Large-scale exercise by the fire brigades in Sternberg: The alarm raises defects in the retirement home!

Large-scale exercise by the fire brigades in Sternberg: The alarm raises defects in the retirement home!

Alarm in Sternberg - a major operation by the volunteer fire department caused a stir on Monday around 3 p.m. The operational keyword F2Y, a fire alarm in the event of a fire in a residential building with lives in danger, was announced for the DRK senior center. Emergency vehicles, including a turntable ladder vehicle, were deployed, accompanied by firefighters from surrounding communities such as Brüel, Dabel, Kobrow and Witzin. But this exciting situation quickly turned out to be an exercise that was organized at the request of the management of the senior center in order to identify deficits in dealing with alarm messages and to evaluate the structural situation Northern Courier reported.

What was tested during the exercise? The emergency services checked the sufficient installation space and the availability of emergency services at different times of the day. Although the exercise was considered successful, some shortcomings emerged. Particularly highlighted was the lack of emergency personnel at certain times, which poses a serious problem for municipalities that have to meet their fire protection responsibilities. The technical equipment of the fire brigades may be good, but there is a need for action among the personnel, according to the recommendations of the exercise participants.

Fire protection in social facilities

The exercise in the senior center is taking place against the background of alarming fire statistics: In 2022, there were 176 fires in social facilities with 295 injuries and 17 fatalities. In January 2023 alone, 21 fires were counted, which once again illustrates the explosiveness of the issue. Old people's and nursing homes, in which over 700,000 people live, are often inadequately prepared for fires because there are no standardized fire protection regulations for these facilities. These facilities are considered unregulated special buildings and must take special risks into account, such as the physical and mental limitations of many residents, as stated in the article TÜV Süd emerges.

The most common causes of fire in old people's and nursing homes are often technical defects, such as self-igniting electrical appliances, as well as negligence in dealing with fire. In order to improve fire protection, structural measures such as the use of non-combustible building materials and the installation of effective fire alarm systems are necessary. Organizational measures such as regular training for staff and evacuation exercises are also strongly recommended.

Conclusion and outlook

Finally, it remains to be said that the exercise in the senior center in Sternberg drew attention to various deficits. Those responsible are required to make structural adjustments to the retirement home as well as to improve the training and availability of their firefighters. This is the only way to ensure the protection of people in care facilities who are often physically and mentally disabled.