Reducing Risks by Improving Interoperability between Slovakia and Hungary for Better Preparedness

The project’s main aim is to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacity to climate change related risks along the Hungarian-Slovakian border by improving cooperation of volunteer fire brigades and municipalities.  
The main target group are volunteer fire fighters from Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Komárom-Esztergom and Győr-Moson-Sopron counties from Hungary, Košice-okolie, Komárno and Dunajská Streda District from Slovakia. Stakeholders share operating procedures, know-how, experience and capacities in an organized way. A mobile application collects and registers capabilities and assets, alerts and mobilizes units in case of emergencies, and arranges project events. Based on needs, identified gaps and good practices, standardized training and capacity development take place. In order to maximize learning opportunities for the main target group, training of trainers method is used by engaging key personnel from volunteer fire brigades. Capacity development is necessary in order to have sufficient, standardized toolset for practicing during the events. Minivans are equipped with communication tools to support on-site trainings and to serve as mobile coordination point during interventions. Trailers are furnished with technical equipment needed to respond to flash floods, extreme storms, wildfires and as medical support to treat the injured during these emergencies. Adult learning methods support preparedness for interventions, including existing and newly developed e-learning modules in Slovakian, Hungarian and English. 
The developed operational capacity allows trained key personnel to travel around their region and transfer knowledge to other members; thus, ensuring sustainable training possibilities for volunteers. 
Joint preparedness activities lead to a final, large-scale field exercise with over hundred participants required to prove their readiness. This event’s objectives are to test their procedures, coordination, interoperability and communication.