Expanding Perspectives in Crisis Management: Insights from the CREWS Project Team

A key feature of the exhibition is its focus on situational awareness—presented in a way that is accessible even to those without prior disaster management experience. Through a series of interactive stations, visitors are challenged to assess information, make decisions under time pressure, and reflect on their roles in preparation, response, and recovery. This hands-on approach not only makes complex topics tangible but also highlights the importance of teamwork between emergency services, authorities, science, and society.

Niels Philip Kögler from the Hamburg Fire Department shared his impressions: “The exhibition was very valuable for our work in CREWS. It offered a great opportunity to look beyond our own field and see how others are tackling similar crisis management challenges. The simulations on situational awareness during flooding, as well as those on capabilities, equipment, and behaviour in crisis situations, confirmed the approaches we are pursuing in CREWS.”

This experience underlines the value of interdisciplinary exchange and learning from diverse perspectives. By engaging with innovative methods and interactive simulations, the CREWS team is able to broaden its understanding and further develop effective strategies for crisis response. The exhibition also reinforces a key message: successful crisis management is always a team effort—across organizations, disciplines, and communities.