The state of our civil defense is appalling

In recent years, the security situation in the world has become considerably more complicated. . In this context, the question arises as to how the Czech Republic and its civil protection are prepared for these risks. Unfortunately, the answer is not encouraging. There appears to be a lack of preparation, little awareness, limited shelters, little community organization, zero equipment, and issues of expertise and accountability in civil protection.

Stav naší civilní ochrany je děsivý CZ

Insufficient preparation of the population
Although civil protection should be one of the priorities of every state, it seems that this is not the case in the Czech Republic. The majority of the population is not sufficiently informed about how to behave in the event of various types of crisis situations, be it natural disasters, industrial accidents or military conflicts. Educational programs are insufficient and often limited to only basic information provided in schools.

Little awareness
Public awareness of risks and how to behave in the event of a crisis is at a very low level. State bodies and local governments fail in effective communication and education of citizens. Information on crisis procedures should be widely available and regularly updated, but the reality is often different.

Limited number of shelters
In the case of the necessity of evacuation or the need to find shelter, the Czech Republic may face a problem. The number of shelters is limited and many of them are in a desolate state or are not known to the public at all. Insufficient capacity and poor availability of shelters could cause serious problems in a crisis.

Zero community organization
A community approach is key to effective response to crisis situations. However, the Czech Republic often lacks organization at the local level. Volunteer groups are not created to help in a crisis, and cooperation between citizens and local authorities is insufficient.

Zero equipment
To handle crisis situations, it is essential to have adequate equipment available. Whether it is basic medical supplies, first aid or equipment for a temporary stay in shelters, the Czech Republic often lacks them. State reserves are either outdated or insufficient, and the situation is not much better at the local level.

Expertise and responsibility
Finally, the question of expertise and responsibility must be mentioned. Civil protection requires experts who are able to manage crisis situations and organize rescue and evacuation work. In the Czech Republic, however, there is a lack of a systematic approach to the training of such experts, both at the state and local level. It is also not clear who bears responsibility for any shortcomings in the civil protection system.

Solution :

To improve the lack of preparation of the population, the following steps should be taken:

Educational programs: Expansion and intensification of educational programs focused on civil protection. This should include regular training of citizens on different types of crisis situations, including practical exercises and simulations.
Information campaigns: The state should invest in massive information campaigns that would inform citizens about potential risks and procedures in the event of a crisis through the media, the Internet and public events.
Mobile Apps and Websites: Create and promote mobile apps and websites that would provide immediate information and advice in the event of a crisis, including interactive maps of shelters and safe zones.
Cooperation with schools: Introducing expanded civil protection programs into the school curriculum, so that young generations are educated from an early age in the field of prevention and response to crisis situations.
Public drills: Organization of regular public drills and evacuation trainings that would simulate different scenarios and prepare citizens for real situations.
Support for community initiatives: Support and funding for community initiatives and volunteering programs that would focus on education and training at local level.
Integrating civil protection into the work environment: Creating an obligation for employers to provide civil protection education and training for employees.
Involvement of experts and non-profit organizations: Collaboration with experts and non-profit organizations specializing in crisis management and civil protection to ensure the latest knowledge and methodologies.
Research and development support: Investing in civil protection research and development that would lead to innovation and improvement of existing systems and approaches.
Legislative measures: Introducing legislation that would clearly define citizens‘ civil protection responsibilities and set standards for education and training.
To solve the problem of limited number of shelters, the following steps should occur:

Inventory and modernization of shelters: Carry out a nationwide inventory of existing shelters, evaluate their condition and the need for repairs or modernization. At the same time, ensure that the shelters are equipped with the necessary supplies and resources.
Construction of new shelters: Identify areas with insufficient shelter capacity and begin construction of new shelters that meet modern safety standards and are designed to handle the needs of residents in crisis situations.
Public awareness of shelters: Ensure that information about the location and availability of shelters is well known to the public. This includes the creation of online maps and guides, information brochures and signage in the real environment.
Use of existing buildings: Explore options for adapting existing public and private buildings for shelter purposes, such as parking garages, basements or resilient structures.
Regular inspections and maintenance: Establishing a system of regular inspections and maintenance of shelters to ensure their continued readiness and safety.
Community shelters: Support for the construction of smaller shelters at the community level that could serve as a quick refuge for nearby residents.
Multifunctional use of shelters: Design shelters so that they can also be used outside of crisis situations, for example as public spaces, sports fields or cultural centers, which can help justify the costs of their operation and maintenance.
Simulations and Trainings: Conduct regular simulations and trainings using shelters to teach residents how to effectively use shelters when needed.
Statutory regulations for new construction: Introduce building regulations that would require new buildings to include safe shelters or be designed to serve as shelters if needed.
The following steps can be taken to improve community organization in the field of civil protection:

Creation of local coordination centers: Establishing centers that would serve as communication hubs to distribute information and coordinate activities between residents, volunteers, and authorities in the event of a crisis.

Education and training of community leaders: Organizing training for community leaders and volunteers who could then train other citizens and coordinate activities at the local level.
Creation of volunteer civil protection units: Establishment and support of volunteer civil protection units that would be able to respond quickly in crisis situations and assist with evacuation, distribution of supplies and first aid.

Support for neighborhood initiatives: Incentives for the creation of neighborhood groups that would focus on mutual assistance and preparedness for crisis situations.
Use of social networks and community platforms: Creation and support of online platforms and social networks that would serve to disseminate information, coordinate volunteers and promote community cooperation.

Simulation exercises and trainings: Regular organization of community exercises and trainings to familiarize residents with evacuation plans, supplies and other emergency procedures.

Simulation exercises and trainings: Regular organization of community exercises and trainings to familiarize residents with evacuation plans, supplies and other emergency procedures.
Financial and material support of community projects: Provision of financial and material resources for community projects aimed at improving civil protection and preparedness.
Establishing youth programs: Support educational programs for youth, including scouting organizations and school clubs, that would develop civil protection skills and knowledge.
Connecting with local businesses: Creating partnerships with local businesses to support and fund community initiatives and provide resources for crisis situations.
Appreciation and motivation of volunteers: Establishing an award and motivation system for volunteers who actively participate in civil protection activities to increase their engagement and attract new volunteers.
The following measures can be taken to address the zero-equipment problem in the field of civil protection:

Standardization of equipment: Establish standards for equipment needed in emergency situations and ensure that equipment is compatible and easy to use.

Cooperation with suppliers: Create partnerships with private suppliers of civil protection equipment and secure priority deliveries or reserve capacity in case of crisis situations.

Public education: Provide citizens with information and training on what emergency equipment they should have at home and how to use it.

Local storage capacity: Create and maintain local storage capacity for rapid distribution of equipment in the event of a crisis.

Subsidy and support for households: Introduce financial support or tax breaks for households that purchase basic equipment for crisis situations.

Mobile Supply Units: Create mobile units that could be rapidly deployed to distribute supplies and equipment in crisis areas.

Use of technology: Implement modern technologies for inventory tracking, logistics and rapid distribution of equipment.
Exercises and Simulations: Conduct regular exercises and simulations that would test the ability to quickly and efficiently distribute equipment to the population.

International Cooperation: Work with international organizations and neighboring states on joint supplies and coordination in the event of cross-border crises.

Introduction of mandatory stocks for companies: Introduce legislative requirements for companies to have their own stocks for crisis situations, which could also be used for the wider public if necessary.
Public procurement with an emphasis on quality: In public procurement for equipment for civil protection, emphasize the quality and long-term durability of the material.

The following steps need to be taken to improve expertise and accountability in civil protection:

Education and certification of professionals: Establish specialized training programs and courses for professionals in the field of civil protection, including the possibility of certification and continuous education.
Establishment of professional workplaces: Create professional workplaces and research institutions that would deal with civil protection and crisis management and could provide professional advice and support.
Career progression in civil protection: Establish clear career paths for civil protection professionals to encourage further education and skills development.
Clear division of responsibility: Define and publicize who is responsible for different aspects of civil protection at all levels – from local authorities to national institutions.
Increasing the capacity of emergency services: Invest in the expansion and modernization of emergency services, including the fire service, medical services and police, and provide them with adequate training and equipment.
Interdisciplinary cooperation: Promote cooperation between different institutions and disciplines involved in civil protection, such as security forces, health organizations, technical services and others.
Planning: Create and regularly update scenarios for different types of crisis situations and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of these plans and able to implement them.
Evaluation and improvement: Implement systems for evaluating the effectiveness and preparedness of civil protection and continuously improve processes and procedures based on identified deficiencies.
Transparency and feedback: Ensure transparency in civil protection processes and openness to public feedback, which can lead to further improvement.
International cooperation and exchange of experience: Leverage international cooperation and sharing of best practices to improve domestic civil protection systems.
Legislative Framework: Revise and update legislation to reflect modern civil protection requirements and set out clear duties and responsibilities for all parties involved.
Incentive systems: Establish incentive systems for civil protection professionals that would reward excellent work and contribute to maintaining a high level of expertise.

author: Jiří Vítek