In the event of a power failure, even electrically operated blinds and roller shutters no longer work.
The good news: There is usually an emergency opening.
If there is a power outage in the village for a long period of time, this does not only affect the light, refrigerator and other appliances.
Many blinds and roller shutters are now also operated electrically.
If there is a blackout, the residents sit in the dark for days.
But not only that.
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Electric blinds and roller shutters need an emergency opening so that residents are not left in the dark in the event of a power failure.
© UJ Alexander/Imago
Blinds and roller shutters must always be able to be opened for safety reasons.
In addition to doors and staircases, the windows often serve as a second important escape route in the event of a fire in the apartment.
"When there's a fire, the first thing that happens is often the power goes out.
Then the occupants in the building may no longer be able to act: they can no longer open the roller shutter on the escape route window, so they cannot make themselves noticed by the rescue services and they cannot go outside on their own.
That can be life-threatening,” explains Hans Schröder from the Association of German Builders (VPB) in a statement.
But there is good news: electric roller shutters and blinds usually have an emergency opening.
Depending on the design, the blackouts can then be opened by hand or otherwise.
The different solutions at a glance:
1. Opening by hand
The simplest solution in an emergency is to open the roller shutters manually in an emergency.
The blinds are then operated by a belt, crank or a mechanical spring system that can be operated with a button next to the window.
2. Blinds emergency systems
Some blinds also have batteries or emergency generators that step in automatically in the event of a power failure.
With these emergency systems, the blackouts can continue to be operated.
"Modern versions of such emergency modules have a link to noise sensors and switch on automatically when the fire alarm sounds," write the real estate
experts at Mcmakler.de
.
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3. Predetermined breaking point on the roller blind
The opening of the roller shutters via predetermined breaking points works a little more ruthlessly, but at least effectively: The roller blinds can be easily destroyed at certain points and thus opened.
However, there are also more intelligent systems so that the whole blackout doesn't have to do the same, as McMakler explains further.
"For example, certain rails can be pulled apart at such predetermined breaking points on the roller shutter curtain, which opens up an escape route in the event of an emergency."
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Tenants can find out from their landlord whether an appropriate emergency opening for blinds or roller blinds has been installed.
According to experts, owners who have not yet installed any of these systems can easily retrofit corresponding opening systems in the event of an emergency.
What to do if the power goes out?
If there is a sudden power outage, the first thing you should do is go to the security box in the apartment.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance recommends taking appropriate precautions and having certain utensils and food in the house for a longer blackout.
But the most important tool for emergencies should not be missing either.
Rubric list image: © UJ Alexander/Imago
