Jena, 29.04.2026. To preserve historical documents, artworks, and archives from destruction in an emergency, the Notfallverbund Jena evaluated the logistical possibilities of cultural heritage rescue on Monday. The focus was on a nationwide unique special equipment vehicle as well as mobile emergency boxes from the university library.
- Event: Working and inspection meeting of the Notfallverbund Jena
- Location: Gefahrenabwehrzentrum Jena
- Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
- Special Feature: Inspection of the Thüringer Gerätewagen Kulturgutschutz as well as the ThULB emergency boxes
Thuringia as a Pioneer in Emergency Preparedness
The preservation of historical heritage requires precise preparation in the event of a disaster – such as fires or floods. To get an accurate picture of the current technical capacities of organized cultural heritage rescue, the contact persons of the Notfallverbund met at the Gefahrenabwehrzentrum of the city of Jena.
A central point of the meeting was the inspection of the so-called “Gerätewagen Kulturgutschutz” (cultural heritage protection equipment vehicle). This special vehicle, including associated equipment sets, is provided by the Free State of Thuringia. It is the centerpiece of a nationwide unique concept for emergency preparedness for cultural institutions. Thuringia is currently taking a nationwide pioneering role in the structured rescue of archives, museums, and libraries.
Mobile Aid for Initial Response on Site
In addition to heavy equipment for comprehensive operations, the rescue concept also relies on fast, decentralized solutions. The program at the Gefahrenabwehrzentrum was supplemented by the presentation of the so-called emergency box sets stationed at the Thüringer Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek (ThULB). These boxes contain special first-aid materials for damaged books and files. In an emergency, they can be used directly at the site of damage to, for example, contain moisture damage or prevent mold growth after firefighting operations.
Background: The Importance of Cultural Heritage Rescue
As a university city rich in tradition, Jena houses an enormous variety of historical collections, documents, and valuable holdings. The Thüringer Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek (ThULB) alone, with several million media units, is one of the most important institutions in Central Germany.
Undetected water damage caused by a storm or a building fire can tear irreplaceable gaps into this cultural heritage. Normal fire department operations focus primarily on rescuing people and preserving buildings. The Notfallverbund Jena, on the other hand, bundles the expertise of the fire department, museums, and archives to be able to initiate coordinated rescue and drying measures for highly sensitive objects immediately and in parallel in the event of a crisis.
Source:
Notfallverbund Jena stärkt den Kulturgutschutz
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.