" reported.
The document, drafted by an expert group comprising members from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK), and the Federal Agency for Real Estate (BImA), is set to guide ministers in formulating a national safe room plan during their June 21 meeting in Potsdam.
Threat of war and potential consequences
The report highlights the possible military threat to the NATO alliance as a reason for these measures. It cites federal and state government defense scenarios where attacks on critical targets in Germany could disrupt NATO's troop movements or destabilize the country's functioning. Attacks are anticipated to be focused on defense-critical facilities, government and administrative buildings, and other critical infrastructure.
The likelihood of direct land incursion by an antagonist is deemed highly improbable, but attacks involving modern and precise weapons, such as rockets or drones, are predicted to pose collateral risks from their impacts. Despite this, Germany's robust and largely solid construction framework offers adequate protection against such damages, particularly for rooms situated indoors or underground.
Easy measures for basement fortification
The report suggests voluntarily fortifying basement rooms to improve safety. Although reinforcing basement rooms requires little effort, a larger-scale "hardening" of such spaces can be achieved with simple precautions.
To achieve this, experts recommend incorporating "household security rooms" in residential, commercial, industrial, or public buildings. These rooms involve more extensive safety precautions. The estimated budget to finance nationwide expansion of such safety rooms reaches 131 billion euros but is deemed a long-term objective.
