From BZ/dpa
Citizens worry about a power outage in the coming winter. Experts reassure, but municipalities want to at least arm themselves. There should also be supply halls for emergencies.
In the energy crisis, the city of Potsdam is preparing for the risk of a power failure and is setting up emergency halls. This was announced by the administration of the Brandenburg state capital on request.
The Oderstadt Frankfurt is currently still checking whether heating halls make sense because it is not clear how the corona numbers will develop in the coming months, as it was said. In addition, the cities want to be prepared for the fact that in future they will have to advise more citizens in the crisis and the number of people receiving help will increase.
Potsdam is currently planning four sports halls in different parts of the city as points of contact in the event of a power failure, as spokeswoman Christine Homann announced. There, the supply is to be ensured, for example, via emergency power generators. Emergency plans would also be coordinated with clinics and facilities in the social and nursing sector.
As the city of Frankfurt an der Oder announced, the authorities are considering whether heat points or heat halls make sense. The assessment of the corona development in autumn and winter plays a decisive role. “The city is currently considering the extent to which the heating halls mentioned could develop into hotspots for the spread of the virus.” In addition, sports halls, cultural institutions and exhibition halls are only supplied with gas or district heating.
According to the city of Frankfurt, civil protection is preparing for an emergency, should there actually be a failure in the energy supply. However, there is a lack of equipment. There were no emergency power generators, camp beds or blankets. However, experts consider large-scale blackouts to be unlikely.
In addition, cities are also preparing for an increased need for help among the population. The city of Potsdam is looking for more administrative staff, especially in order to be able to process more applications quickly, for example for housing benefit. From the beginning of November there will be twelve new jobs, it said.
The city of Frankfurt wants to set up a counseling center, Mayor René Wilke (left) announced in the “Märkische Oderzeitung” (Saturday). The group of people entitled to housing benefit, for example, is to be expanded in Germany according to plans by the federal government. The city of Frankfurt wants to provide information on the implementation of municipal aid this Monday.