Escape/Evacuation/Departure

If you evacuate from a dangerous area (because of building safety, danger from avalanches, or other natural disasters, or a larger area based on the decision of the government), take the following actions:

  • Safeguard your home and take preventive measures if you have to evacuate your home 
    • Bring medicine and medical supplies along if you have to leave. 
    • Bring necessary clothes for the family and toys for children. 
    • Put valuables in a safe place or bring them along. 
    • Take measures to secure food, that can be damaged while you are away especially if power outage is imminent or likely. 
    • Close windows and doors. 
    • Consider to turn off water and electricity.  If you decide to leave electricity on, keep lights on in the front hall and by the front door. Remember to dress according to weather conditions. 
    • Leave in accordance with given instructions and follow the line of traffic. Drive with utmost care.   
    • Follow all instructions as possible. 
    • If you have available space in your vehicle, consider offering rides to other evacuees and check if your neighbors need a ride. Look especially out for the disabled and elderly  
    • Register at the next mass casualty center that are usually located in schools. 
    • If you do not have your own transportation, you should contact the nearest mass casualty center, where transportation can be arranged.  

Those who cannot get out on their own should do the following:

  • Notify the nearest emergency shelter operated by the Red Cross, or call the Emergency Alert center 112 or seek information on the Civil Protection website . 
  • If telephones and SMS text messages are not working hang a visible cloth or a white flag out of a window facing the main road.

Information on emergency shelters during disaster

A map for emergency shelters