SMS warning service for Chemnitz rivers goes into operation
Water level measuring points installed on the Kappelbach and Pleißenbach streams
Following the siren warning system that was set up in summer 2011, a further measure for early warning of the population of impending flooding is now going into operation: With immediate effect, a text message warning service will inform citizens, tradespeople, companies and institutions in flood-prone areas of the Chemnitz, Würschnitz and Zwönitz rivers as well as the second-order watercourses, Kappelbach and Pleißenbach.
Interested parties can register for this free and voluntary service provided by the City of Chemnitz simply by text message. If there is a risk of flooding, information or a warning is sent in the form of a text message. The aim is to inform those who may be affected in good time and thus enable them to prepare for a possible flood situation. For example, residents and employees of companies who live or work near the above-mentioned bodies of water are affected. A warning by text message can also be useful if relatives or family members (in need of help) live in the affected areas and are unable to receive flood warnings themselves and are dependent on being informed. A warning is also useful for companies, authorities, institutions, care facilities or care services.
Registration for the service is very easy via SMS (see legal information). Alternatively, it is also possible to register via the public authority telephone number 115. You can register by text message with the following text to the number 0177 - 1 78 78 78:
Only for the warning areas of one of the bodies of water:
- "Start warning Chemnitz"
- "Start warning Wuerschnitz"
- "Start warning Zwoenitz"
- "Start warning Kappelbach"
- "Start warning Pleissenbach"
For the warning areas of selected bodies of water e.g. like this:
- "Start warning Chemnitz Wuerschnitz"
For all bodies of water:
- " Start warning all"
The SMS service can be cancelled for all warning areas with
- "Stop warning"
If a flood event occurs, the fire service control centre issues a warning with the following messages by text message (examples):
Opening flood message service:
Attention!
There is a flood warning for the city of Chemnitz.
Watch out for weather forecasts and further information!
Exceeding flood alert level 2:
Flood alert level 2!
There is a risk of flooding on the watercourse!
Take the necessary protective measures!
Inform yourself via the media!
Exceed flood alert level 4:
Flood alert level 4!
Aggravation of the flood risk at the watercourse!
Check your protective measures!
Inform yourself via the media!
All-clear:
All flood warnings have been cancelled!
Since autumn 2012, automatic water level measuring stations have also been in operation for the first time on second-tier watercourses. The water level of the Kappelbach is monitored at Pornitzstraße, while the level of the Pleißenbach is measured at Chemnitzer Straße in Röhrsdorf. Compact measuring stations from OTT Hydromet GmbH Kemten, which have an independent power supply via photovoltaic panels, are used at both locations. The water levels are recorded in the Kappelbach using a so-called single-bead sensor and in the Pleißenbach using a radar sensor, processed in the station and transmitted to the fire service control centre in Fire Station 1 on Schadestraße via mobile radio. The systems are checked once a year, but are otherwise maintenance-free. Around 28,000 euros were invested in the installation of the measuring points.
The SMS alert service (receipt of alerts) is free of charge. Costs may be incurred for the SMS to register or cancel the service, depending on the contractual conditions of the customer's mobile phone provider.
For technical reasons, the SMS alert service cannot guarantee one hundred per cent delivery of an SMS. In particular, failures are to be expected in the event of disruptions to the mobile phone network, the Internet or the power supply, as can occur in the event of flooding. The SMS warning service does not replace local instructions from authorities such as the city of Chemnitz, police or emergency services in a hazardous situation. These must be followed at all times. In principle, any warranty or liability claims arising from the use of the SMS warning service are excluded for the reasons stated.