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Natural disasters
Recognise warnings, act correctly
SurviveBetter · As of 2026-10-12 · 24 entries
Preparation and correct behaviour in natural events – always complemented by instructions from the responsible authorities.
01 · Water · Expert review pending
Floods: before, during, after
Floods and flash floods are among the deadliest natural hazards – often because people walk or drive through water. The most important rule: never walk or drive through flood water. Take warnings seriously, move to higher ground, follow the authorities' instructions and only return when they allow it.
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.
When water is rising, do not go into basements, underground car parks or underpasses – they can fill within a short time, and doors often cannot be opened against the water pressure.
Do not touch electrical equipment or installations if you are wet or standing in water. Switch off power only if it is safe to do so; otherwise contact the utility or the fire service.
Flood water can be contaminated with sewage, fuel and chemicals. Avoid contact, wear protective clothing, wash your hands and discard food that came into contact with the water.
During clean-up, run pumps, dryers and generators with combustion engines outdoors only (carbon monoxide).
Materials
Battery or crank radio – For warnings during power outages
Document folder (waterproof) – Waterproof, ready to grab
Headlamp / flashlight
Sturdy closed shoes – For clean-up work
Steps
1
Before: 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 exist.
2
Before: prepare
Do not store important documents, valuables and supplies in the basement. Keep a go bag ready, check your insurance cover, know your evacuation route and a higher location.
3
When warned: act
Follow radio and warning messages. Move people, animals and, if there is still time, valuables upstairs. Follow evacuation orders immediately.
4
During: go up, not through
Move to higher ground or upper floors. Do not walk or drive through water; turn around if a road is flooded. Keep away from banks, bridges and streams.
Do not go into basements, underground car parks or underpasses.
5
Trapped
If you are trapped in a building: go to the highest floor, but not into a closed attic without an exit. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and make yourself noticeable.
6
After: return only when allowed
Return only when the authorities allow it. Watch for structural damage, gas smells and power lines. Follow drinking-water notices.
7
Clean up with protection
Wear gloves, sturdy shoes and protective clothing during clean-up. Photograph damage for insurance before you throw things away.
Common mistakes
×Driving through flooded roads
×Walking through moving water
×Going into the basement to save belongings
×Ignoring warnings because "it has always been fine so far"
×Returning to the building too early
×Running a generator indoors to dry things out
Limits and risks
–No figures on water depths or flow speeds
–No technical flood-protection measures
–No guidance on tsunamis
Sources
[1]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Turn Around Don't Drown
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Floods
[3]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
https://www.bbk.bund.de
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
A tsunami can reach a coast before an official warning arrives. Natural warning signs are a strong or long earthquake at the coast, a sudden retreat or rise of the sea and a loud roar from the ocean. Then go inland or to higher ground at once – do not wait, do not watch – and return only after the official all-clear.
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.
A tsunami usually consists of several waves, and the first is not always the largest. Return only after the official all-clear.
During an earthquake protect yourself first (Drop, Cover, Hold On); as soon as the shaking stops, leave at once.
Materials
Sturdy closed shoes
Battery or crank radio(optional)
Steps
1
Beforehand: know the escape route
In areas at risk look out for tsunami signs and evacuation routes. From the hotel or holiday home, look at the shortest way up or inland.
2
Recognise 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
Go high at once
Without luggage go at once to higher ground or as far inland as possible, on foot if roads are full. Take others along and warn them.
4
If there is no time
If higher ground cannot be reached: into the upper floors of a stable, tall reinforced-concrete building.
5
Stay up high
Follow the radio and authorities. Return only when the official all-clear is given – further waves can come hours later.
Common mistakes
×Going to the beach to look at the retreating sea
×Waiting for an official warning although the ground shook strongly
×Sitting in a traffic jam in the car instead of walking
×Returning after the first wave
×Gathering luggage
Limits and risks
–No figures on wave heights, arrival times or safe heights – these depend on the event and terrain
–No regional warning systems described
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Tsunamis
[2]
U.S. National Weather Service (NOAA): Tsunami Safety
[3]
Earthquake Country Alliance – Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
Flash floods: in valleys, underpasses and behind the wheel
Flash floods develop within minutes to a few hours of heavy rain – often where it is not raining at all: in narrow valleys, gorges, dry stream beds and underpasses. The key rule: never drive or walk through flooded roads ('Turn around, don't drown'), but move to higher ground at once.
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.
Underpasses and underground car parks fill very quickly in heavy rain – do not drive in and do not go in to rescue vehicles.
If people are trapped, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) at once – do not enter the water yourself.
Materials
Mobile phone
Battery or crank radio(optional)
Headlamp / flashlight(optional)
Steps
1
Check beforehand
Before trips into valleys or gorges, check the weather for the catchment above too. Do not camp in dry stream beds or right on the bank.
2
Recognise signs
Rapidly rising or suddenly muddy water, floating debris, a loud roar or rumble upstream, heavy rain nearby.
3
Go up immediately
Do not flee downstream; climb sideways to higher ground. Leave gear behind.
4
Turn around instead of driving through
Flooded road or underpass: turn around and take another route, even if others drive through. Never drive around barriers.
5
Car 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. Call the emergency number at once.
6
At home
Do not enter basements and underground car parks in heavy rain. Go to upper floors; switch off power only if the fuse box is dry and safely reachable.
Common mistakes
×Driving through a flooded dip because it 'looks shallow'
×Trying to save belongings in the basement
×Camping in a dry stream bed
×Fleeing downstream instead of sideways uphill
×Driving around barriers
Limits and risks
–No water rescue techniques
–No forecasting of flash floods
Sources
[1]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Turn Around Don't Drown
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Floods
[3]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Evacuation
Storm surge on the coast: know your zone, leave in time
In a storm surge, strong winds push seawater against the coast; together with tide and waves the water can reach far inland. Anyone living or holidaying in an exposed zone should know the evacuation zone, take warnings seriously and leave immediately when told – water, not wind, is the greatest danger here.
If an evacuation is ordered for your zone, leave immediately. Those who stay often cannot be reached by rescuers during the storm.
Do not go to dykes, piers or beaches to watch the waves – waves and currents sweep people away.
Floodwater can be contaminated and hide dangers such as debris, open manholes and power lines.
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Document folder (waterproof)
Power bank
Medication supply
Steps
1
Know your zone
Ask the municipality, civil protection or your accommodation whether the address is in a flood or evacuation area and where the route inland runs.
2
Prepare 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
Leave when ordered
Follow the designated route. Do not wait until the last moment – roads can flood before the peak.
4
If 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. Call the emergency number if in danger.
5
Return only when cleared
Return only when the authorities allow it. Do not walk or drive through water; document damage.
Common mistakes
×Watching the waves from the dyke
×Refusing to evacuate because the wind is 'only moderate'
×Retreating into an attic without an exit
×Returning too early
Limits and risks
–No details on specific water levels or zones
–Local warning and evacuation plans take precedence
Sources
[1]
NOAA National Hurricane Center: Storm Surge Overview
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Hurricanes
[3]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Evacuation
Sandbags do not keep water out completely, but they can divert it and reduce inflow at doors, basement windows and light wells. What matters is correctly filled bags, staggered joints as in brickwork, firmly pressing down each layer and a sealing sheet. Many municipalities hand out sand and bags – follow local advice.
Evacuation instructions always take priority. Do not keep working when water rises or flows – lives come before buildings.
High water pressure from outside can damage basement walls. For deeper water, seek professional advice beforehand on whether sealing off makes sense.
Filled bags are heavy. Lift with your legs, pass bags along instead of carrying them, take breaks.
Bags that were in floodwater are contaminated. Handle with gloves and dispose of according to local instructions.
Materials
Sandbags (empty or filled)
Clean sand
Small shovel / folding spade – Or a normal shovel
Plastic sheet / large bin bag – As a seal on the water side
Sturdy work gloves
Sturdy closed shoes
Steps
1
Fill correctly
Work in pairs: one person holds the bag, the other shovels. Fill bags about half to two-thirds full so they stay mouldable. Fold over or loosely close the end as local guidance says.
2
Prepare the ground
Clear the area of stones and branches. Where possible, lay out a sheet so that it can later be pulled over the wall on the water side.
3
Lay like brickwork
Lay bags lengthwise in the direction of flow, with the folded end tucked under. Press and tread each bag firmly into place. Stagger the joints of the next layer.
4
Build wide enough
For multi-layer walls build a pyramid-shaped base that is clearly wider than it is high. Single rows in front of doors only for low water depths.
5
Check
Watch for leaks, add bags, keep pumps ready on the dry side. Stop immediately and get to safety if there is danger.
Common mistakes
×Filling bags to bursting
×Stacking joints on top of each other
×Not pressing bags down
×Starting too late
×Continuing to work in flowing water
Limits and risks
–No dyke defence
–No structural assessment of buildings
–No quantity calculations
Sources
[1]
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Sandbagging Techniques
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Floods
[3]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
In an earthquake, many agencies recommend "Drop, Cover, Hold On": drop to your hands and knees, protect your head and neck – under a sturdy table if possible – and hold on until the shaking stops. Do not run outside during the shaking. Afterwards expect aftershocks, watch for damage and gas smells, and follow the authorities' instructions.
Do not run outside during the shaking. Many injuries are caused by falling objects, glass and building facades while leaving buildings.
After the quake: if you smell gas, do not switch on lights, light a flame or operate switches. Leave the building and contact the emergency number or gas emergency service from outside (112 in the EU).
At the coast: after strong or long shaking, an unusual retreat of the sea or a tsunami warning, move inland or to higher ground immediately and follow official instructions.
Expect aftershocks. Re-enter damaged buildings only after the authorities have cleared them.
Doorways are not considered safe places in modern buildings and do not protect against flying objects.
Materials
Sturdy closed shoes – By the bed, against broken glass
Headlamp / flashlight
Battery or crank radio
Steps
1
Before: 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. Keep sturdy shoes and a light by the bed.
2
Drop – get down
As soon as you feel the shaking, drop onto your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down.
3
Cover – protect your head
Protect your head and neck with one arm. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table; otherwise to an interior wall away from windows and tall furniture.
4
Hold On – hold on
Hold on to the table leg and move with the table until the shaking stops. Without a table: keep protecting your head and neck with both arms.
5
Special situations
In bed: stay there and protect your head with a pillow. Outdoors: move away from buildings, poles and power lines, then Drop, Cover, Hold On. In a vehicle: stop in a clear place, stay buckled up, do not stop under bridges or power lines.
6
Afterwards
Check for injuries and call for help, expect aftershocks, put on sturdy shoes, check for gas smells and damage. Switch on a radio for instructions; use the phone only for emergencies.
7
Practise
Practise Drop, Cover, Hold On regularly with the whole family so it happens automatically in a real event.
Common mistakes
×Running outside during the shaking
×Sheltering in a doorway
×Staying next to windows or tall shelves
×Returning to damaged buildings straight after the quake
×Switching on lights when you smell gas
Limits and risks
–No guidance on building safety or structural engineering
–No rescue of trapped people – that is the job of rescue services
–Tsunamis only as a warning note
Sources
[1]
Earthquake Country Alliance – Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Earthquakes
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Landslides and debris flows: recognising warning signs
Landslides and debris flows occur mainly after heavy or prolonged rain, snowmelt or earthquakes and can come without much warning. New cracks, sticking doors, tilting trees, suddenly muddy or vanishing stream water and rumbling are warning signs. Then: get out of the way at once, sideways to the direction of movement, and inform the authorities.
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).
In heavy rain avoid stream beds, culverts, bridges over mountain streams and valley floors – debris flows follow these channels and can be very fast.
After a landslide further slides can follow. Avoid the area until experts clear it; report damaged lines.
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Sturdy closed shoes
Headlamp / flashlight
Steps
1
Know the risk
Get regional hazard maps or information from the municipality. Watch for earlier slides, slope water, steep embankments behind the house.
2
Watch 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 slope; streams that suddenly turn muddy or dry up; rumbling.
3
Stay alert in heavy rain
Follow the radio and warnings, be especially alert at night, avoid stream beds. Leave at once when told to evacuate.
4
When it moves: get away sideways
Do not wait. Get sideways out of the slide path onto firm, higher ground. In the house, if escape is impossible: into the upper part facing away from the slope.
5
Report
Report observed warning signs and slides to the municipality, the police or via the emergency number – also to protect your neighbours.
Common mistakes
×Dismissing cracks and sticking doors as normal building damage
×Staying in a stream bed or at the foot of a slope during heavy rain
×Running down the slope ahead of the slide
×Walking onto the slide area to look
×Only thinking about escape once movement is visible
Limits and risks
–No geotechnical assessment
–No statement on the predictability of individual events
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Landslides & Debris Flow
[2]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
Volcanic ash is not soft dust but fine, sharp-edged rock and glass material. It irritates airways and eyes, makes roads slippery, clogs filters and can overload roofs – especially when wet. Stay indoors, close windows, wear a mask and goggles and follow the authorities' instructions.
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).
Ash becomes very heavy when wet. Do not climb onto roofs without fall protection – risk of falling on slippery ash. Leave the building if there are signs of overloading.
People with asthma or other respiratory diseases are particularly at risk: stay indoors, keep prescribed medication at hand, get medical help if short of breath.
Vehicles slide on ash as on snow, and visibility and air filters suffer. Only drive if absolutely necessary, slowly and with lights on.
Materials
Particle-filtering respirator (FFP2/N95)
Close-fitting safety goggles – Wear glasses instead of contact lenses
Plastic sheet / large bin bag(optional) – To cover electronics
Battery or crank radio
Steps
1
When warned: prepare
Put masks, goggles, water and food ready. Cover electronics. Shelter animals and vehicles.
2
Stay indoors
Close windows and doors, switch off ventilation and air-conditioning or set to recirculation, seal draughts with damp cloths.
3
If you have to go out
A well-fitting FFP2/N95 mask, close-fitting goggles, glasses instead of contact lenses, long clothing. Outdoors as briefly as possible.
4
Protect water
Cover or disconnect rainwater tanks. Follow the water utility's instructions.
5
Clean 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. Dispose of it as the municipality instructs.
6
Watch the roof load
Have thick ash layers on flat or weak roofs removed by professionals or with fall protection, especially before rain.
Common mistakes
×Dry sweeping and stirring up ash
×Wearing contact lenses
×Considering simple cloth masks sufficient
×Climbing onto the roof without fall protection
×Washing ash into the drains
Limits and risks
–No figures on roof load capacities
–No behaviour in the near zone of the volcano other than evacuation
Sources
[1]
International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN): The Health Hazards of Volcanic Ash – A guide for the public
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Volcanoes
Heatwaves are dangerous, especially for older people, young children, the chronically ill, pregnant women and people who work outdoors. Staying cool, drinking regularly, avoiding exertion in the midday heat and regularly visiting or calling people at risk are the most important measures. At signs of heatstroke, call the emergency number immediately.
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.
Never leave children, people in need of care or animals in a parked vehicle – not even briefly and not with the window open.
Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or muscle cramps are warning signs. Go to a cool room, rest and drink; if symptoms worsen or do not improve, get medical help.
Some medications affect heat tolerance or fluid balance. Clarify questions with a doctor or pharmacist in advance; do not stop medication on your own.
Materials
PET bottle (clear, max. 2 litres) – Always carry drinking water
Steps
1
Follow warnings
Watch for heat warnings from the weather service and plan very hot days accordingly.
2
Keep your home cool
Close windows and shade them from outside during the day; ventilate at night and early in the morning. Spend time in the coolest room.
3
Drink regularly
Drink throughout the day, even without thirst; avoid alcoholic and very sugary drinks. People with a medically prescribed fluid restriction should clarify the amount with their doctor.
4
Shift 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 hat.
5
Cool the body
Cool showers, damp cloths and cool foot baths help. If your home becomes too hot, visit cool public places where available.
6
Check on others
Visit or call older, isolated or ill people at least once a day. Keep an eye on children and pets.
7
Act on warning signs
At warning signs, go to a cool place and rest; at signs of heatstroke, call the emergency number immediately.
Common mistakes
×Only drinking when thirsty
×Exercising or working hard at midday
×Opening the windows during the day
×Forgetting neighbours who live alone
×Leaving children or animals in the car briefly
Limits and risks
–No fluid volumes – individual and set by a doctor for some conditions
–No treatment instructions for heat illness
–No occupational outdoor-work guidance
Sources
[1]
World Health Organization: Heat and health (fact sheet)
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Extreme Heat
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
There is no truly safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm. Safe places are enclosed, substantial buildings and hard-topped metal vehicles with the windows closed. If you can hear thunder, you are within reach of lightning – seek shelter in good time and only go back out about 30 minutes after the last thunder. Checking the forecast beforehand is the best protection.
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.
No safety is offered by: isolated trees, open-sided shelters, tents, pavilions, bus shelters, convertibles and vehicles with plastic bodies.
People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be touched immediately. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) at once and give first aid as far as you are trained.
Leave water, summits, ridges and open areas immediately. Keep away from metal fences, poles and power lines.
Steps
1
Plan beforehand
Check the forecast before outdoor activities. Plan trips so that exposed places are left before the typical thunderstorm time, and know the nearest safe shelters.
2
Hear thunder – act
If you can hear thunder, you are within reach of lightning. Stop the activity and go immediately into a substantial building or an enclosed vehicle with a metal roof.
3
Stay inside
In a building, keep away from windows and avoid contact with plumbing and corded devices. In a vehicle, close the windows.
4
No shelter within reach
Leave summits, ridges, open areas, water and isolated trees immediately. Move to lower areas, but not ditches or gullies with running water. This reduces the risk but does not remove it.
Do not lie flat on the ground.
5
Spread out as a group
Groups should spread out with space between people so that several people are not struck at once.
6
Wait
Only go back outside about 30 minutes after the last thunder.
In a thunderstorm: what offers no protection – and where you are safe
Common mistakes
×Sheltering under an isolated tree
×Carrying on as long as it is not yet raining
×Going back outside too soon after the storm
×Assuming safety in an open shelter or tent
×Staying in the water
Limits and risks
–No specialist alpine rules
–No first-aid instructions for lightning injuries
–No risk calculation based on distance to the storm
Sources
[1]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Lightning Safety
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Thunderstorms & Lightning
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
In a windstorm the greatest dangers are falling branches, toppling trees, flying objects and torn-down power lines. Secure loose objects beforehand, stay indoors and avoid forests during the storm, keep away from lines afterwards and leave chainsaw clean-up to professionals.
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).
Avoid forests and tree-lined avenues during and after a storm – broken branches and trees can still fall days later.
Storm-damaged wood is under tension and can spring back unpredictably when cut. Leave the clearing work to professionals.
If the power fails after the storm, run generators and grills outdoors only – carbon monoxide.
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Headlamp / flashlight
Power bank
Sturdy closed shoes – For afterwards: glass and debris
Steps
1
Follow warnings
Follow severe-weather warnings from the weather service and official advice via radio and warning app. Charge devices and power banks.
2
Secure loose objects
Bring in or tie down garden furniture, trampolines, window boxes, bins and parasols. Close windows and doors, close shutters where available.
3
Vehicle and journeys
Do not park the car under trees or next to scaffolding. Postpone journeys, especially through forests.
4
Stay indoors during the storm
Stay in a solid building, away from windows and glass doors. Do not go onto the roof or balcony to secure something.
Do not shelter outdoors under trees.
5
If you are outdoors
Get into a solid building quickly. Keep away from trees, scaffolding, billboards and overhead lines. In a car: stop in an open area, not under trees.
6
Carefully afterwards
Go out only when the warning has been lifted. Look at damage from the outside, do not climb onto damaged roofs, report lines, take photos for insurance.
Common mistakes
×Trying to secure things on the balcony or roof during the storm
×A walk or drive through the forest shortly after the storm
×Touching or pulling away fallen lines
×Cutting storm timber without training
×Parking the car under trees
Limits and risks
–No rules for tornadoes or hurricanes
–No guidance on chainsaw work
Sources
[1]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
https://www.bbk.bund.de
[2]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
[3]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance
Wildfires can spread faster in wind than you can run or drive, and smoke harms health far away. The most important rule: leave early – at the latest when authorities tell you to, better as soon as danger is foreseeable. If you stay because there is no danger, protect yourself from smoke indoors.
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).
Do not drive towards smoke or fire, and use designated evacuation routes. Roads can be blocked by smoke, traffic or emergency vehicles – another reason to leave early.
FFP2/N95 masks filter smoke particles, not gases such as carbon monoxide. They do not replace leaving a smoke-filled area.
Children, older people, pregnant women and people with heart or lung disease are more sensitive to smoke. Get medical help if short of breath.
Materials
Particle-filtering respirator (FFP2/N95) – Against smoke particles, not gases
Battery or crank radio
Sturdy closed shoes
Document folder (waterproof)
Steps
1
Prepare beforehand
Know the escape routes, go bag packed, documents ready, pets included. Store flammable things such as woodpiles, dry leaves and gas cylinders away from the house.
2
Monitor the situation
In times of wildfire danger or when you smell smoke, follow the radio, warning app and official advice. Car fuelled and parked facing the direction of departure.
3
Leave early
Immediately when ordered, and also without an order if you feel threatened. Inform your contact person, use the designated route.
4
Leaving the house – if there is time
Close windows and doors, but do not lock them if the authorities recommend this. Turn off the gas if it is safely possible. Do not lose time with firefighting attempts.
5
Smoke without evacuation
Stay indoors, windows and doors closed, ventilation on recirculation or off, no extra smoke sources (candles, grill). Avoid exertion outdoors. A well-fitting FFP2/N95 mask if you have to go out.
6
Return only when cleared
Hot spots, damaged lines and unstable trees remain dangerous. With sturdy shoes and gloves, do not stir up ash.
Common mistakes
×Waiting until you can see the fire
×Trying to fight a wildfire with a garden hose
×Driving through smoke
×Believing a mask protects against all smoke gases
×Returning before the area has been cleared
Limits and risks
–No firefighting instructions
–No survival techniques when trapped by fire – then emergency call and the dispatcher's instructions
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Wildfires
[2]
Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD): Waldbrandgefahrenindex (WBI)
Snowstorms and freezing rain paralyse traffic and power grids, make roofs collapse under snow load and trees break under ice, and make every step risky. If you stay home, are prepared, know the carbon monoxide dangers and do not climb onto roofs, you get through safely.
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).
Do not climb onto snowy or icy roofs. Creaking, cracks or sagging ceilings under heavy snow load: leave the building and call professionals or the fire service.
Shovelling snow is heavy physical work. Take breaks, dress warmly, stop at once and get help if you have chest pain.
In freezing rain branches and lines break under the weight of ice. Avoid paths under trees and overhead lines.
Materials
Wool blanket / duvet
Battery or crank radio
Snow shovel
Sturdy closed shoes – With good tread, possibly ice cleats
Carbon monoxide alarm(optional)
Steps
1
Beforehand: winter preparedness
Supplies for a few days, blankets, torches, radio, grit, snow shovel. Car with winter equipment. Protect water pipes in unheated rooms from frost.
2
When warned: stay home
Postpone journeys, charge devices, check medication. Ask older neighbours whether they need anything.
3
Keep warm
If the heating fails, keep one room warm, close doors, wear layers. See the entry on heating failure.
4
Clear paths sensibly
Keep paths and vent openings clear, shovel small amounts, take breaks. Not onto the roof.
5
Walk safely
Small steps, hands free, sturdy shoes with tread. Watch out for roof avalanches and icicles under eaves.
6
If driving is necessary
Only with winter equipment, a full tank and an emergency kit. If stranded, stay in the vehicle and keep the exhaust clear.
Common mistakes
×Heating the home with a grill or gas heater
×Climbing onto the roof to clear snow
×Shovelling large amounts of snow without breaks
×Setting off despite a warning
×Letting the heating's vent openings get snowed in
Limits and risks
–No figures on roof load capacity
–No avalanche knowledge – see the mountain entries
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Winter Weather
[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance
Tornado: shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor
When a tornado warning is issued, minutes count. Protection is offered by a safe room, basement or windowless interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building – away from windows, doors and outside walls, with head and neck covered. Caravans, mobile homes and cars do not offer adequate protection.
Caravans, mobile homes and light structures offer no protection. When warned, move in good time to a sturdy building or designated shelter.
Do not shelter under motorway bridges or overpasses – wind is funnelled there and debris flies through.
Do not open windows to 'equalise pressure' – it wastes time and does not protect.
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Sturdy closed shoes – For afterwards: glass and debris
Headlamp / flashlight
Wool blanket / duvet(optional) – As cover against flying debris
Steps
1
Choose 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 everyone in the household.
2
Know warnings and signs
Know the difference between a watch (tornado possible) and a warning (tornado sighted or on radar). Signs: a very dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a low rotating cloud, a loud roar like a freight train.
3
Go to shelter immediately
When warned, do not go to look or film. Put shoes on and go to the safe room or interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, doors and outside walls.
4
Protect head and neck
Kneel or crouch, cover head and neck with your arms; additionally with blankets, a mattress or under a sturdy table.
5
In a car or outdoors
If possible, drive to the nearest sturdy building. If that is not possible, Ready.gov advises either staying in the car with the seat belt on, head down below the windows and covered – or, if reachable, lying in an area noticeably lower than the road and covering your head.
6
Afterwards
Stay in shelter until the warning has ended. Then watch for glass, nails, gas smell and hanging lines; do not enter damaged buildings.
Common mistakes
×Going to look or film first
×Sheltering under a bridge
×Staying in a caravan
×Opening windows
×No shelter spot chosen beforehand
Limits and risks
–No guidance on building shelters
–Local shelter plans take precedence
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Tornadoes
[2]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
Hailstorms: protecting yourself, your vehicle and your home
Hail usually falls from strong thunderstorms and can damage people, cars, roofs and windows. A solid building away from windows and skylights offers protection. If caught in a car, stop safely and stay inside. Because hail usually comes with lightning, thunderstorm rules apply too.
Hail usually comes with a thunderstorm. Outdoors, do not shelter under isolated trees; get into a solid building or a closed car.
Do not stop on the carriageway or hard shoulder under bridges – risk of congestion and rear-end collisions. Pull off the road safely and switch on hazard lights.
After hail, do not climb onto damaged or slippery roofs; inspect damage from the ground.
Materials
Battery or crank radio(optional)
Wool blanket / duvet(optional) – In the car against glass fragments
Mobile phone
Steps
1
Take the warning seriously
Follow severe-weather warnings mentioning hail via radio or warning app and postpone time outdoors.
2
Secure beforehand
Put the car in a garage or car park, bring in garden furniture and potted plants, retract awnings, close shutters.
3
Indoors away from glass
Stay in a solid building, keep away from windows, glass doors and skylights.
4
In the car
Slow down, stop safely off the carriageway and stay in the car. Turn your face away from the windows, cover with a jacket or blanket, protect children.
5
Outdoors without shelter
Get into a building as quickly as possible. Until then protect your head with a backpack or your arms; avoid isolated trees and masts.
6
Afterwards
Watch for slippery roads, blocked drains and possible flooding. Photograph damage and report it to your insurer.
Common mistakes
×Running to the car to move it while hail is already falling
×Stopping on the carriageway under a bridge
×Standing at the window filming
×Climbing onto the roof after the hail
Limits and risks
–No hail forecasting
–No insurance advice
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Thunderstorms & Lightning
[2]
U.S. National Weather Service (NOAA): JetStream – An Online School for Weather
During prolonged drought, utilities and authorities may restrict water use, for example for garden watering, filling pools or washing cars. Knowing the restrictions, saving water indoors, watering the garden wisely and still keeping a drinking-water reserve relieves the network and keeps you able to cope. Which rules apply is decided by the local authority.
Drought raises wildfire risk. Observe fire and barbecue bans – check local rules.
Do not drink grey water (e.g. dishwater) and do not put it on vegetables eaten raw. Whether grey-water use is allowed differs by region.
Drought often coincides with heat – drinking enough remains more important than saving drinking water.
Materials
Food-grade water container
Rain barrel with lid(optional)
Measuring jug(optional)
Steps
1
Know the restrictions
Read notices from the utility and municipality: what is prohibited, from when, at what times? Also observe bans on taking water from streams and lakes.
2
Save indoors
Take short showers, run washing machine and dishwasher only when full, repair dripping taps and running cisterns, turn off the tap while brushing teeth.
3
Reuse water
Catch cold warm-up water in a jug and use it for plants or cleaning. Collect rainwater in a barrel when it rains.
4
Water 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. Prioritise vegetables and young trees.
5
Keep a reserve
Despite saving, keep the drinking-water reserve for emergencies and renew it regularly.
Common mistakes
×Sprinkling the lawn in the midday heat
×Ignoring restrictions because 'water is still coming out'
×Saving drinking water by not drinking enough
×Putting grey water on salad crops
Limits and risks
–No details on specific local bans
–No water treatment
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Drought
[2]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds of kilometres and contains fine particles that strain the airways and circulation. At home it helps to follow official air-quality information, close windows and doors, set up a 'clean air room' with a HEPA air cleaner, avoid creating extra pollutants and avoid exertion outdoors. Sensitive people need particular protection.
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.
Closed windows in hot weather can lead to dangerous overheating. If it gets too hot indoors, go to a cooled public place with filtered air.
Cloth and simple surgical masks barely stop fine smoke particles. Particle-filtering respirators (FFP2/N95) protect only with a tight fit and are not intended for small children.
Materials
Portable air cleaner with HEPA filter
Particle-filtering respirator (FFP2/N95) – Only effective with a tight fit
Medication supply(optional)
Steps
1
Monitor air quality
Follow official air-quality readings and health advice from the authorities and plan activities accordingly.
2
Close the building
Close windows and doors. Set ventilation systems to recirculate or reduce outside air where possible; use filters as the manufacturer specifies.
3
Set up a clean air room
Choose a room where everyone fits, ideally with few windows. Run a suitably sized HEPA air cleaner continuously.
4
No extra pollutants
No candles, no smoking, no fireplace, avoid frying where possible, do not vacuum without a HEPA filter.
5
Avoid 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
Check on others
Check in on older people, those with chronic illness and people living alone; keep medication in stock.
Common mistakes
×Relying on cloth masks
×Using ozone-producing air cleaners
×Lighting candles against the smoke smell
×Keeping everything sealed in heat until it becomes dangerously warm
×Jogging outside because the sky is 'only slightly hazy'
Limits and risks
–No medical advice
–No build instructions for air filters
Sources
[1]
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with partner agencies: Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Wildfires
When the authorities call for evacuation, acting immediately is right – delay puts people and rescuers at risk. Take your go bag, documents, medication and pets, use the designated routes, inform your contact person and return only when the authorities allow it. Good preparation turns minutes into enough time.
Follow official evacuation orders immediately. Those who stay may later be impossible to rescue and put rescuers at risk.
Use only designated or cleared routes. No shortcuts through closed areas, flooded roads or smoke.
Not every hazard requires evacuation. With hazardous substances the instruction may be: stay inside, close windows and doors, switch off ventilation. The authorities' instruction is what counts.
Anyone who cannot walk or drive themselves should clarify in advance with the municipality, care service or neighbours how support will be organised, and request help early in a real event.
Materials
Backpack – Pre-packed go bag
Document folder (waterproof)
Medication supply
Battery or crank radio
Pet emergency supplies(optional)
Steps
1
Prepare beforehand
Pack a go bag, make a family plan, know the evacuation routes and possible places to stay (relatives, friends, official emergency shelters). For households with a car: do not let the tank run low when a hazard is forecast.
2
Follow information
When hazards are forecast, follow radio, warning apps and announcements. Listen for loudspeaker announcements and sirens.
3
Leave immediately when told
Take the go bag, documents, medication, pets and the last-moment list. Do not wait for stragglers or better conditions.
4
Secure your home
If there is time and the authorities recommend it: close windows and doors, switch off appliances, shut off utilities only when instructed by the authorities. Leave a note saying where you are going if that is recommended.
5
Use the designated route
Follow the designated routes and instructions from emergency services. No shortcuts; do not drive through water or smoke.
Never drive through flooded roads.
6
Let people know
Tell your contact person where you are. Register at the emergency shelter's registration point if one exists, so relatives can find you.
7
Return only when cleared
Return only when the authorities have cleared the area. Watch for damage, power lines, gas smells and drinking-water notices.
Common mistakes
×Ignoring or waiting out an evacuation order
×Only starting to pack after the order
×Leaving pets behind
×Shortcuts through closed areas
×Returning too early
×Telling no one where you are
Limits and risks
–No statements on regional legal bases for evacuations
–No guidance on hazardous-substance releases beyond "follow instructions"
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Evacuation
[2]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
Chemical or industrial accident: sheltering in place
When authorities warn of hazardous substances after a fire, chemical or transport accident, a building is usually the best protection: go inside, close windows and doors, switch off ventilation and air-conditioning, move to an interior room and follow the radio or warning app. Children stay at school or childcare.
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.
Do not go to the scene to look or help. Keep your distance and, if you are outside, move across the wind direction and away from the smoke or gas cloud.
Particle masks such as FFP2 do not protect against gases and vapours. Protection comes from the closed building.
If you have come into contact with a substance: carefully remove contaminated clothing, put it in a bag, wash skin with plenty of water and soap and follow the instructions of the authorities or emergency services.
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Duct tape(optional) – Only if authorities recommend sealing
Plastic sheet / large bin bag(optional)
Steps
1
Go inside at once
Get into the nearest solid building. Take in passers-by if possible. Do not stay in the car if a building can be reached.
2
Close windows and doors
Close all windows and outside doors, lower shutters. Close fireplace and stove dampers where present.
3
Switch off ventilation
Switch off ventilation systems, air-conditioning, extractor hoods and fans.
4
Choose 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 the announcements.
5
Follow information
Follow the radio, warning app or loudspeaker announcements. Keep phone lines free for emergency calls.
6
Do not pick up children
Schools and childcare protect the children inside the building. Setting off puts yourself at risk.
7
Ventilate after the all-clear
Open windows and ventilate thoroughly only after the official all-clear. Follow any advice on garden vegetables or cleaning surfaces.
Common mistakes
×Driving to the scene to look
×Leaving the ventilation or air-conditioning running
×Fetching children from school
×Opening windows before the all-clear
×Assuming a dust mask protects against gas
Limits and risks
–No medical treatment of poisoning
–No information on individual substances
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Chemical Emergencies
[2]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
https://www.bbk.bund.de
[3]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
In a pandemic everyday life, work, school and supplies change, often for months. For the household what counts is good hygiene, a small stock for periods of isolation, a plan for caring for sick relatives and for childcare – and above all the advice of the responsible public health authorities.
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.
Do not hoard or take medication on stock without medical advice. Reorder regular medication in good time.
In pandemics misinformation spreads quickly. Health authorities and official bodies are the authoritative source.
Materials
Hygiene supplies – Soap, hand sanitiser, tissues
Medication supply – Regularly needed medication
First-aid kit (household) – Including a thermometer
Non-perishable food
Steps
1
Make 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 touched surfaces.
2
Stock 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
Plan care at home
Who cares for someone who falls ill? If possible, one room for the sick person, separate towels, good ventilation. Follow health authorities' advice on home care.
4
Arrange childcare and work
What happens if schools or childcare close? Who looks after the children? Can someone work from home? Plan backup people outside the risk groups.
5
Stay in contact
Phone and video contact with relatives and neighbours, especially with people who live alone. Offer shopping help.
6
Follow official information
Rules can change quickly. Read the health authorities' information regularly but in moderation.
Common mistakes
×Panic buying instead of steady preparedness
×Taking medication without medical advice
×Following rumours from social media
×Going to work or school while sick
×Losing sight of relatives who live alone
Limits and risks
–No medical statements
–No statements on measures against specific pathogens
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Pandemic
[2]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
After the disaster: returning home safely and cleaning up
After floods, storms, fires or earthquakes many accidents only happen when returning and cleaning up: damaged buildings, gas and electricity, carbon monoxide from generators, mud and mould. Return only when cleared, check the building from outside, photograph damage before cleaning up, work with protective equipment and dry out quickly.
Visible cracks in load-bearing walls, sagging ceilings, shifted foundations: do not enter the building, call in professionals or the authorities.
If you smell gas, do not go in, do not operate switches, no flames. Move away and call the gas emergency service or the local emergency number (112 in the EU) from outside.
Never run generators, combustion-engine dryers, petrol pressure washers or grills inside buildings, basements or garages – carbon monoxide.
Switch the power back on after water ingress only after a qualified electrician has checked it. Do not enter flooded rooms with possibly live wiring.
Materials
Sturdy closed shoes
Sturdy work gloves
Particle-filtering respirator (FFP2/N95) – When removing mould and dust
Close-fitting safety goggles
Headlamp / flashlight – No naked flame where gas may be leaking
Mobile phone – For damage photos
Steps
1
Return only when cleared
Wait for official clearance, return in daylight, not alone. Sturdy shoes, long clothing, gloves.
2
Check from outside
Walk around the house: cracks, tilting, damaged lines, gas smell, water in the building. When in doubt, stay outside.
3
Document damage
Photograph and film everything before cleaning up: rooms, water marks on walls, damaged items, serial numbers. Inform the insurer early and follow its rules on disposal.
4
Reconnect utilities safely
Have electricity, gas and heating checked by professionals after damage. Use tap water only when the utility gives the all-clear.
5
Dry out quickly
Clear out wet items, ventilate, dry. Soaked porous materials such as carpets, upholstery, mattresses and insulation that cannot be dried quickly are usually discarded.
6
Remove mould with protection
With mould, wear a mask, goggles and gloves. Clean small areas on hard surfaces and dry them; leave large-scale growth to professionals. People with respiratory conditions stay away.
7
Look after yourself
Breaks, drinking, have tetanus protection checked by a doctor if injured. Strain after a disaster is normal – accept help.
Common mistakes
×Returning before clearance
×Cleaning up before damage is photographed
×Running a generator or combustion dryer in the basement
×Switching the power back on yourself after flooding
×Leaving wet materials for weeks
×Scraping mould without a mask
Limits and risks
–No structural assessment of buildings
–No insurance or legal advice
–No guidance on large-scale mould remediation
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Recovering from Disaster
[2]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
[3]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance
[4]
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
Radiological emergency: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned
In an accident involving radioactive material, a solid building offers the best protection: get inside immediately, close windows and doors, switch off ventilation, go to the middle of the building or the basement and follow official information. Take iodine tablets only when the authorities tell you to – they protect only the thyroid and only against radioactive iodine.
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.
Do not set off on your own when the authorities say to stay – in a car you are less protected than in a building. Follow evacuation instructions, by contrast, immediately.
Follow only official sources (radio, warning app, authorities). Rumours on social media can lead to dangerous behaviour.
For health complaints follow official guidance on where to go; in an emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Battery or crank radio(optional)
Non-perishable food
Food-grade water container – Drinking-water reserve in closed containers
Heavy-duty bin bag (large) – For worn outer clothing
Steps
1
Get inside
Go into the nearest solid building at once; do not drive home first if it is far. Bring pets in if that causes no delay.
2
Remove 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
Seal the building
Close windows and doors, switch off ventilation and air-conditioning systems and cooker hoods.
4
Go 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
Stay tuned
Follow radio, warning app and official channels. Use food and water from closed packages; wait for guidance on food from the garden.
6
Follow instructions
Stay inside until the authorities say otherwise. If evacuating, follow the designated route and instructions on assembly points.
Common mistakes
×Taking iodine tablets as a precaution
×Picking children up from school although the authorities say to stay put
×Opening windows to air the room
×Following rumours on social media
×Leaving worn clothing in the living area
Limits and risks
–No dosage information
–No radiation measurement techniques
–No medical advice
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Radiation Emergencies
[2]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
Understanding warning signals and sirens and responding correctly
Sirens, warning apps, cell broadcast, radio and loudspeaker announcements complement each other. A siren usually only says: 'Attention – get informed.' Knowing the local signals means knowing what to do: go inside, close windows, switch on the radio or warning app and follow instructions. Signals and channels differ between countries – check locally.
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.
People who cannot hear sirens or cannot use apps need a second channel – neighbours, relatives or special warning services.
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Mobile phone
Battery or crank radio(optional)
Steps
1
Learn the local signals
Look up with your municipality or civil protection which siren signals exist and what they mean. In Germany, for example, the BBK describes a one-minute rising and falling tone as a warning and a one-minute continuous tone as the all-clear – other countries use other signals.
2
Set up channels
Keep cell broadcast enabled on the phone, install the official warning app, keep a battery radio with spare batteries, note the regional broadcaster's frequency.
3
React to a warning
Go into a building, close windows and doors, switch on the radio or warning app and follow instructions. Bring children and pets inside.
4
Pass it on
Inform neighbours, older people and those without a smartphone – no rumours, only official content.
5
Use test days
Use test alerts to check whether siren, app and phone actually reach you and to discuss what to do in the household.
Common mistakes
×Ignoring the siren because you 'can't see anything'
×Calling the emergency number to ask about the reason
×Relying only on the smartphone
×Forwarding unverified messages
Limits and risks
–No complete list of national signals
–Signals can change – check locally
Sources
[1]
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen
https://www.bbk.bund.de
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Emergency Alerts
[3]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Wireless Emergency Alerts (Integrated Public Alert & Warning System, IPAWS)
Documenting damage for insurance – before and after
A good claim starts before the event: with an inventory, photos of every room and receipts and policies stored safely. After damage, safety comes first; then inform your insurer early, photograph everything before cleaning up, prevent further damage within reason and record every expense and every conversation.
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.
After disasters, dubious tradespeople and fraudsters appear. No advance payments to strangers, get quotes in writing, ask your insurer if in doubt.
With flood damage wear gloves and sturdy shoes; mud can be contaminated.
Materials
Mobile phone – Dated photos and videos
Document folder (waterproof)
Encrypted storage device(optional)
Field notebook and pencil(optional)
Steps
1
Before: create an inventory
Record every room on video or in photos with cupboards open, photograph rating plates and serial numbers of valuable devices, collect receipts.
2
Store safely
Keep inventory, policies and receipts in two places: a copy outside the home or encrypted digitally. Update yearly.
3
Know your cover
Check which perils are covered. Natural hazards such as flooding are often covered separately depending on country and policy – ask your insurer.
4
After: report early
Report the damage as soon as possible, note the claim number and contact person and ask about next steps.
5
Photograph before cleaning up
Overview and detail photos, water marks on walls, damaged items with rating plates. Make a list of damaged items; dispose of them only when agreed with the insurer or if they are a health hazard.
6
Prevent further damage
As far as safely possible: cover the roof with a tarp, have water pumped out, ventilate and dry. Keep receipts for emergency measures.
7
Record everything
Note date, contact person and content of every conversation, keep copies of all letters.
Common mistakes
×Cleaning up first, photographing later
×No 'before' inventory
×Keeping receipts only in the affected house
×Advance payment to unknown tradespeople
×Not documenting conversations
Limits and risks
–No legal or insurance advice
–Check contractual duties and deadlines in your own policy
Sources
[1]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Financial Preparedness
[2]
Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Recovering from Disaster