The Westerscheldetunnel and the Sluiskiltunnel are also equipped with heat-resistant measures, which means that the tunnels can withstand a fire of 2 hours with a maximum temperature of 1350°C. This complies with the Dutch standard. The tunnels therefore retain their strength in the event of fire.
What do you do in case of fire?
- Put your car on the far-right side.
- Turn off your engine and leave the key in the ignition.
- Leave your car.
- Call for help by telephone at an emergency post.
- If possible, extinguish the fire with the foam extinguisher or fire hose from the emergency station.
- Follow the instructions of the tunnel staff on site.
- Go as quickly as possible through the nearest emergency exit.
What can you find at the emergency post?
An emergency post consists of two parts: a general part and a part for the emergency services. In the general part you will find facilities that you as a driver can use in case of a breakdown or an incident in the tunnel:
- A hose reel with a hose of over 50 meters. With the foaming agent you can extinguish a vehicle fire.
- A removable foam extinguisher.
- An emergency telephone that allows you to call the operator.
Cross Connections
In addition to emergency post, you will also find cross connections in both tunnels. In the event of a fire, you can escape here. You will find the emergency doors to the cross connection on the left in the tunnel wall
What do you find in a cross connection?
- Informational panel: indicates the safe direction of escape.
- Aluminum ramps: the use of ramps also allows people with physical disabilities to escape to the cross connection.
- Loudspeaker: broadcasts instructions to the tunnel users.
- Lighting.
- Emergency telephone; direct call to the tunnel operator.
- Fans for overpressure; this ensures no smoke enters the cross connection.
