Frankfurt in crisis mode: Large-scale exercise strengthens civil protection in 2025!

Frankfurt in crisis mode: Large-scale exercise strengthens civil protection in 2025!

If you take a look at Frankfurt am Main, you might think that something is brewing here. In a comprehensive civil protection exercise entitled "ÜB's! 2025", the Frankfurt am Main Fire Department pulled out all the stops over the last seven days to prepare the city for complex crisis situations. Over 300 active participants and almost 50 supporters were at the start to strengthen the crisis response capacity and raise citizens' awareness of these important issues, such as ad hoc news reported.

The emergency was rehearsed for a week in Frankfurt with a fictitious hybrid threat situation that included cyber attacks, sabotage, disinformation and a hazardous materials attack. The Hessian Interior Minister Roman Poseck didn't miss the opportunity to stop by and get an idea of ​​the real exercise, which was supported by offers from the state of Hesse. The exercise aimed to examine and optimize the city's crisis management processes.

Crisis management under pressure

The exercise was carried out in a total of three phases: urban crisis management, a large-scale real-life exercise and the staff work of the fire department and disaster control. Particular attention was paid to the ability to respond to a simulated attack in a replica subway station, where the emergency services identified the combination of hazardous substances within 28 minutes and transmitted it to the clinic. After just 54 minutes, all seriously injured patients were transported away, which impressively underlines the efficiency of the emergency services.

The exercise clearly showed that even complex situations can be mastered through structured work within the staff. Part of the real exercise was also a subsequent alarm exercise in the BGU Frankfurt, during which decontamination and patient care were also successfully carried out. “With this exercise we want to improve what needs to be improved and strengthen our resilience,” said a fire department official.

Hybrid threats in focus

The need for such exercises is underscored by the increasing hybrid threats from countries such as Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. These nations are increasingly relying on cyberattacks, disinformation and other measures to destabilize the security structure. According to information from the BBK In addition to the authorities, citizens must also be actively involved in crisis prevention. Recommendations such as the storage of drinking water and non-perishable foods are of great importance.

Another civil protection exercise is also planned in Frankfurt in 2026 to deepen the findings from this extensive exercise. The city appears to be well positioned to remain able to act in times of crisis.