Safe Municipality – The Local Pillar of Civil Protection

In the face of today’s threats—both natural and man-made—effective civil protection has become one of the most important challenges for state structures. Local governments play a key role in this system, as they are the first to respond to residents' needs and coordinate actions in times of crisis.

The new Act on Civil Protection and Civil Defence significantly strengthens the competencies of local authorities, making them the cornerstone of local safety. Local governments are best positioned to understand the specific needs of their regions and to respond swiftly to emerging threats. The law clearly assigns them responsibility for planning, preparation, and coordination of protective measures.

The main tasks of local governments include:

Coordination of emergency response – local authorities are responsible for organizing and coordinating civil protection activities within their territories.
Threat monitoring – local authorities maintain crisis monitoring systems and are responsible for warning and alerting residents about potential threats.
Management of protective resources – they maintain and record civil protection infrastructure, including shelters and public protection facilities.
Cooperation with other entities – they work in partnership with provincial governors, rescue services, NGOs, and other safety institutions to effectively implement protective measures.
Planning and organization of training – they prepare both residents and local services to respond to various types of threats.
Public education – local authorities conduct information campaigns to raise public awareness about safety and crisis response.

Local resilience – a nationwide benefit

A strong and prepared local government not only provides better protection for residents but also increases the entire country’s resilience to crises. Building societal resilience starts at the local level—from daily educational initiatives to effective management in extraordinary situations. For this reason, the role of local governments in the civil protection system is not just an administrative duty but a strategic mission that directly impacts the safety of the entire population.

Conference for local governments during the trade fair

The role of local authorities in the new civil protection system will be the focus of discussions during the PROTEGA Trade Fair of Civil Protection and Civil Defence. This event is dedicated to representatives of local administrations and will address key issues related to civil defence, crisis management, and the implementation of new regulations. It is an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, gain up-to-date knowledge, and build cooperation between units responsible for local safety.