Hazards & scenarios

A blackout cripples heating, communications, payment systems and the water supply – often over a wide area and for hours to days.

Hurricane-force gusts, hail and falling trees threaten buildings, power lines and traffic. Heed the warning levels from MeteoSwiss.

In a nuclear power plant accident, every minute counts. Within the 50 km zone, iodine tablets are distributed as a precaution – only take them on the authorities' instruction.

Heavy rain and snowmelt make rivers and lakes burst their banks. Cellars and underground car parks often fill within minutes.

Switzerland lies in a moderately active zone. A strong quake is rare but possible – damage arises mainly from debris.

Avalanches, debris flows and landslides threaten alpine regions and transport routes. Local situation reports and closures are binding.

Heatwaves strain the circulatory system and infrastructure; drought aggravates water shortages and the risk of forest fires.

An infectious disease can restrict supply, work and everyday life for months. Supplies and hygiene reduce the risk.

Cyberattacks or technical disruptions can knock out the internet, mobile networks and payment systems over a wide area.

A shortage of electricity or gas can lead to planned shutdowns – usually announced, in stages and limited in time.

Escaping natural gas or LPG is highly explosive. A single spark – light switch, doorbell, phone – can be enough.

Drought, heat and wind can set forests ablaze quickly – above all in Valais, Ticino, Graubünden and foehn valleys. Take fire bans and danger levels seriously.

In a major accident, toxic gases, fires or corrosive substances can be released from industrial plants or during transport. In a chemical alarm: go indoors, close the windows, listen to the radio.

Pathogens or pollutants in tap water can make entire supply zones sick. When a boil-water notice is issued: boil the water or switch to safe water.

If a dam breaks or overtops, a flood wave races down the valley. In the endangered area the water alarm sounds – then head for higher ground immediately.

Attacks on critical infrastructure can paralyse public services, hospitals, payments and communications. Offline backups, two-factor authentication and some cash make you resilient.

Attacks or acts of violence in public are rare but have serious consequences. In an emergency the simple principle applies: Run – Hide – Tell.

A strong concentration in a few AI stocks can also hit broad "world" investments – a cluster risk for pillar 3a, pension funds and ETFs.

A powerful geomagnetic storm can disrupt power grids, GPS, and radio communications. In extreme cases, a widespread blackout threatens — preparations similar to those for a power outage help.

During power outages or cyberattacks, cards, TWINT, and ATMs fail – cash is then the only reliable payment method and serves as the proven fallback.

Deliberately spread false information aims to divide and undermine trust in institutions and media. The best protection is a habit: check the source, date, and intent before believing or sharing something.

Fake police officers, prosecutors, or bank employees invent an emergency over the phone and demand – increasingly with AI voice clones – cash, jewelry, or bank cards. Best protection: hang up immediately and call back via a known number.