Extreme weather events

Background

Owing to climate change, Germany is increasingly experiencing extreme weather events, sometimes with devastating effects. On the one hand, heatwaves with prolonged drought are occurring; on the other, heavy and continuous rain (also in the form of snow in winter) and storms. The possible consequences of these extreme weather events include high water levels and flooding, tidal surges, landslides, rockfalls, avalanches and wildfires.

Damage or disaster situations caused by extreme weather events in Germany result in personnel from the fire brigades, ambulance and other emergency services (including voluntary services) being deployed. In particularly severe cases, personnel from the federal police and the federal armed forces may be called in.

Work of the KKA at the IFA

The IFA provides support in determining exposure in connection with extreme weather events. For example, as part of the IPA’s IPA-179-FeuerExpo project, the IFA laboratories perform air measurements and subsequent quantitative analyses for a sample group in order to determine firefighters’ exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as they fight wildfires. The project is to be launched in 2024 with pilot measurements.

The IFA also advises on avoiding physical stresses during disaster relief, e.g. with regard to lifting and carrying or working in constrained postures. Over many years, the institute has built up extensive expertise in the quantification of musculoskeletal stresses and exposures, and also advises on the use of wearables that warn employees of excessive stress and exposure.