🚨 Guiding principle: In a natural disaster, every minute counts.
Knowledge of proper behavior saves more lives than any equipment.
1. Storm & Hurricane (Wind Force 10–12)
1.1 Preparation (if time remains)
- Close windows: Close all windows and doors, but don't lock them (pressure equalization!)
- Secure objects: Bring loose garden items (furniture, flower pots) inside – they become projectiles
- Power & gas: Close main valves (for gas: close main valve)
- Water: Fill bathtub, buckets, pots with water (supply failure!)
- Animals: Bring pets to safety (basement, inner rooms)
1.2 During the Storm
- Inner rooms: Stay in the center of the house, away from windows
- Avoid basement: In case of flood risk, leave basement immediately!
- Window breakage: Immediately flee to an inner room, don't touch glass shards
- Attic: Leave – roofs can be torn off
1.3 After the Storm
- Check gas: If gas smell – immediately leave rooms, don't operate electrical switches!
- Power lines: Avoid fallen power lines (life-threatening!)
- Drinking water: Check water supply – often contaminated after storm
- Turn on radio: Wait for announcements from fire department/emergency services
2. Flooding & Inundation
2.1 Early Warning Signs
- Heavy rainfall over hours (soil already saturated)
- Rapidly rising water levels in rivers/streams
- Rumbling sound (approaching water)
- Animals fleeing to higher areas
2.2 Immediate Measures
- Evacuation: Immediately seek higher ground (upper floor, hill, attic)
- Turn off power: Switch off main distributor – electricity + water = deadly!
- Important documents: Bring ID, insurance papers, vaccination card to upper floors
- Car: Don't drive through water! 30 cm of water is enough to wash away a car
- No basement: Leave basement immediately, close doors (water pressure!)
2.3 In Flood (if trapped)
- Roof: If water rises – get on roof, call for help (phone, wave cloth)
- No electricity: Don't touch electrical devices, no power lines
- Drinking water: Use boiled water (tap water is contaminated)
- Food: Only canned food – avoid raw vegetables/fruit
3. Earthquakes
3.1 During Earthquake (Drop, Cover, Hold On)
| Situation | Measure |
|---|---|
| Indoors | Get under sturdy table, protect head, hold on |
| No table | Kneel against wall, arms over head, face to floor |
| Window | Avoid windows! Glass splinters fly through the air |
| Stairs | Avoid stairs (collapse risk) – stay on the floor |
| On street | Stand between cars (not under bridges or buildings) |
3.2 After Earthquake
- Turn off gas: Immediately close all gas valves (leak risk)
- Power off: Remove fuse (short circuit risk)
- No stairs: Avoid stairs (collapse risk) – use emergency exits
- Turn on radio: Wait for important announcements (aftershocks are normal!)
- Help: Become first aider, but watch your own safety
4. Wildfire
4.1 Recognition Signs
- Strong smoke smell, even if fire is far away
- Orange/red sky, visible flames
- Falling ash and charred leaves
- Animals fleeing (wildlife, birds)
4.2 Evacuation during Wildfire
- Wind direction: Flee perpendicular to wind direction (not directly away from wind)
- Roads: Stay on paved roads (no forest paths)
- Water: If possible – direction river, lake, pond (fire can't jump water)
- Vehicle: Car protects from heat, but keep engine running
- Home: If evacuation impossible – close all doors/windows, wet cloths at vents
5. Checklist: Natural Disaster Emergency Backpack
- ☐ Water (3L/person, for 3 days)
- ☐ Food (cans, energy bars, 3 days)
- ☐ First aid kit (including burn ointment)
- ☐ Flashlight + batteries (or crank light)
- ☐ Battery radio (crank radio ideal)
- ☐ Phone + power bank (full charge)
- ☐ Lighter + candles
- ☐ Emergency blanket (silver/gold)
- ☐ Important documents (vaccination card, ID, insurance)
- ☐ Medications (personal meds + painkillers)
- ☐ Hygiene items (wet wipes, soap, disinfectant)
- ☐ Knife, multitool, rope
- ☐ Gloves, dust mask (against dust/smoke)