Cheat sheet: Natural disasters

1. 1Before: know the risk – Find out from your municipality or the authorities whether your home is in a flood or heavy-rain hazard area and which warning channels…
2. 2Before: prepare – Do not store important documents, valuables and supplies in the basement.
3. 3When warned: act – Follow radio and warning messages.
4. 4During: go up, not through – Move to higher ground or upper floors.
5. 5Trapped – If you are trapped in a building: go to the highest floor, but not into a closed attic without an exit.
6. 6After: return only when allowed – Return only when the authorities allow it. Watch for structural damage, gas smells and power lines.
7. 7Clean up with protection – Wear gloves, sturdy shoes and protective clothing during clean-up.

Danger: Never walk, swim or drive through flood water. Even shallow moving water can knock people over and sweep vehicles away; the depth and the state of the road beneath cannot be seen. Turn around.

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1. 1Beforehand: know the escape route – In areas at risk look out for tsunami signs and evacuation routes.
2. 2Recognise natural warnings – A strong or long-lasting earthquake at the coast; the sea retreats unusually far or rises suddenly; a loud roar from the ocean.
3. 3Go high at once – Without luggage go at once to higher ground or as far inland as possible, on foot if roads are full.
4. 4If there is no time – If higher ground cannot be reached: into the upper floors of a stable, tall reinforced-concrete building.
5. 5Stay up high – Follow the radio and authorities.

Danger: With natural warning signs, do not wait for an official warning. Go on foot to higher ground or inland at once – roads may be jammed. If possible, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) only once you are safe.

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1. 1Check beforehand – Before trips into valleys or gorges, check the weather for the catchment above too.
2. 2Recognise signs – Rapidly rising or suddenly muddy water, floating debris, a loud roar or rumble upstream, heavy rain nearby.
3. 3Go up immediately – Do not flee downstream; climb sideways to higher ground.
4. 4Turn around instead of driving through – Flooded road or underpass: turn around and take another route, even if others drive through.
5. 5Car caught by water – Ready.gov: if your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside; if water rises inside the vehicle, get onto the roof.
6. 6At home – Do not enter basements and underground car parks in heavy rain.

Danger: Never drive through flooded roads. According to NOAA, about 15 cm (6 in) of fast-moving water can knock over an adult and about 30 cm (12 in) can carry away most cars. You cannot see the depth or the state of the road beneath.

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1. 1Know your zone – Ask the municipality, civil protection or your accommodation whether the address is in a flood or evacuation area and where the route…
2. 2Prepare when a watch is issued – Get the go bag, documents, medication and charged devices ready, fill up the vehicle, talk to neighbours who need support.
3. 3Leave when ordered – Follow the designated route.
4. 4If leaving is no longer possible – Only on official instruction, stay in a safe, tall building, move to upper floors, not into closed attics without an exit.
5. 5Return only when cleared – Return only when the authorities allow it. Do not walk or drive through water; document damage.

Danger: If an evacuation is ordered for your zone, leave immediately. Those who stay often cannot be reached by rescuers during the storm.

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1. 1Fill correctly – Work in pairs: one person holds the bag, the other shovels.
2. 2Prepare the ground – Clear the area of stones and branches.
3. 3Lay like brickwork – Lay bags lengthwise in the direction of flow, with the folded end tucked under.
4. 4Build wide enough – For multi-layer walls build a pyramid-shaped base that is clearly wider than it is high.
5. 5Check – Watch for leaks, add bags, keep pumps ready on the dry side.

Danger: Evacuation instructions always take priority. Do not keep working when water rises or flows – lives come before buildings.

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1. 1Before: secure your home – Fix heavy shelves and cabinets to the wall, store heavy objects low down, do not hang pictures or mirrors above the bed.
2. 2Drop – get down – As soon as you feel the shaking, drop onto your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down.
3. 3Cover – protect your head – Protect your head and neck with one arm.
4. 4Hold On – hold on – Hold on to the table leg and move with the table until the shaking stops.
5. 5Special situations – In bed: stay there and protect your head with a pillow.
6. 6Afterwards – Check for injuries and call for help, expect aftershocks, put on sturdy shoes, check for gas smells and damage.
7. 7Practise – Practise Drop, Cover, Hold On regularly with the whole family so it happens automatically in a real event.

Danger: Do not run outside during the shaking. Many injuries are caused by falling objects, glass and building facades while leaving buildings.

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1. 1Know the risk – Get regional hazard maps or information from the municipality.
2. 2Watch for warning signs – New cracks in walls, plaster, ground or road; doors and windows that suddenly stick; tilting trees, poles or fences; water seeping from the…
3. 3Stay alert in heavy rain – Follow the radio and warnings, be especially alert at night, avoid stream beds.
4. 4When it moves: get away sideways – Do not wait.
5. 5Report – Report observed warning signs and slides to the municipality, the police or via the emergency number – also to protect your neighbours.

Danger: With rumbling, cracking trees or visible movement, get out of the way at once – sideways out of the path, not down the slope ahead of the mass. Then call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

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1. 1When warned: prepare – Put masks, goggles, water and food ready.
2. 2Stay indoors – Close windows and doors, switch off ventilation and air-conditioning or set to recirculation, seal draughts with damp cloths.
3. 3If you have to go out – A well-fitting FFP2/N95 mask, close-fitting goggles, glasses instead of contact lenses, long clothing.
4. 4Protect water – Cover or disconnect rainwater tanks.
5. 5Clean up without dust clouds – Dampen ash lightly, then push it together and collect it in strong bags; do not dry sweep, do not wash it into drains.
6. 6Watch the roof load – Have thick ash layers on flat or weak roofs removed by professionals or with fall protection, especially before rain.

Danger: Near the volcano there are far greater dangers than ash. Follow evacuation orders immediately and do not enter closed zones. In danger, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

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1. 1Follow warnings – Watch for heat warnings from the weather service and plan very hot days accordingly.
2. 2Keep your home cool – Close windows and shade them from outside during the day; ventilate at night and early in the morning.
3. 3Drink regularly – Drink throughout the day, even without thirst; avoid alcoholic and very sugary drinks.
4. 4Shift exertion – Move physical work and sport to the cooler morning or evening hours, take breaks in the shade, wear light, light-coloured clothing and a…
5. 5Cool the body – Cool showers, damp cloths and cool foot baths help.
6. 6Check on others – Visit or call older, isolated or ill people at least once a day.
7. 7Act on warning signs – At warning signs, go to a cool place and rest; at signs of heatstroke, call the emergency number immediately.

Danger: High body temperature, confusion, altered consciousness, seizures or unconsciousness can indicate heatstroke – a life-threatening emergency. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) immediately, move the person into shade or a cool room and stay with them until help arrives.

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1. 1Plan beforehand – Check the forecast before outdoor activities.
2. 2Hear thunder – act – If you can hear thunder, you are within reach of lightning.
3. 3Stay inside – In a building, keep away from windows and avoid contact with plumbing and corded devices.
4. 4No shelter within reach – Leave summits, ridges, open areas, water and isolated trees immediately.
5. 5Spread out as a group – Groups should spread out with space between people so that several people are not struck at once.
6. 6Wait – Only go back outside about 30 minutes after the last thunder.

Danger: No place outdoors is safe during a thunderstorm. The only reliable measure is to get into a substantial building or an enclosed vehicle with a metal roof in good time.

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1. 1Follow warnings – Follow severe-weather warnings from the weather service and official advice via radio and warning app.
2. 2Secure loose objects – Bring in or tie down garden furniture, trampolines, window boxes, bins and parasols.
3. 3Vehicle and journeys – Do not park the car under trees or next to scaffolding.
4. 4Stay indoors during the storm – Stay in a solid building, away from windows and glass doors.
5. 5If you are outdoors – Get into a solid building quickly.
6. 6Carefully afterwards – Go out only when the warning has been lifted.

Danger: Always treat fallen power lines as live: keep a wide distance, also from fences, puddles and branches touching them. Report them to the grid operator or via the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

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1. 1Prepare beforehand – Know the escape routes, go bag packed, documents ready, pets included.
2. 2Monitor the situation – In times of wildfire danger or when you smell smoke, follow the radio, warning app and official advice.
3. 3Leave early – Immediately when ordered, and also without an order if you feel threatened.
4. 4Leaving the house – if there is time – Close windows and doors, but do not lock them if the authorities recommend this.
5. 5Smoke without evacuation – Stay indoors, windows and doors closed, ventilation on recirculation or off, no extra smoke sources (candles, grill).
6. 6Return only when cleared – Hot spots, damaged lines and unstable trees remain dangerous.

Danger: When authorities order an evacuation, leave immediately. If you feel threatened, leave even without an order. Smoke, flames or flying embers nearby: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

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1. 1Beforehand: winter preparedness – Supplies for a few days, blankets, torches, radio, grit, snow shovel.
2. 2When warned: stay home – Postpone journeys, charge devices, check medication.
3. 3Keep warm – If the heating fails, keep one room warm, close doors, wear layers.
4. 4Clear paths sensibly – Keep paths and vent openings clear, shovel small amounts, take breaks.
5. 5Walk safely – Small steps, hands free, sturdy shoes with tread.
6. 6If driving is necessary – Only with winter equipment, a full tank and an emergency kit.

Danger: Never use a grill, gas heater, camping stove or generator indoors for heating. Keep flues and exhausts clear of snow. With headache, dizziness or nausea, get into fresh air at once and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

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1. 1Choose a shelter spot beforehand – At home, school and work, find out where the nearest safe room, basement or windowless interior room on the lowest floor is. Practise with…
2. 2Know warnings and signs – Know the difference between a watch (tornado possible) and a warning (tornado sighted or on radar).
3. 3Go to shelter immediately – When warned, do not go to look or film.
4. 4Protect head and neck – Kneel or crouch, cover head and neck with your arms; additionally with blankets, a mattress or under a sturdy table.
5. 5In a car or outdoors – If possible, drive to the nearest sturdy building.
6. 6Afterwards – Stay in shelter until the warning has ended.

Danger: Caravans, mobile homes and light structures offer no protection. When warned, move in good time to a sturdy building or designated shelter.

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1. 1Take the warning seriously – Follow severe-weather warnings mentioning hail via radio or warning app and postpone time outdoors.
2. 2Secure beforehand – Put the car in a garage or car park, bring in garden furniture and potted plants, retract awnings, close shutters.
3. 3Indoors away from glass – Stay in a solid building, keep away from windows, glass doors and skylights.
4. 4In the car – Slow down, stop safely off the carriageway and stay in the car.
5. 5Outdoors without shelter – Get into a building as quickly as possible.
6. 6Afterwards – Watch for slippery roads, blocked drains and possible flooding.

Danger: Hail usually comes with a thunderstorm. Outdoors, do not shelter under isolated trees; get into a solid building or a closed car.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/disasters/dis-hailstorm

1. 1Know the restrictions – Read notices from the utility and municipality: what is prohibited, from when, at what times?
2. 2Save indoors – Take short showers, run washing machine and dishwasher only when full, repair dripping taps and running cisterns, turn off the tap while…
3. 3Reuse water – Catch cold warm-up water in a jug and use it for plants or cleaning.
4. 4Water the garden wisely – If permitted: water early in the morning or in the evening, rarely but deeply, mulch, let the lawn go brown – it usually recovers.
5. 5Keep a reserve – Despite saving, keep the drinking-water reserve for emergencies and renew it regularly.

Caution: Drought raises wildfire risk. Observe fire and barbecue bans – check local rules.

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1. 1Monitor air quality – Follow official air-quality readings and health advice from the authorities and plan activities accordingly.
2. 2Close the building – Close windows and doors.
3. 3Set up a clean air room – Choose a room where everyone fits, ideally with few windows.
4. 4No extra pollutants – No candles, no smoking, no fireplace, avoid frying where possible, do not vacuum without a HEPA filter.
5. 5Avoid exertion outdoors – Move sport and heavy work indoors or postpone it. Anyone who has to go out wears a tight-fitting FFP2/N95 respirator.
6. 6Check on others – Check in on older people, those with chronic illness and people living alone; keep medication in stock.

Danger: With breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe coughing or dizziness get medical help or call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). People with asthma or heart disease should follow their medical plan.

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1. 1Prepare beforehand – Pack a go bag, make a family plan, know the evacuation routes and possible places to stay (relatives, friends, official emergency shelters).
2. 2Follow information – When hazards are forecast, follow radio, warning apps and announcements.
3. 3Leave immediately when told – Take the go bag, documents, medication, pets and the last-moment list.
4. 4Secure your home – If there is time and the authorities recommend it: close windows and doors, switch off appliances, shut off utilities only when instructed…
5. 5Use the designated route – Follow the designated routes and instructions from emergency services.
6. 6Let people know – Tell your contact person where you are.
7. 7Return only when cleared – Return only when the authorities have cleared the area.

Danger: Follow official evacuation orders immediately. Those who stay may later be impossible to rescue and put rescuers at risk.

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1. 1Go inside at once – Get into the nearest solid building.
2. 2Close windows and doors – Close all windows and outside doors, lower shutters.
3. 3Switch off ventilation – Switch off ventilation systems, air-conditioning, extractor hoods and fans.
4. 4Choose an interior room – Move to a room with as few windows and outside walls as possible; with gases heavier than air not the basement but a higher floor – follow…
5. 5Follow information – Follow the radio, warning app or loudspeaker announcements.
6. 6Do not pick up children – Schools and childcare protect the children inside the building.
7. 7Ventilate after the all-clear – Open windows and ventilate thoroughly only after the official all-clear.

Danger: Always follow the authorities' instructions – depending on the substance and situation they decide between sheltering in place and evacuation. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) for breathing difficulties, unconsciousness or if people are affected.

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1. 1Make hygiene a habit – Wash hands thoroughly with soap regularly, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow, dispose of tissues at once, clean frequently…
2. 2Stock for isolation – Food, drinks, hygiene items and regular medication for some time at home, so that a sick or isolated household does not have to go shopping.
3. 3Plan care at home – Who cares for someone who falls ill?
4. 4Arrange childcare and work – What happens if schools or childcare close?
5. 5Stay in contact – Phone and video contact with relatives and neighbours, especially with people who live alone.
6. 6Follow official information – Rules can change quickly.

Danger: Medical questions, tests, vaccinations and protective measures follow the health authorities and the doctor. With severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or the medical hotline – call ahead rather than turning up unannounced at the practice.

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1. 1Return only when cleared – Wait for official clearance, return in daylight, not alone.
2. 2Check from outside – Walk around the house: cracks, tilting, damaged lines, gas smell, water in the building.
3. 3Document damage – Photograph and film everything before cleaning up: rooms, water marks on walls, damaged items, serial numbers.
4. 4Reconnect utilities safely – Have electricity, gas and heating checked by professionals after damage.
5. 5Dry out quickly – Clear out wet items, ventilate, dry.
6. 6Remove mould with protection – With mould, wear a mask, goggles and gloves.
7. 7Look after yourself – Breaks, drinking, have tetanus protection checked by a doctor if injured.

Danger: Visible cracks in load-bearing walls, sagging ceilings, shifted foundations: do not enter the building, call in professionals or the authorities.

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1. 1Get inside – Go into the nearest solid building at once; do not drive home first if it is far.
2. 2Remove outer clothing – If you were outdoors: take off outer clothing and shoes at the entrance, put them in a bag and seal it, wash hands, face and hair or shower.
3. 3Seal the building – Close windows and doors, switch off ventilation and air-conditioning systems and cooker hoods.
4. 4Go to the middle or down – Go to a room in the middle of the building or the basement, away from outside walls and the roof.
5. 5Stay tuned – Follow radio, warning app and official channels.
6. 6Follow instructions – Stay inside until the authorities say otherwise.

Danger: Do not take potassium iodide as a precaution or on your own initiative. Only when the authorities explicitly say so and according to their dosage information – it can have side effects and does not protect against other radioactive substances.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/disasters/dis-radiological-incident

1. 1Learn the local signals – Look up with your municipality or civil protection which siren signals exist and what they mean.
2. 2Set up channels – Keep cell broadcast enabled on the phone, install the official warning app, keep a battery radio with spare batteries, note the regional…
3. 3React to a warning – Go into a building, close windows and doors, switch on the radio or warning app and follow instructions.
4. 4Pass it on – Inform neighbours, older people and those without a smartphone – no rumours, only official content.
5. 5Use test days – Use test alerts to check whether siren, app and phone actually reach you and to discuss what to do in the household.

Caution: Do not call the emergency number just to ask why a siren is sounding – it blocks lines for real emergencies. Get information via radio, warning app and official websites.

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1. 1Before: create an inventory – Record every room on video or in photos with cupboards open, photograph rating plates and serial numbers of valuable devices, collect…
2. 2Store safely – Keep inventory, policies and receipts in two places: a copy outside the home or encrypted digitally.
3. 3Know your cover – Check which perils are covered.
4. 4After: report early – Report the damage as soon as possible, note the claim number and contact person and ask about next steps.
5. 5Photograph before cleaning up – Overview and detail photos, water marks on walls, damaged items with rating plates.
6. 6Prevent further damage – As far as safely possible: cover the roof with a tarp, have water pumped out, ventilate and dry.
7. 7Record everything – Note date, contact person and content of every conversation, keep copies of all letters.

Danger: Enter damaged buildings only when they have been cleared. With a gas smell, cracks in load-bearing parts or water near electrics stay outside – photos can wait.

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