Answers to frequently asked questions: Fires and hazardous substance spills
If unusual fires or spills of hazardous substances occur in Wiesbaden, you will find answers to frequently asked questions and background information here.
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Rescue and emergency services cannot help all companies, facilities or citizens at the same time in the event of a large-scale crisis. It is therefore advisable to take your own precautions. On the Emergency Preparedness page, you can find out how to prepare for major fires, hazardous substance spills or other crisis situations.
The fire is just starting: try to nip the source of the fire "in the bud" immediately. Only attempt to extinguish the fire if there is no danger to you. Never extinguish burning grease or other liquid fuels with water. This can cause a very high jet of flame - which is life-threatening. If you can do so without endangering yourself, switch off the energy source or remove the pan from the hob if it is on fire. Place a lid on the pan to smother the fire. Only use special fire extinguishers that are suitable for grease fires (fire class F). Switch off the electricity in the danger zone before starting to extinguish the fire. Always extinguish from the bottom to the top and from the side to the center. Never enter smoke-filled rooms. Toxic fire gases form there. If you find yourself in a smoke-filled room, crawl forward on the floor. Close the door from the outside and call the fire department on 112.
Attempts to extinguish the fire are not possible: close the windows of the room, but only if this is possible without endangering yourself. If not, leave the room immediately. Close the door of the room in which the fire is burning. This will deprive the fire of oxygen.
Call the fire department: Call 112. Report: Where is the emergency location? What has happened? Who is calling? Wait for further questions.
Warn and secure people: Warn other people in the apartment or house. Get yourself and others to safety (with the help of other people if necessary).
Everyone out: When leaving a burning building, make sure that no one is left behind. If your emergency baggage is prepared and ready to hand, take it with you. Never put yourself in danger by trying to save objects from the flames. People's safety always comes first. Close all doors, but do not lock them to facilitate a quick search. Fire doors and fire compartment doors are naturally closed. Have keys for rooms or windows that can only be opened with a key ready for the emergency services.
Everyone is safe: After leaving the building, check that everyone in the apartment or house is safe. If a person is missing, the fire department must always assume that they are still in the building and therefore in danger.
Expect and instruct the fire department: Describe the premises, people in danger or objects that could explode to the fire department.
Do not enter buildings where there has been a fire until the fire department has given the all clear. There could be a risk of collapse.
Once the building has been cleared, make an inventory: What has been destroyed? Take photos of the damage as proof for your insurance company.
Where can I find information on forest fire warning levels?
There are five forest fire warning levels in Wiesbaden - from the lowest level 1 (green) to the highest level 5 (purple). At wiesbaden.de/waldbrandgefahr you can find out what you need to be aware of at which warning level.
The spectrum of hazardous substances is wide. In the past, we spoke of NBC hazardous substances (nuclear, biological and chemical hazardous substances). Today, a distinction is made between chemical (C), biological (B), radiological (R) and nuclear (N) hazardous substances. CBRN hazardous substances can occur in gaseous or vaporous form, as aerosols, liquids or solids. As a rule, a layperson cannot recognize the danger.
Therefore: If something happens, report it to the rescue control center on 112 or the poison control center on (06131) 19240. You can find more information about the poison control center on the Hesse administration portal. (opens in a new tab)
How can I prepare for spills of hazardous substances?
Rescue and emergency services cannot help all companies, facilities or citizens at the same time in the event of a large-scale crisis. It is therefore advisable to take your own precautions. On the Emergency Preparedness page, you can find out how to prepare for major fires, hazardous substance spills or other crisis situations.
What should I do in the event of a hazardous substance leak?
Outside: Pay attention to announcements by the emergency services. If possible, move at right angles to the wind direction. Breathe through breathing protection if possible, at least through a handkerchief. Find the nearest enclosed building. If you have come into contact with hazardous substances, change your clothes and shoes when entering the building. Pack soiled clothing and shoes in plastic bags and place them outside the apartment, if possible outside the building. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first, then your face and hair, as well as your nose and ears. If biological substances are released, hand disinfection is also recommended.
In the car: Turn off the ventilation and close the windows. Listen to the radio (FM, regional stations) and follow the instructions of the authorities and emergency services. Go to the nearest closed building if the authorities and emergency services do not give instructions to the contrary. Ask to be let in and follow the instructions for staying in buildings.
Should I take iodine tablets in the event of a nuclear accident?
All federal states have iodine tablets in stock. This is also the case in Wiesbaden. In the event of an emergency, the iodine tablets are distributed in the affected areas to people aged 14 to 45. People over the age of 45 are advised not to take them. For them, the risk of side effects is greater than the benefit.
Radioactive iodine can be released in the event of a nuclear accident. To prevent it from accumulating in the thyroid gland, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) recommends taking an iodine tablet in good time. The high-dose potassium iodide tablets contain non-radioactive iodine. They should only be taken when expressly requested by the authorities. The dosage depends on age.
Do not take the iodine tablets on your own! The disaster control authorities provide information on when and which persons should take the iodine tablets. The request to take them is made via warning media, radio, television and other channels in order to achieve the optimum time for the best possible protection. If iodine tablets are taken too early or too late, the desired protection is no longer provided.
