Flood

During floods, areas that are otherwise dry are flooded. Floods can occur when streams and rivers carry large amounts of water, after severe precipitation (rain or snow), when large amounts of snow thaw suddenly or when more groundwater surfaces than normally. Lake flooding usually doesn’t last as long and has less destructive potential than streams or rivers bursting their banks. This can occur with high velocity and can cause enormous damage in a very short amount of time.

Again and again, people are injured by flood waters. Streams and rivers may sweep away both people and vehicles and fatalities have to be expected. Floods cause damage to homes, buildings and infrastructure. Cellars and ground floors are often no longer inhabitable after such an incident. Gas, water supply and telephone lines may be limited and power cuts may be the result. Streets may become impassable and you must reckon with disruptions in road and rail traffic. If the danger is severe, you may be evacuated from the affected area and unable to return to your home for several days. If the damaged area is extensive and badly accessible for rescue units and relief organisations, you may be on your own or will need to depend on your neighbours for the first hours or even days.

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1. Act calmly, rationally and as independently as possible. Do not take unnecessary risks, immediately leave areas that are threatened.
2. If floods are imminent do not enter cellars or underground garages. Do not drive a car/bicycle over flooded roads.
3. Avoid areas that are threatening to flood, such as river banks. You might become the victim of a tidal wave and banks that have been washed away might collapse.

1. Inform yourself via radio and television and follow the instructions given by the authorities and emergency organisations..
2. Call the emergency services only in an emergency.
3. Use the telephone and other important means of communication only for important and urgent requirements (danger of network overload).
4. Use cars and other means of transport only for important and urgent requirements (danger of traffic overload).
5. Act particularly careful in traffic (danger due to breakdown of traffic lights, barriers etc.).
6. Inform and support neighbours and people needing assistance in your vicinity.

• Natural Hazards Portal (flood)
• Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)
• National Platform for Natural Hazards (PLANAT)
• Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)