According to hazard prevention law, the landowner and the holder of the actual power, also referred to as the party responsible for the condition, or, in the case of construction measures, the building owner, are generally responsible for averting hazards. For factual and legal reasons, the party responsible for bombs dropped or munitions fired cannot be held liable. This follows from the general principles of hazard prevention law.

To support the regulatory authorities, the state of Lower Saxony has set up an explosive ordnance disposal service (Kampfmittelbeseitigungsdienst, Marienstraße 34, 30171 Hanover), which is not itself an emergency response authority but acts by way of administrative assistance.

The KBD uses aerial photographs and contamination maps to check whether explosive ordnance is suspected. The hazard potential is determined on a case-by-case basis. If there is a suspicion, a recommendation is made to the applicant regarding further measures.

If explosive ordnance is suspected, a technical investigation is carried out (e.g. surface sounding). If the suspicion of danger is confirmed, the clearance of the individual areas suspected or contaminated with explosive ordnance or the individual point is planned and initiated. The explosive ordnance is removed by the KBD.

If large unexploded ordnance has to be defused on site, this may result in the surrounding residential areas being evacuated for safety reasons. The size of the area to be evacuated depends on the unexploded ordnance. In the event of such a measure, both the affected persons and other citizens will be informed via radio, the Internet and press releases.

There is still a very high risk of being injured, harmed or even killed if munitions are found. Therefore, please observe the following instructions on what to do if you find explosive ordnance:

• All explosive ordnance is life-threatening!
• Explosive ordnance can pose a risk of explosion, poisoning and health hazards, fire hazards and environmental hazards!
• The longer explosive ordnance remains in the ground, the more dangerous it becomes!
• The size and shape of the explosive ordnance says nothing about the danger!
• Explosive ordnance is often difficult to recognize, so be careful if you suspect it!

Therefore:

"If explosive ordnance is found - do not touch it, leave it at the site!"

Explosive ordnance is extremely sensitive to touch, vibration or a change in its position.

Please be sure to inform the police or the Citizen Service and Order Department if you find explosive ordnance or suspect that it may be explosive ordnance.