In the mountains: recognising weather changes and turning back in time
In the mountains the weather can change within a short time: thunderstorms, fog, wind and a sudden drop in temperature turn an easy outing into a serious situation. The most important skill is not stamina but setting a turnaround time and keeping to it – even just below the summit.
In a thunderstorm, ridges, summits, isolated trees and fixed cables are especially dangerous. At the first signs (towering clouds, thunder) leave exposed places and descend.
Wet, wind and cold can lead to hypothermia even in summer. At warning signs (intense shivering, confusion, stumbling) seek shelter immediately and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Fog can make paths and waymarks invisible. When unsure of your position, do not carry on – stop, determine your position and call for help if needed.
Materials
Rain and wind shell
Dry spare clothing – Warm layer, hat, gloves – even in summer
Topographic map
Headlamp / flashlight
Mobile phone – Charged, with power bank
Steps
1
Check the mountain forecast
Read a mountain forecast the evening before and in the morning: thunderstorm risk, wind, freezing level, visibility. An uncertain forecast means a shorter tour.
2
Set a turnaround time
Before setting off, agree a fixed time at which you will turn back, however close the goal is. Start early when thunderstorms are likely.
3
Observe on the way
Watch the sky regularly: rapidly growing cumulus clouds, freshening wind, a drop in temperature and approaching fog are warning signs.
4
Decide rather than hope
At warning signs, exhaustion in the group or delays, turn back or take the planned escape route. The weakest group member sets the pace.
5
Descend safely
Do not rush the descent; most falls happen when tired. Put on weather protection before you get wet or cold.
6
Call for help
In case of injury, loss of orientation or hypothermia, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or use the alpine distress signal if there is no network.
Common mistakes
×Setting no turnaround time
דJust to the summit” despite thunderclouds
×Setting off in summer without a warm layer
×Starting too late in the day
×Splitting up the group on the descent
Limits and risks
–No training for alpine tours, climbing or glaciers
–No treatment of altitude sickness or hypothermia
Sources
[1]
The Mountaineers Books (2017): Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th edition
[2]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Lightning Safety
[3]
ICAR – International Commission for Alpine Rescue: International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) – recommendations and information (organisation website)
[4]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
In winter everything becomes slower and scarcer: days are short, cold costs energy and battery charge, tracks drift over, and in steep terrain there may be avalanche danger. Choosing shorter goals, starting early, staying dry and taking the avalanche bulletin seriously reduces the typical winter risks.
Avalanches can release on moderately steep slopes and steeper, even in sunshine, and can be triggered by your own group. Without avalanche training, emergency equipment and knowledge of the current avalanche bulletin, do not enter avalanche terrain – stay on cleared and secured routes.
Intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech and drowsiness are warning signs of hypothermia; white, numb skin can indicate frostbite. Seek shelter, wrap up warm and dry and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Only walk on frozen water when the ice has been officially cleared for use. Ice thickness and quality cannot be judged reliably from the outside.
Materials
Dry spare clothing – Spare gloves, hat, dry socks
Double-wall insulated bottle – Warm drink; otherwise water freezes
Headlamp / flashlight – Short days
Sleeping pad(optional) – As a seat for breaks and emergencies
Emergency blanket(optional)
Steps
1
Plan short, start early
Allow generous walking times in snow and plan the trip to end well before dark.
2
Read the avalanche bulletin
In mountain regions read the regional avalanche bulletin. In Europe the warning services use a common five-level danger scale. It does not replace on-site assessment, which requires training.
3
Regulate layers
Start slightly cool, remove layers on climbs to avoid sweating, put on a warm layer immediately when stopping.
4
Eat and drink
Eat regularly and drink warm drinks; cold and walking in snow use a lot of energy. Protect drinks from freezing in insulated bottles.
5
Keep batteries warm
Carry phone, headlamp and spare batteries close to your body; cold noticeably reduces usable capacity.
6
Watch each other
Watch each other for white patches on the face, shivering and changes in behaviour. Turn back early if someone is very cold.
Common mistakes
×Applying summer walking times to winter
×Sweating in cotton clothing
×Ignoring the avalanche bulletin because the sun is shining
×Letting the phone get cold in an outer pocket
×Taking a shortcut across a frozen lake
Limits and risks
–No avalanche training or snowpack assessment
–No treatment of hypothermia or frostbite
Sources
[1]
European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS): European Avalanche Danger Scale
[2]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
[3]
The Mountaineers Books (2017): Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th edition
Anyone in winter terrain away from secured pistes and cleared paths may be in avalanche terrain. Read the avalanche bulletin, avoid terrain you cannot assess, and get training before entering such terrain. Emergency equipment only helps if you can use it – and it does not prevent avalanches.
Only enter terrain where avalanches are possible with training, a current assessment and emergency equipment – or with a certified mountain guide. This entry does not replace training.
When an avalanche buries someone, immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and, if trained, start companion rescue – the first minutes are decisive.
Flat ground below steep slopes can also be reached by avalanches.
Materials
Snow shovel – Part of the emergency kit – only useful with training
Steps
1
Get trained
Take an avalanche course with an alpine club, a mountain school or a comparable organisation and refresh it regularly.
2
Read the bulletin
Before every winter trip read the current regional avalanche bulletin: danger level, avalanche problems, affected elevations and aspects.
3
Avoid unclear terrain
Without training stay on cleared winter trails and secured pistes. Respect closures and warning signs.
4
Practise with emergency kit
Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel belong together and must be practised regularly.
5
Turning back as an option
Warning signs such as fresh avalanches, whumpfing sounds or shooting cracks in the snow are reasons to turn back.
Common mistakes
×Buying equipment instead of getting training
×Taking other people's tracks as proof of safety
×Reading only the danger level of the bulletin
×Resting below steep slopes
Limits and risks
–No route or slope assessment
–No instructions for searching for buried people
Sources
[1]
European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS): European Avalanche Danger Scale
[2]
The Mountaineers Books (2017): Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th edition
[3]
ICAR – International Commission for Alpine Rescue: International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) – recommendations and information (organisation website)
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Glaciers are not snowfields: crevasses can be hidden under snow bridges, icefalls and moraines are unstable, meltwater streams are dangerous. Only go onto a glacier in a trained rope team with crevasse rescue skills or with a certified mountain guide. Never enter ice caves or glacier snouts.
Do not go onto a glacier without training and a rope team or a certified mountain guide. Even harmless-looking snow-covered glacier surfaces can hide crevasses.
Do not enter or pass under glacier snouts, ice caves or overhanging ice walls – risk of collapse and falling ice.
In a crevasse fall or accident, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) immediately.
Materials
Rope – Only as part of a trained rope team
Steps
1
Training or a guide
Complete a glacier course with an alpine club or a mountain school, or hire a certified mountain guide.
2
Ask about conditions
Hut keepers, guides and regional bodies know the current conditions; glaciers change from year to year.
3
Use secured attractions
If you only want to experience a glacier: use guided walks or marked, secured paths and respect barriers.
4
Mind the time of day
Snow bridges are usually stronger in the cold of early morning; meltwater and rockfall increase as the day warms.
Common mistakes
×Treating a glacier like a snowfield
×Carrying a rope without rescue technique
×Taking photos inside a glacier snout
×Blindly following other people's tracks
Limits and risks
–No rope or rescue technique
–No route information
Sources
[1]
The Mountaineers Books (2017): Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th edition
[2]
ICAR – International Commission for Alpine Rescue: International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) – recommendations and information (organisation website)
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
High altitude: recognise altitude illness and descend
As altitude increases, air pressure falls and with it the oxygen available. Anyone who ascends too fast can develop altitude illness – from headaches to life-threatening high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral oedema. The key rules: ascend slowly, do not go higher with symptoms, descend if things get worse and get help.
Breathlessness at rest, confusion, unsteady walking or increasing drowsiness are emergencies: descend or be evacuated immediately and call for help – local emergency number (112 in the EU) or mountain rescue.
Do not ascend further with symptoms of altitude illness. If they do not improve or get worse, descend.
Medication for prevention or treatment only after medical advice. This entry deliberately names no drugs or doses.
Steps
1
Get advice beforehand
Get medical advice before travelling to high altitude, especially with existing conditions.
2
Ascend slowly
The Wilderness Medical Society recommends that above about 3,000 m sleeping elevation should not increase by more than about 500 m per day, with a rest day every three to four days.
3
Recognise symptoms
Treat headache together with nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness or poor sleep after an ascent as possible altitude illness – do not dismiss it as a cold.
4
Stop
With symptoms do not go higher, rest and tell your companions.
5
Descend
If symptoms get worse or warning signs appear, descend – accompanied if possible – and get help.
Common mistakes
×Carrying on with symptoms because the plan says so
×Letting an ill person descend alone
×Confusing fitness with altitude tolerance
×Flying directly to high altitude without rest days
Limits and risks
–No drugs or doses
–No diagnosis
Sources
[1]
Wilderness Medical Society – Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness: 2019 Update
[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Polar regions and tundra: overview and expedition preparation
The Arctic, Antarctic and tundra combine extreme cold, strong wind, great remoteness and unusual light. In summer the tundra turns into a wet, mosquito-rich surface over permafrost. Anyone who wants to go there first gains winter experience in nearer regions, takes training and travels with experienced guides or an organised expedition.
In polar regions help can take hours to days, and there is usually no mobile coverage. Satellite-based emergency communication and a filed trip plan are basic requirements.
Frostbite develops very quickly in extreme cold and wind, especially on fingers, toes, nose and cheeks. Check each other's faces; if you suspect it, protect the area and get help.
Polar bears live in some polar regions. Special local rules and protective measures apply there – ask the authorities and operators.
Materials
Sleeping bag – Rated for the expected lowest temperatures
Sleeping pad
Stove
Steps
1
Build experience
Step by step: winter trips with overnight stays, then multi-day trips in cold regions, then a guided polar trip.
2
Get training
Take courses in winter camping, cold protection, navigation in poor visibility and emergency communication.
3
Test gear as a system
Test clothing, sleep system, stove and gloves beforehand in real cold – including operating everything with gloves on.
4
Clarify rules and permits
Many polar areas have permit, insurance or equipment requirements. Ask the authorities and operators.
5
File an emergency plan
Leave the route, schedule, communication means and check-in times with a reliable contact person.
Common mistakes
×A polar trip as your first winter experience
×Testing gear only on site
×Forgetting face checks in the group
×Relying on mobile coverage
×Assuming summer tundra is easy walking
Limits and risks
–No expedition planning
–No treatment of cold injuries
–No legal information on permits
Sources
[1]
Wilderness Medical Society – Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite: 2019 Update
[2]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
[3]
Headquarters, Department of the Army (USA) (2002): FM 3-05.70 Survival
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
A few metres beside the marked run, uncontrolled terrain begins: no avalanche control, no patrol checks, rocks, gullies and tree wells. Anyone who wants to ride there needs avalanche training, rescue equipment, the current avalanche bulletin and, at first, a mountain guide. Closed runs and areas are off-limits.
Off-piste there is no avalanche protection. Do not ride without training, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and a partner. Read the avalanche bulletin before every day.
Never ride closed runs or areas – closures have reasons such as avalanche blasting, grooming machines with winch cables or acute avalanche danger.
In deep snow, hollows can form around trees into which you can fall head first and suffocate. Keep away from trees and stay within sight of your partner.
In an accident, alert the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or the ski patrol immediately. Check insurance cover for off-piste rescues beforehand.
Materials
Avalanche transceiver
Snow shovel
Mobile phone
Steps
1
Get trained
Take an avalanche course with an alpine club, mountain school or guides and practise companion rescue every season.
2
Read the bulletin
Understand the danger level, avalanche problems and particularly dangerous aspects and elevations, and adapt the plan accordingly.
3
Check gear
Avalanche transceiver switched on and checked, shovel and probe in the pack, phone charged.
4
Start with a guide
Ride your first off-piste days with a mountain guide and learn terrain assessment.
5
Ride one at a time, regroup in safe spots
On steep slopes ride one at a time, regroup in spots outside possible avalanche paths, keep visual contact.
Common mistakes
×Taking other people's tracks as a sign of safety
×Going just briefly beside the run without equipment
×Riding closed areas
×Everyone entering a slope at once
×Not reading the bulletin
Limits and risks
–No avalanche assessment
–No substitute for a course and guiding
Sources
[1]
European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS): European Avalanche Danger Scale
[2]
ICAR – International Commission for Alpine Rescue: International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) – recommendations and information (organisation website)
[3]
The Mountaineers Books (2017): Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th edition
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
In heat and drought, water, shade and time of day are decisive. Travelling in the cooler hours, carrying enough water rather than hoping for sources, protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding dry riverbeds when thunderstorms threaten avoids the greatest dangers: heat illness, lack of water and flash floods.
Confusion, impaired consciousness, very high body temperature or seizures can indicate heatstroke – a life-threatening emergency. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU), move the person into the shade and cool them.
Dry riverbeds and narrow canyons can fill with water within a short time due to thunderstorms far away. Do not camp there and avoid them when thunderstorms threaten.
Do not rely on uncertain water sources. Always carry enough water for the return trip and turn back before half is used if there is no reliable way to refill.
Materials
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Food-grade water container(optional) – Water reserve in the vehicle
PET bottle (clear, max. 2 litres) – Enough containers for the planned amount of water
Tarp(optional) – For shade
Steps
1
Plan water
Plan water needs generously for heat and exertion, include a reserve and count only known, currently confirmed water points.
2
Use the cool hours
Walk or work early in the morning and late in the afternoon, rest in the shade during the midday heat.
3
Cover the skin
Loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses protect better than bare skin.
4
Drink regularly
Drink regularly, not only when thirsty, and eat salty food when sweating heavily. Drink the water rather than saving it in the pack.
5
Choose a safe camp
Do not camp in dry riverbeds or hollows; choose raised spots away from drainage channels.
6
Stay with the vehicle
In a breakdown in remote terrain, as a rule stay with the vehicle: it provides shade and is easier to find. Leave your route with someone beforehand.
Common mistakes
×Rationing water until dehydrated
×Hiking in the midday heat
×Camping in a dry riverbed
×Trusting a spring from an old map
×Leaving the vehicle to look for help on foot
Limits and risks
–No fixed water quantities
–No treatment of heat illness beyond first aid
Sources
[1]
World Health Organization: Heat and health (fact sheet)
[2]
Headquarters, Department of the Army (USA) (2002): FM 3-05.70 Survival
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Deserts are often surprisingly cold at night: dry, clear air lets the day's heat radiate quickly into the sky. Anyone who packs only for heat will freeze. Walking at night avoids the heat but brings its own risks: trip hazards, navigation, active animals. A warm layer, ground insulation and light belong in every desert pack.
Hypothermia is possible even after hot days, especially if clothing is sweaty. Take a warm, dry layer for the night.
Do not camp in dry riverbeds (wadis): distant thunderstorms can trigger flash floods there.
Many desert animals are active at night. Shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on, do not reach blindly under rocks.
Materials
Headlamp / flashlight
Sleeping pad
Emergency blanket(optional)
Base layer
Steps
1
Pack for both extremes
Plan sun protection for the day and a warm layer, hat and sleeping pad for the night.
2
Go into the night dry
Change or dry sweaty clothing in the evening before it gets cold.
3
Choose a camp
Slightly raised, outside wadis and hollows, sheltered from wind where possible.
4
Night walking only when planned
If walking at night to avoid the heat: known route, headlamp, spare batteries, compass, keep the group together.
Common mistakes
×Taking only light summer clothing
×Sleeping in a dry riverbed
×Putting shoes on in the morning without checking
×Walking at night without light
Limits and risks
–No temperatures for specific deserts
–No animal identification
Sources
[1]
Headquarters, Department of the Army (USA) (2002): FM 3-05.70 Survival
[2]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
Cities are often warmer than their surroundings, especially at night: concrete, asphalt and walls store the day's heat and release it in the evening, while greenery and wind are lacking. Top-floor flats and densely built districts heat up most. Ventilating at night, shading by day, knowing cool places and looking out for neighbours make heatwaves safer.
Confusion, reduced consciousness or a very high body temperature in heat are an emergency: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Older people, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness and people living alone are particularly at risk. Check on them regularly during heat.
Never leave children or animals in a parked car – not even briefly.
Materials
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Fridge and freezer thermometer(optional) – Keep an eye on room temperature
Steps
1
Use warnings
Follow heat warnings from the weather service or health authorities and plan your day accordingly.
2
Shade by day
Keep windows closed during the day and shade them from outside (shutters, awnings); curtains inside help less.
3
Ventilate at night
Cross-ventilate in the coolest hours late in the evening and early in the morning.
4
Know cool places
Use the coolest room in the home; know cool public places such as libraries, churches or designated cooling centres.
5
Look out for each other
Check daily on relatives and neighbours who live alone; remind them to drink.
Common mistakes
×Opening windows by day when it is hotter outside
×Scheduling strenuous work at midday
×Forgetting neighbours who live alone
×Relying on a fan alone when it is very hot
Limits and risks
–No temperature data for specific cities
–No medical treatment
Sources
[1]
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Heat Island Effect
[2]
World Health Organization: Heat and health (fact sheet)
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Dry grass burns faster than almost any other fuel in the landscape. With wind a fire front can move faster than a person can run. In grassland, safety means: know the fire danger, create no ignition sources, keep escape routes in mind and leave early when you see smoke – do not wait.
Grass fires can move faster than a running person when it is windy. Never flee uphill or downwind ahead of a fire. Leave early as soon as smoke is visible nearby and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Hot vehicle parts such as the exhaust and catalytic converter can ignite dry grass. Do not park on or drive over tall, dry grass.
Bans on fires, barbecues and smoking apply in many regions when fire danger is high – check local rules and follow them strictly.
Materials
Topographic map
Mobile phone
Steps
1
Check fire danger
Before the trip check the fire danger level and wind forecast from the weather or forestry authority. On days with very high danger and strong wind, postpone trips into tall grass.
2
No ignition sources
No open fire, no cigarettes, park vehicles only on paved or bare ground. Take glass bottles and rubbish away with you.
3
Note escape routes
On the way always know where the nearest road, water or bare area is and where the wind is coming from.
4
Act early when you see smoke
Do not watch the smoke, leave: across the wind or into the wind, towards areas with little fuel and towards roads. Call emergency services and give your location.
Do not flee into gullies, draws or uphill – fires run especially fast there.
5
Follow instructions
Follow evacuation orders immediately and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Common mistakes
×Watching or photographing a fire from close by
×Thinking a grass fire is harmless because the flames are low
×Parking on a dry meadow
×Fleeing uphill
×Leaving too late
Limits and risks
–No firefighting instructions
–No fire-ban rules for specific countries
Sources
[1]
Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD): Waldbrandgefahrenindex (WBI)
https://www.dwd.de
[2]
USDA Forest Service / Ad Council / National Association of State Foresters: Campfire Safety (Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign)
https://smokeybear.com
[3]
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with partner agencies: Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
In humid heat sweat evaporates poorly, so the body barely cools down yet still loses a lot of water. Add heavy rain, fast-rising rivers, dense vegetation, insects that transmit disease and skin that never dries. Preparation starts with travel-medicine advice and ends with a slow pace on the ground.
Heat illness can occur in humid heat at temperatures that would still be bearable in dry air. Confusion, vomiting or reduced consciousness are an emergency: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
After heavy rain streams and rivers can rise very quickly, even if it is not raining where you are. Do not camp near rivers or in gullies.
Mosquitoes and other insects transmit diseases in many tropical regions. Discuss protective measures and vaccinations with a travel-medicine service.
Materials
Hammock(optional)
Tarp
Dry bag
Dry spare clothing – One dry set for the night only
Steps
1
Sort out travel medicine
Get travel-medicine advice well before the trip: vaccinations, mosquito protection, drinking water.
2
Adjust the pace
Walk more slowly in the first days, plan breaks in the shade and do strenuous sections in the cooler early hours.
3
Drink and treat water
Drink regularly; treat water from streams and rain before drinking.
4
Keep a night set dry
Walk in wet clothes by day, but keep one set of clothing dry in a waterproof bag for camp and sleep only. Dry and check feet in the evening.
5
Camp off the ground
Choose a raised site away from rivers and dead trees; a hammock with mosquito net and tarp keeps you off wet ground and away from crawling creatures.
6
Plan for early darkness
Near the equator the day lasts about twelve hours all year and dusk is short. Set up camp in good time.
Common mistakes
×Walking at your home pace
×Relying on thirst alone
×Letting all clothing get wet
×Camping on a riverbank
×Leaving the path without a guide
Limits and risks
–No vaccination or medication recommendations
–No plant or animal identification
Sources
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
[2]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Heat Illness: 2019 Update
[3]
Headquarters, Department of the Army (USA) (2002): FM 3-05.70 Survival
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Wetlands often look walkable but are not: under moss and grass lie water-filled holes, soft mud and cold water. Do not leave paths and boardwalks, do not go alone and turn back in fog. Many bogs are also protected – walking off the paths may be prohibited.
If you sink in above the knees or cannot get out: do not thrash, lean back to spread your weight over as large an area as possible, move slowly and call for help – local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Wet feet and legs chill strongly even in summer. Take spare socks and a dry layer.
Many bogs and wetlands are nature reserves. Check local rules and stay on marked paths.
Materials
Trekking poles – For probing the ground
Mobile phone – In waterproof packaging
Topographic map
Steps
1
Plan the paths
Choose a route on marked paths and boardwalks; set the return route and time frame and tell someone.
2
Read the ground
Very green, smooth patches, open water between moss cushions and ground that quakes are warning signs. Probe ahead with a pole.
3
Turn back in fog
Fog quickly removes visibility in a bog. Turn back in time or wait on the path where you are.
4
If you sink in
Stop, lean back, use the backpack to spread weight, free the legs slowly one at a time. Companions stay on firm ground and hold out a pole.
5
Get help
If you cannot get free or are getting cold: call for help and describe the location as precisely as possible.
Common mistakes
×Taking a shortcut across a green patch
×Going alone without a phone
×Continuing in fog
×Thrashing when sinking in
×Stepping into the bog yourself as a helper
Limits and risks
–No rescue training
–No information on specific areas
Sources
[1]
Headquarters, Department of the Army (USA) (2002): FM 3-05.70 Survival
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Several days of rain at 5 to 12 degrees are often more dangerous outdoors than dry frost: clothing and sleeping bag gradually get damp, the body cools down, streams rise and slopes become unstable. People who get through a wet week well keep one dry set for the night, dry things consistently and plan alternative routes.
Hypothermia often develops at temperatures above freezing when wet and wind combine. Take shivering, clumsiness and confusion seriously; if it gets worse, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
After days of rain, streams can rise quickly and strongly. Do not cross streams in flood – wait or turn back.
Saturated slopes can slide, rocks come loose, and trees topple more easily in soft ground. Do not camp below steep slopes or old trees.
Feet that stay wet and cold for days can be damaged. Dry your feet in the evening, change socks, and seek help if they go numb or painful.
Materials
Rain and wind shell
Dry bag
Dry spare clothing – For camp and sleep only
Tarp(optional)
Steps
1
Pack waterproof
Sleeping bag, night clothes and electronics in separate waterproof bags. The rucksack itself is never waterproof.
2
Adjust layers
While walking dress on the cool side so sweat does not soak your clothing from inside; at breaks immediately add a warm layer under the rain jacket.
3
Choose a camp site
Slightly raised, not in hollows or near streams, not under deadwood. Put up the tarp first and set up the tent or sleeping area beneath it.
4
Defend the dry set
Change into dry clothes in camp and back into the wet ones in the morning. This keeps the night clothes dry.
5
Eat and drink
Eat and drink warm food regularly – the body needs energy to produce heat.
6
Plan an alternative route
Check stream crossings and slope sections beforehand; if water is rising, change the plan or call off the trip.
Common mistakes
×Wearing all clothing at once and letting it all get wet
×Sweating heavily inside the rain jacket
×Camping in a hollow
×Crossing streams in flood
×Eating too little because cooking in the rain is a hassle
Limits and risks
–No medical treatment
–No water-level or slope-stability figures
Sources
[1]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
[2]
Headquarters, Department of the Army (USA) (2002): FM 3-05.70 Survival
[3]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Turn Around Don't Drown
[4]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
The coast is deceptive: the rising tide can cut off routes, rip currents pull swimmers out to sea, and single large waves reach rocks that looked dry. Checking local tide tables, swimming at lifeguarded beaches and not swimming against a current avoids the most common coastal emergencies.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, do not jump in after them: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or the coastguard, alert lifeguards and, if possible, throw something that floats.
If caught in a rip current: do not swim against it towards the shore, stay calm, float or swim parallel to the shore, and wave and shout for help.
The rising tide can cut off beaches, coves and mudflats quickly. Check the tides beforehand, start back in good time and only go onto mudflats with a local guide.
Keep away from rocks, piers and cliff edges, especially in storms: individual waves can be much larger than the rest.
Materials
Mobile phone – In waterproof packaging
Signal whistle(optional)
Dry spare clothing(optional)
Steps
1
Check the tides
Before coastal and beach walks check the local tide table. Tides shift daily and differ between neighbouring places.
2
Secure the return route
Plan the latest time to start back and know the exits from the beach (stairs, paths). Do not walk below cliffs that the tide reaches.
3
Use lifeguarded beaches
Swim between the marked areas, observe warning flags and signs and supervise children constantly.
4
Recognise rip currents
Signs of rip currents can be calmer channels of water between breaking waves, discoloured water or foam drifting out to sea. Avoid such spots.
5
In the water: float
If you unexpectedly fall in or are carried away: first float on your back to calm your breathing, then swim parallel to the shore or wave for help.
6
Raise the alarm
In an emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or the coastguard and describe the location as precisely as possible.
Common mistakes
×Using the tide table of another place
×Walking round a headland on a rising tide
×Swimming against a rip current
×Watching waves from a pier in a storm
×Jumping in after a person in the water
Limits and risks
–No tide data
–No lifeguard training
Sources
[1]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Rip Current Safety
[2]
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), UK: Respect the Water – Float to Live
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Moving water is one of the most underestimated hazards outdoors. Depth and current are deceptive, even knee-deep fast water can knock you over, and anyone who falls is pushed against obstacles. The safest decision is almost always: do not cross – find a bridge, wait for the water to drop, or turn back. Never cross floodwater or flooded roads.
Never walk or drive through floodwater or across flooded roads. A few centimetres of fast-flowing water can knock a person over, a little more can carry away a car.
Do not cross if the water is above the knees, flows fast, is murky, carries debris, if rapids, waterfalls or jammed trees lie downstream, or if you are alone.
If someone is swept away, do not jump in after them. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU), follow along the bank and hold out something that floats or a pole without entering the water yourself.
Materials
Topographic map
Trekking poles(optional)
Steps
1
Plan crossings in advance
When planning the trip look for bridges and footbridges. Where a crossing without a bridge would be needed, treat the trip as unsuitable if rain or snowmelt is expected.
2
Stop at the bank
Do not wade in on impulse. Watch the water level, colour, noise, debris and the terrain downstream.
3
Check the no-go criteria
Above knee height, fast, murky, debris, obstacles or drops downstream, alone, chilled or unsure – then do not cross.
4
Use the alternatives
Look up or downstream for a bridge, change route, turn back or wait. Streams fed by snow or glacier melt often carry less water early in the morning; after rain the level usually falls again.
5
Only if unavoidable and clearly shallow
If a crossing is unavoidable and the water clearly shallow and slow: undo the backpack's hip belt and sternum strap, keep shoes on, use poles for support and cross at a wide, calm spot.
If in doubt, do not cross. Group techniques and rope belays belong in a course.
Common mistakes
×Judging depth by eye
×Giving in to group pressure because everyone wants to go on
×Crossing with the hip belt fastened
×Crossing scree barefoot
×Tying a rope around your body
Limits and risks
–No rope or whitewater technique
–No rescue instructions for people in the water
Sources
[1]
The Mountaineers Books (2017): Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 9th edition
[2]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Turn Around Don't Drown
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
You cannot reliably tell from the outside whether ice will hold. Only walk on ice when the responsible authority has opened it – otherwise do not. If you fall through, calm comes first: settle your breathing, turn back towards where you came from, slide flat onto the ice and roll away. Helpers do not go onto the ice but call emergency services and help from the shore.
Do not walk on ice unless you are certain it will hold. Inlets, outlets, reeds, jetties and snow-covered ice are particularly treacherous.
If someone falls through: do not run after them. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU), reach or throw a branch, rope, ladder or item of clothing from the shore and encourage the person to hold on.
Anyone who has been in icy water needs medical help even if they feel fine again – hypothermia can show up with a delay.
Materials
Mobile phone
Rope(optional) – For throwing from the shore
Steps
1
Check whether it is open
Follow local notices, signs and approvals from the authorities. Without approval stay off the ice.
2
In the water: calm your breathing
Keep your head above water and do not fight wildly until the gasping eases.
3
Turn back the way you came
Turn towards the side you came from; the ice held there before.
4
Slide out flat
Spread the arms far onto the ice, kick the legs to get horizontal and slide yourself flat onto the ice.
5
Roll away, do not stand up
Lying on the ice, roll or crawl away from the hole and only stand up on safe ground. Then get help and warmth immediately.
Common mistakes
×Judging ice by its colour or the cold of recent days
×Walking close together as a group
×Following a person who fell through onto the ice
×Standing up right after climbing out
×Carrying on without medical check after falling in
Limits and risks
–No ice thicknesses
–No ice rescue training
Sources
[1]
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), UK: Respect the Water – Float to Live
[2]
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Wilderness Medical Society) (2019): Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Cliff edges break away without warning, at the foot of sea cliffs rockfall and the tide threaten. On islands everything depends on ferries and weather, and help is further away. On open water a lifejacket, radio and distress beacon decide. Keep your distance, take the weather seriously, stay reachable.
Keep well back from cliff edges, especially in wind, wet weather and after rain; edges can be undercut. Keep children by the hand and dogs on a lead.
In an emergency at sea or on the coast call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or the coastguard; at sea VHF marine radio is the usual distress channel.
Wear a lifejacket on small boats. Cold water is dangerous even for good swimmers.
Materials
Mobile phone – In waterproof packaging
Marine VHF radio(optional)
Personal locator beacon (PLB)(optional)
Steps
1
Keep back from the edge
Stay on paths, respect barriers, do not go to the edge for photos.
2
Avoid the cliff base
Do not rest directly below cliffs (rockfall) and check the tides before walking below cliffs on the beach.
3
Plan island stays
Allow a buffer for cancelled ferries, take supplies and medication for a few extra days and follow the forecast.
4
On the water
Wear a lifejacket, tell someone your route and return time and carry means of communication in waterproof packaging.
Common mistakes
×Stepping to the cliff edge for a photo
×Picnicking below the cliffs
×Planning on the last ferry without a buffer
×Not wearing a lifejacket on a boat
Limits and risks
–No seamanship
–No tide data
Sources
[1]
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), UK: Respect the Water – Float to Live
[2]
International Maritime Organization (IMO) (1972): Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) – Annex IV: Distress signals
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
In the forest: recognising hazards, keeping your bearings
The forest offers shelter from wind, firewood and often water – but also its own hazards: falling branches and toppling trees in storms, poor visibility for navigation, ticks and, in dry periods, wildfire danger. Choosing camp sites by looking up and avoiding the forest during storms prevents the most common problems.
During and shortly after a storm, avoid the forest or leave it as quickly as possible: branches and trees can fall without warning, even hours after the storm. After storm damage do not enter closed paths.
Never pitch a camp, tent or tarp beneath dead trees or hanging dead branches – look up first.
During dry periods fire bans often apply in and near forests. Check the rules and wildfire danger levels beforehand.
In many regions ticks transmit diseases. Wear long clothing, check yourself after being outdoors, remove ticks promptly and seek medical advice if a rash or fever develops. Ask a doctor about possible vaccinations.
Materials
Topographic map – Paths and forest roads are often hard to tell apart
Baseplate compass
Headlamp / flashlight – It gets dark earlier in the forest
Steps
1
Check weather and warnings
Before the trip check storm, thunderstorm and wildfire warnings. During a storm warning choose a route without forest or postpone.
2
Navigate deliberately
The forest often lacks a long-distance view. Track your position on the map regularly, confirm junctions deliberately and memorise distinctive features.
3
Look up when stopping
For breaks and camps check for dead branches, leaning or broken trees, and trees with exposed root plates. Avoid such spots.
4
Check the ground
Hollows can fill with water in rain and stream banks can flood. Choose slightly raised, level ground.
5
Observe fire rules
Only make a fire where it is permitted and extinguish it completely. In dry periods do without an open fire.
6
Check after the trip
Check your body for ticks, especially the backs of the knees, groin, armpits and, with children, head and hairline.
Common mistakes
×Pitching a tent under a dead spruce
×Going into the forest despite a storm warning
×Relying on forest roads for navigation
×Making a fire during a dry spell
×Forgetting the tick check
Limits and risks
–No plant or mushroom identification
–No legal information on access and fire rules
Sources
[1]
Headquarters, Department of the Army (USA) (2002): FM 3-05.70 Survival
[2]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Lightning Safety
Cities depend heavily on electricity, water pumps, transport and supply chains. When these fail, lifts, water on upper floors, card payments and communication quickly become a problem, and many people are affected at once. Supplies at home, local knowledge, contact with neighbours and official information sources matter more in a city than outdoor skills.
In a crisis the authorities decide whether to stay at home or leave the area. Follow these instructions and get information via radio, warning apps and official channels.
Do not run grills, camping stoves or generators in the flat, stairwell, basement or underground car park – carbon monoxide and fire danger.
In dense crowds keep away from bottlenecks, keep exits in view and do not move against the flow. In a crush, move to the edge early.
Materials
Battery or crank radio
Headlamp / flashlight
Power bank
Cash reserve
Sturdy closed shoes – For long distances on foot
Steps
1
Supplies at home
Build a basic stock of water, food, medication and hygiene items according to your authority's recommendations.
2
Think about high-rises
On upper floors, lifts and often water pressure fail in a power outage. Keep water in stock and clarify how people who cannot use stairs will be supported.
3
Know the way home
Know the way home from work or school on foot too – public transport may stop. Comfortable shoes at the workplace help.
4
Official information
Keep a battery or crank radio ready, install a warning app and do not pass on rumours from social media unchecked.
5
Involve the neighbourhood
Know your neighbours, especially older people or those living alone; agree to check on each other in a crisis.
6
Know the support points
Find out whether the city provides emergency information points, shelters or water distribution points, and where they are.
Common mistakes
×Relying on daily shopping
×No water stock in a high-rise flat
×Spreading rumours
×Leaving by car in panic and getting stuck in traffic
×Not knowing your neighbours
Limits and risks
–No guidance on violent incidents or terrorist situations
–No quantities for supplies
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): Make A Plan
[3]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance
Abandoned mines and tunnels are deadly: oxygen deficiency and toxic gases are invisible, roofs collapse, vertical shafts are hidden. Natural caves can flood when it rains and are a maze. The rule is simple: stay out – visit caves only on guided tours or with a caving club, mines only as show mines.
Do not enter abandoned mines, tunnels or shafts – not briefly, not as a shelter. Never cross barriers.
If someone has had an accident or is missing in a cave or mine: do not go in to search, but call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) – cave and mine rescue are specialist tasks.
Caves and tunnels are often winter roosts for bats, which are strictly protected in Europe. Avoid disturbing them.
Steps
1
Stay outside
Avoid tunnel entrances, shafts and cave openings and keep away from shaft openings – the edges can give way.
2
Talk to children
Explain to children and teenagers why old mines are not adventure playgrounds.
3
Safe alternatives
Visit show caves and show mines, or join a caving club that provides training.
4
Report hazards
Report open shafts or damaged barriers to the local authority.
Common mistakes
×Going just a few metres in
×Sheltering in a tunnel during a thunderstorm
×Entering a cave with a phone torch
×Searching for missing people yourself
Limits and risks
–No caving technique
–No rescue instructions
Sources
[1]
U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA): Stay Out–Stay Alive (public awareness campaign on abandoned mines)
[2]
Council of the European Communities (1992): Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive)
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Open terrain lacks windbreaks, shade and landmarks. Wind chills the body strongly, dries it out, drives dust and grass or bush fires. In a thunderstorm you are often the highest point. Anyone travelling here deliberately plans windbreaks, water, navigation and places to retreat.
In a thunderstorm on open ground: do not be the highest point, avoid lone trees, masts and fences; a closed car or solid building is the best protection.
Grass and bush fires spread very fast in wind. No open fire when the fire danger is high; take distant smoke seriously and plan retreat across the wind direction.
Wind increases chilling, even above freezing. Keep a windproof layer within reach.
Materials
Rain and wind shell
Baseplate compass
Topographic map
Steps
1
Check wind and thunderstorms
Read the forecast for wind, gusts and thunderstorms; do not set off on days with severe weather warnings.
2
Wear wind protection
Windproof jacket, hat and neck gaiter within reach; protect eyes from dust with glasses.
3
Prepare navigation
Plan the route with compass bearings and waypoints and fix your position regularly.
4
Camp in the lee
Use hollows, banks or shrubs as windbreaks, but not gullies where water collects. Pitch the tent narrow end into the wind.
5
Know your retreat
Mark buildings, vehicles or settlements on the map that you can reach in a thunderstorm or fire.
Common mistakes
×Windproof jacket buried in the pack
×Ignoring thunderstorms on the horizon
×Camping in a dry gully
×Relying on landmarks without a compass
Limits and risks
–No regional weather data
–No firefighting
Sources
[1]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Lightning Safety
[2]
NOAA National Weather Service (USA): Wind Chill Chart / Wind Chill Temperature Index
In limestone, dolomite and gypsum areas water slowly dissolves the rock. This creates caves, dolines and disappearing streams – and occasionally sinkholes collapse suddenly. On the trail this means: keep away from the edges of hollows and shaft openings, always treat water from karst springs and only enter caves on guided tours.
The edges of dolines, shafts and fresh collapses can give way. Keep your distance, keep children and dogs close and never cross barriers.
In karst areas water flows quickly and almost unfiltered underground through fissures and conduits. Clear spring water can be contaminated – always treat it.
New depressions, cracks in walls or floors, tilting posts or water suddenly draining away near a house: avoid the area and report it to the local authority. In immediate danger call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
Materials
Topographic map
Steps
1
Recognise karst
Typical signs: funnel-shaped hollows, streams that suddenly disappear, strong springs, bare, furrowed limestone surfaces.
2
Keep your distance
Stay on paths, do not step to the edge of hollows or shaft openings, and take extra care in fog and snow – openings can be hidden.
3
Treat water
Treat water from karst springs and streams before drinking, even if it is clear and cold.
4
Caves only with guides
Caves can flood quickly when it rains. Only show caves or guided tours with a caving club.
5
Report anything unusual
Do not investigate new collapses or depressions, have them cordoned off and report them.
Common mistakes
×Stepping up to a fresh sinkhole to look in
×Drinking clear karst spring water untreated
×Entering a cave when it is raining
×Ignoring cracks in a house
Limits and risks
–No construction or survey advice
–No caving technique
Sources
[1]
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Sinkholes (USGS Water Science School)
[2]
World Health Organization (2022): Guidelines for drinking-water quality, fourth edition incorporating the first and second addenda
Volcanic areas are dangerous even without an eruption: gases collect invisibly in hollows, hot ground and thin crusts over boiling water can collapse, slopes are loose. The most important rule: follow closures, alert levels and instructions from the authorities, stay on marked paths and boardwalks and leave immediately upwind if you smell gas or feel unwell.
Volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide are invisible and odourless and collect in hollows, ditches and caves. Never walk or rest in low spots near gas vents. With shortness of breath, dizziness or headache, move immediately to higher ground, upwind, and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).
If someone collapses in a hollow, do not run in after them – the cause may be gas. Call emergency services and wait for rescuers.
In geothermal areas a thin crust can lie over boiling water or mud. Never leave marked paths and boardwalks.
Hydrogen sulphide smells of rotten eggs, but at higher concentrations the sense of smell can fail. No smell does not mean safety. People with asthma or heart and lung conditions are more sensitive to volcanic gases.
Materials
Particle-filtering respirator (FFP2/N95)(optional) – Protects only against ash and dust, not against gases
Steps
1
Get informed beforehand
Check the alert level, exclusion zones and advice from the responsible volcano observatory or authority; follow warning apps and local media.
2
Stay on paths
Use only marked paths and boardwalks, respect barriers and hold children by the hand.
3
Avoid low spots
Do not rest in hollows, ditches or caves near gas vents, especially when there is no wind. Dogs and children are at greater risk because they are closer to the ground.
4
Leave at the first signs
With a pungent smell, coughing, eye irritation, breathlessness or dizziness, leave immediately uphill and upwind.
5
Avoid valleys in heavy rain
On volcanic slopes heavy rain can mobilise loose ash into mudflows. Avoid valley floors in rain and when an eruption warning is in place.
Common mistakes
×Thinking barriers are excessive
×Leaving the boardwalk for a photo
×Following a collapsed person into a hollow
×Taking the absence of smell as an all-clear
×Thinking a dust mask protects against gas
Limits and risks
–No gas concentrations or limit values
–No eruption forecasting
Sources
[1]
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Volcano Hazards Program: Volcanic gases (Volcano Hazards Program information pages)
[2]
International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN): The Health Hazards of Volcanic Ash – A guide for the public
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
Farmland looks harmless but has its own risks: cattle with calves defend their young, electric fences, machinery at harvest, slurry stores and silos. In addition the land belongs to someone, and access rights differ greatly from country to country. Respect for animals, property and work protects everyone.
Cattle, especially cows with calves and bulls, can attack and seriously injure people – particularly when a dog is present. Avoid fields with calves where possible. If you are chased by cattle while with a dog, let the dog go and take the shortest safe way out calmly.
Slurry pits, slurry stores and silos can contain toxic gases and lack oxygen. Never enter them, do not lean in, keep children away.
Electric fences give painful shocks. Do not touch or climb over them; explain this to children. Use fence gates with insulated handles.
Farm machinery is wide, loud and has limited visibility. Keep your distance during harvest work and seek eye contact with the driver.
Materials
Topographic map – Shows paths and pastures
Steps
1
Clarify access rules
Whether and where you may enter private land differs greatly between countries and regions. Check local rules and stay on marked paths.
2
Leave gates as you find them
Close gates that were closed and leave open ones open – otherwise animals could escape or be cut off from water.
3
Go around cattle
Cross fields with cattle along the edge and calmly, do not get between a cow and her calf, keep a dog on a short lead. If the herd becomes restless, turn back or detour.
4
Avoid hazards
Keep away from slurry stores, silos, machinery, stacks of straw bales and farm buildings.
5
Be considerate
Do not walk on crops, take rubbish home, pick up dog waste and do not obstruct work.
Common mistakes
×Wanting to pet or photograph calves
×Holding on to the dog when cattle charge
×Climbing over electric fences
×Leaving gates open
×Assuming the same access rights apply everywhere
Limits and risks
–No legal advice on access rights
–No livestock-keeping advice
Sources
[1]
Natural England and Natural Resources Wales: The Countryside Code
[2]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number
A train stuck in a tunnel, smoke on the platform, a power cut in the station: underground, safety depends on staying calm and following staff instructions. The track is off-limits – power rails can be live and trains can come. Know the emergency call points and notice escape routes when you board.
Never step down onto the track – not even to retrieve dropped items. Power rails can be live and trains can arrive at any time. Inform staff or use the emergency call point.
If a train stops in a tunnel, stay in the train as a rule until staff instruct you to get off. Getting out into the tunnel on your own is life-threatening.
With smoke or fire: move away from the smoke, follow the exit signs and the staff, do not use lifts. Call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) as soon as possible.
How the emergency brake, emergency intercom and door release work differs between networks. Read the notices in the carriage.
Materials
Headlamp / flashlight(optional) – Or phone light during a power cut
Steps
1
Get your bearings when boarding
Glance at the emergency intercom, fire extinguisher and door release in the carriage; note the exits on the platform.
2
Keep back on the platform
Wait behind the safety line, hold children by the hand, park buggies parallel to the platform edge with the brake on.
3
Train stopped in a tunnel
Stay calm, listen for announcements, use the emergency intercom if someone needs help. Stay in the train.
4
During an evacuation
Follow instructions, leave luggage behind, help each other, walk slowly on steps and uneven ground. Use a torch or phone light.
5
Avoid crushes
Do not push, do not stop on stairs, and move to the side if the crowd becomes denser.
Common mistakes
×Stepping onto the track to retrieve a phone
×Forcing doors open in a tunnel
×Walking towards the smoke to look
×Using the lift in a fire
×Dragging luggage during an evacuation
Limits and risks
–No network-specific rules
–No instructions for evacuating without staff
Sources
[1]
G. Keith Still – CRC Press (2014): Introduction to Crowd Science
[2]
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
[3]
European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number