To improve safety measures, Toverland is planning a significant change in how it handles emergencies at the “Dragonwatch” attraction. The amusement park's efforts are aimed at relying on its resources in the future, rather than depending on external assistance. This step follows several incidents where the fire department had to intervene to rescue visitors from the attraction.
Self-reliant Evacuation as a Goal
The park's main attraction, the many dozen meters high parachute tower “Dragonwatch”, faced technical malfunctions recently, leading to complete shutdowns on two occasions. A particularly challenging incident occurred on January 2, where visitors were stranded for nearly three and a half hours under difficult weather conditions. In one such situation, the deployment of a specialized rappel team was necessary, as a gondola was located over water.
Focus on Training and Equipment
Toverland is responding to these challenges with a proactive approach. The park plans to empower its disaster response team through specialized training, enabling them to manage future disruptions independently. This self-help capability includes the quick and safe evacuation of passengers, eliminating the need for fire department or other emergency services' support. Additionally, Toverland is considering acquiring its own cherry picker to ensure more efficient and independent response capabilities in emergencies.
Current Situation and Outlook
Currently, the “Dragonwatch” attraction remains closed to the public. According to the park's online opening calendar, a technical malfunction is listed until the end of January. Although no exact reopening date is provided, Toverland emphasizes its goal to resume the operation of the attraction as soon as possible. This temporary closure is being used as an opportunity to resolve the technical difficulties and fundamentally revise the safety concept.
Long-Term Implications
Toverland's initiative could have far-reaching effects on the entire amusement park industry. The ability to respond autonomously to emergencies not only demonstrates professionalism but also a deep sense of responsibility towards guests. The steps Toverland is taking could, therefore, set new standards in terms of safety and independence.
In summary, Toverland's development showcases its willingness to invest in the safety of its visitors and the efficiency of its operational procedures. Training the disaster response team and the potential acquisition of a cherry picker are clear signals of the park's commitment to prioritizing not just entertainment, but also the safety and well-being of its guests. This proactive stance could serve as a model for innovation and safety in the amusement park industry.
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