Informed Party will disclose the following details:
The city of Bottrop has established a network of 24 Emergency Information Points (EIPs) to ensure that help requests can still be received if the emergency numbers fail. This initiative is in accordance with the Law on Fire Protection, Disaster Assistance, and Disaster Control (BHKG).
The EIPs are strategically located in places where people would instinctively go in an emergency situation, including fire stations, hospitals, aid organizations' accommodations, and the police station. Each EIP is easily identifiable with a red sign bearing the white inscription "Emergency Information Point" and beach flags with the same inscription.
Municipal buildings such as schools have also been included in the network to close possible supply gaps. The EIPs are not shelters or supply points, but they do provide important information about the situation and behavioral guidelines to citizens.
The large-scale exercise to test the operational capability of the EIPs will take place on September 20. This important dress rehearsal will ensure that the EIPs are fully operational and staffed during a real emergency situation. At least three people are provided per location: one incident commander, one radio operator, and one supporting force. These roles will be filled by members of the voluntary fire brigade, aid organizations, and municipal employees.
Around 160 municipal employees have volunteered to staff their nearest EIP in an emergency. It is recommended to remember the location of the nearest EIP in good times, as it won't be possible to find it online during an emergency.
The EIPs will receive emergency reports from citizens on site and forward them via radio connections to the control center using a pre-prepared form. The tasks of the EIPs are clearly defined, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of information during an emergency.
The legal basis for the establishment of the EIPs is § 28 of the Law on Fire Protection, Disaster Assistance, and Disaster Control (BHKG). The EIPs will be staffed in case of a total power and supply failure throughout the city.
The emergency information points in Bottrop involve organizations such as the fire department, police, rescue services, and the city administration. A flyer with the locations of all 24 EIPs has been distributed to households, is available at the fire department's booth, on the city's homepage, the citizen's office, and information point in the city center.
On September 20, all 24 EIP locations will be fully set up, staffed, and operated in a realistic manner. This will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the EIP network and help the city of Bottrop improve its emergency response capabilities.
