Childminders for Offspring of Firefighter Families: Guardians for Kids of Brave Responders
Fires and Firefighters' Kids: The Innovative "Alarm-Nanny" Solution in Talge, Germany by Britta Nareyka
Gazing at the Talge fire station in Bersenbrück's district, an unusual scene unfolds: when a blaze breaks out, these heroes don't just sprint to the fire in their vehicles or on foot. Instead, they're often accompanied by their little ones. Some firefighting mamas even push their strollers while jogging. As the parents quickly slip into their uniforms and speed off to the scene, so-called "Alarm-Nannies" step in to handle the children's care.
"Alarm-Nannies" on Alert via App
The premise behind this fascinating concept? When disaster strikes, the "Alarm-Nannies" rush to the fire station to cover childcare duties. Instantly notified via an app, they can see if and how many kids need tending at the fire station thanks to a feedback function. Firefighters can also see it themselves, whether a nanny has marked themselves as "ready for duty."
Bolstering Female Firefighter Numbers
The idea sprang from the bod squad itself, given the young, firefighting family vibe within Talge. It became crucial to develop a solution that would give as many coworkers as possible the opportunity to take part in a deployment, explains firefighter Jasmin Schmidt-Frerichs, a one-year-old daughter mom. Prior, it was often the female firefighters left behind with the children. Now, she entrusts her kid to the "Alarm-Nannies" with peace of mind, all local volunteers eager and trained to assist.
Happiness All Around
Even firefighters who are currently expecting or not fit due to pregnancy find themselves lending a hand with childcare, thereby bolstering the team. "This concept works wonders for us," shares Jasmin Schmidt-Frerichs, husband-included. "It saves us the argument of who'll respond and who'll stay with the child." The "Alarm-Nannies" are more than equipped, with the fire department's training room transformed into a cozy play zone for the little ones, complete with blankets, toys, and fun-filled activities. Theresa Nelson offers an update: "We play, craft, read. It all depends on what the children fancy." The joy upon the parents' return is palpable.
High Praise and an Award
The Lower Saxony Fire Department Association holds this setup in high esteem, noting a lack of comparable projects. Even though the percentage of women in Lower Saxony's volunteer fire departments still lags behind, around 15%, Sabine Schröder—the association's state women's representative—compliments the initiative. To execute such concepts successfully, it's essential to ensure insurance coverage for both the children and the caregivers. Talge's fire department was recently bestowed with the Lower Saxony honorary award for civic engagement for their groundbreaking approach. "It fills us with pride," affirms Jasmin Schmidt-Frerichs, firefighter and mom.
Reminiscing About Deployments - the Fire Podcast
In the podcast "My Deployment," volunteer firefighters sit down with Torben Hildebrandt, our website reporter, and firefighter Theresa Balzer for captivating discussions about unforgettable deployments.
Since the inception of the junior fire brigade five years ago, children aged six to ten have also been honing social and democratic skills there.router(https://www.our-website/news/niedersachsen/new_different_making/Alarm-Nannies-Childcare-for-Children-of-Firefighter-Parents,-alarmnanny100.html)
The "Alarm-Nannies" initiative, honored with the Lower Saxony honorary award for civic engagement, offers a unique home-and-garden setting for children of firefighters when disaster strikes. The fire department's training room transforms into a cozy play zone for the little ones, filled with blankets, toys, and fun-filled activities, ensuring a lifestyle that prioritizes both work and family.
