Germany looks at metro stations to protect citizens as defense concerns grow

German civil defense officials are looking at metro stations as quick-fix shelters‚ since the countryʼs protection system needs major updates. The Federal Office for Civil Protection wants to use public spaces as safe spots and create an easy-to-use app that shows shelter locations

In the early-2000s Germany thought it didnt need many bunkers anymore but recent global events made them think again. Right now the country has just 579 public shelters which is way too small for its 84‚4 million people — only about 1/2 million can fit in them. Ralph Tiesler who leads the civil protection office says building new bunkers would take like 20-30 years; thats why they need fast solutions

The government is checking which buildings could work as shelters: underground stations‚ offices and other spots that are already built. Theyʼre also making an app with real-time shelter maps and info about home-safety setup (like using your basement as a shelter)

Andrea Lindholz from the CDU party thinks Germany isnt ready and wants faster action: “We must protect people even if we hope nothing happens; our shelter space needs to grow a lot“

Other countries are doing similar things:

• Poland will make all new buildings have shelter access from 26
• Poland found temp shelters in metros and tunnels for its whole population
• UK has 276 bunkers ready for emergencies

The civil protection team is working on a public info campaign to teach people how to stay safe — both in public shelters and at home