New Disaster Protection Act: Volunteer First Responders Score Big Wins
"Increased Financial Support Advocated for Volunteer-Based Organizations" - Increased Funding is Necessary for Effective Volunteer-based Organizations
In a major boost for disaster relief efforts in Baden-Württemberg, aid organizations can expect fatter wallets thanks to a new amendment to the Disaster Protection Act. The state's cabinet backed the move, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior. Here’s what you need to know.
More Cash for Volunteers
The revamped law increases the annual flat rate for volunteers per aid organization from 130 to 180 euros, resulting in approximately 3.5 million euros more annually for these organizations.
Protecting the Grit of Spontaneous Helpers
Spontaneous volunteers, the unsung heroes who jump into the fray without any formal ties to aid organizations, will now enjoy better legal protection. With the new legislation, they will be eligible for compensation if they sustain property damage during deployments and will be covered by accident insurance.
State Foots the Bill for Disaster Relief
Regardless of whether they're part of municipal fire departments or aid organizations, volunteer helpers will now see the state budget cover all costs, including loss of earnings, childcare expenses, and deployment-related damages. Say goodbye to twisting the arm of local municipalities to foot the bill in times of disaster.
Prepping for the Worst: A Disaster Protection Warehouse
Taking proactive steps towards future disasters, the new legislation establishes a disaster protection warehouse, where vital resources can be easily accessed when the need arises. Look forward to the details being worked out post-implementation with the relevant organizations.
"With this new Disaster Protection Act, we're beefing up the volunteer sector, taking financial pressure off municipalities in the event of a catastrophe, and bolstering prevention efforts," said Thomas Strobl, the Interior Minister (CDU). And no wonder—with today's world chock-full of disasters, be they pandemics, storms or flooding rivers, it’s comforting to know there will be more folks to lend a hand when the chips are down.
- The Community policy will be impacted by the new Disaster Protection Act, as it includes provisions for employment policies, specifically increasing the annual flat rate for volunteers in disaster relief organizations from 130 to 180 euros, resulting in approximately 3.5 million euros more annually for these organizations.
- The Employment policy, under policy-and-legislation, will undergo changes as the new Disaster Protection Act will provide better legal protection to volunteers who are spontaneous helpers, ensuring they are eligible for compensation if they sustain property damage during deployments and covered by accident insurance.
- The Finance policy will be affected by the new Disaster Protection Act, as it includes provisions for state funding to cover all costs, including loss of earnings, childcare expenses, and deployment-related damages, for volunteer helpers in disaster relief efforts, alleviating the financial burden from local municipalities.
