Autumn 2024 is an crucial time for the Polish state and its citizens in the past of functioning, or alternatively the permanent deficiency of a functioning civilian protection system. On the 1 hand, the proposed bill which provides the basis for building civilian defence in Poland from the beginning, on the another hand, the reality of a country affected by a massive flood and all the time with vigilance and concern at the east border, provides an chance for a deeper reflection on the direction in which further work should be carried out to make a truly effective OC system.