A blackout cripples heating, communications, payment systems and the water supply – often over a wide area and for hours to days.
Immediate measures
- Keep a power bank and a crank radio ready
- Store cash in small denominations
- Charge important devices in advance
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.
Immediate measures
- Stay indoors, ventilation off
- Follow Alertswiss and the radio
- Iodine tablets only on instruction
Cyberattacks or technical disruptions can knock out the internet, mobile networks and payment systems over a wide area.
Immediate measures
- Important contacts on paper
- Keep a cash reserve
- FM radio as a fallback
A shortage of electricity or gas can lead to planned shutdowns – usually announced, in stages and limited in time.
Immediate measures
- Reduce consumption and shift loads
- Consider an alternative heat source
- Follow the shutdown plans (OSTRAL)
Escaping natural gas or LPG is highly explosive. A single spark – light switch, doorbell, phone – can be enough.
Immediate measures
- Do not operate switches, devices or doorbells
- Open windows and doors, leave the building
- Alert the fire brigade on 118 from outside
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.
Immediate measures
- Immediately into the nearest building, close windows and doors
- Switch off ventilation and air conditioning
- Turn on the radio (SRG), wait for instructions
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.
Immediate measures
- The water alarm (12 low tones) means: act immediately
- Leave the endangered area without delay
- Get to higher ground as quickly as possible
During power outages or cyberattacks, cards, TWINT, and ATMs fail – cash is then the only reliable payment method and serves as the proven fallback.
Immediate measures
- Keep a cash reserve in small denominations on hand
- Pay in cash rather than card/app if payment systems fail
- Seek official information via FM/DAB+ radio