As a student housing provider, we view providing a fire-safe home as an important responsibility. Therefore, we not only pay close attention to the structural quality and fire extinguishing equipment, but also to raising awareness about fire-safe behavior among our residents. Fire safety is a shared responsibility. In addition to communicating with our residents about this, we also collaborate with resident organizations, the fire department, and municipalities.
Click
Fire safety measures according to the building code
In the event of a fire, the focus is on preventing casualties and limiting the spread of the fire. Fire-resistant walls, doors, and compartmentalization ensure that the fire remains contained in one room for as long as possible. Therefore, always close the fire-resistant doors.
Smoke detectors are installed in the residences, and in some buildings, fire extinguishing equipment is also available.
However, DUWO advises: do not extinguish the fire yourself, but evacuate and call the fire department, as attempting to extinguish the fire can be life-threatening.
An important part of the fire safety regulations is the mandatory presence of smoke detectors. This requirement has been in effect since July 1, 2022. It applies to all homes across the country. All student complexes are equipped with smoke detectors.
To ensure fire safety, we conduct annual fire scans at 20% of our properties. This allows us to ensure that our buildings comply with legislation and our safety standards.
After each scan, we create a report and schedule any necessary repairs for the following year. Our Property Services (VGS) and trusted partners carry out the adjustments.
Our goal: full fire safety and compliance with all regulations.
We adjust the use of fire extinguishing equipment to emphasize safe evacuation during a fire. In buildings with independent living units, extinguishing equipment is removed due to the 30-minute fire resistance.
In properties with room-based rental, extinguishing equipment remains available in common areas. Defective fire reels are replaced with easy-to-use foam extinguishers. However, DUWO advises: do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself, but evacuate and call the fire department, as attempting to extinguish the fire can be life-threatening.
Although emergency lighting is not mandatory, we install it in dark escape routes such as stairwells and hallways. This ensures that residents can evacuate safely in the event of a power failure.
With fire scans and proper management of extinguishing equipment and emergency lighting, we work towards optimal fire safety. Our goal: complete control.
Shared responsibility
Fire incidents can never be completely prevented, but DUWO's fire safety measures have so far limited their impact. These measures are only effective when combined with safe behavior from residents. Together, we ensure fire-safe homes. That is why, in addition to technical provisions, we focus on raising awareness and encouraging fire-safe behavior through communication with residents.
Property managers pay extra attention to this during welcome meetings and their presence in the buildings. They regularly check whether escape routes are clear, whether there are no flammable items in public spaces, and whether smoke detectors have not been removed.
Keep the escape routes clear!
The hallways and stairwells in our complexes are essential escape routes in case of fire. DUWO advises residents to call 112 immediately in the event of a fire, warn fellow residents, and evacuate quickly. It is crucial to keep escape routes free of garbage, crates, bicycles, and flammable materials such as posters. These can become life-threatening obstacles during a fire.
DUWO strictly enforces the rule to keep hallways and stairwells clear. In case of violations, we ask residents to remove the items immediately. If they remain after a follow-up inspection, DUWO will remove them and charge the costs to the residents.
Together with the fire department, we also organize safety drills where students experience what it's like to evacuate through a smoke-filled hallway. This raises awareness about fire safety, ensuring everyone works together to maintain a safe home.
