Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences and other cultural and scientific institutions establish emergency alliance

Many parts of northern Germany are currently under water. Heavy continuous rain has caused the levels of the Weser, Hunte and other rivers to rise dangerously. Several cellars in Bremerhaven also flooded. Many scientific and cultural institutions in the seaside city are also located directly on the water, such as the Historical Museum, Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, the German Maritime Museum and the Alfred Wegener Institute. In order to be able to act quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency, these four and six other Bremerhaven institutions have now joined forces to form an emergency network. Alexander Mraz, Chancellor of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, welcomes the collaboration: "We are currently seeing very clearly how quickly and unexpectedly a critical situation can arise. By joining forces, we have now institutionalised the intensive exchange between the individual institutions and the solidarity that we have enjoyed in Bremerhaven for many years."

Regular exercises with the fire brigade and civil defence

The alliance partners have contractually agreed to make personnel and material resources available to each other in emergencies and thus actively protect cultural assets. This includes rapid assistance in the event of fires, flooding, damage caused by storms, etc. through collegial support, as well as the provision of alternative areas for threatened files, exhibits and the like. According to the Bremerhaven City Council, annual practical exercises are planned with the fire brigade and disaster control in Bremerhaven. Regular meetings of the contact persons are also planned, as well as specialised events, possibly together with the Bremen Emergency Association. "In the event of a crisis, it is crucial that communication happens quickly and effectively and that processes and responsibilities are clear," says Manuela Mahnke, Crisis Manager at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. "We will train this together."

Other institutions can join the alliance

In addition to the university, the Bremerhaven Emergency Alliance currently includes the Office for Occupational Safety, the Bremerhaven Fire Brigade, the Bremerhaven Historical Museum, the Bremerhaven City Archive, the Bremerhaven City Library, the Bremerhaven City Theatre, the Alfred Wegener Institute - Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, the German Emigration Centre Bremerhaven and the German Maritime Museum - Leibniz Institute of Maritime History. And the alliance could continue to grow: other institutions are welcome to join the emergency alliance, according to the city council.

(Translated with DeepL.com)